North Shields RFC won the Northumberland County Senior Plate Bowl last night bearing Ashington 20-15.

A bright sunny evening saw a tight encounter. Ashington scored two unanswered tries converting one to take an early 0-12 lead. Before the break North Shields responded with two tries out wide from Carl Owens and Aaron Horvath, half time 10-12.

The scores stayed the same for 25 minutes of the second half before an exciting climax. North Shields edged in front through the boot of Gavin Duffy (13-12) before Ashington regained the lead with a penalty themselves (13-15). The winning score for North Shields was a second try for Carl Owens which was converted by Jack Rendles. Ashington thought they had a penalty at the death before the decision was overturned and the final whistle sounded. North Shields win the cup with a 20-15 victory.

TEAM: Gavin Duffy, Carl Owens, Jack Rendles, Mark Bowie, Elliott Taylor, Aaron Horvath, Scott Rendles, Chris Spedding, Ben Dalton, Jay Moore, Joe Hardy, Jethro Pearson, Tom Nesfield, Hayden Grant, Jon Kemsley (C).

IMPACT: Dougie Hall, Owen Irving, Callum Walker, Jamie Humble, Chris Allott, Callum Walker.

ALSO PICTURED Lynne Jackson (physio), Kevin Westgarth (coach/chairman of rugby), Ian Richardson (club President).