North Shields welcomed local rivals Whitley Bay Rockcliff to Preston playing fields in a heated fixture. This was not only a league match but Shields had their chance to reclaim the Malcolm Flockton cup which Rockcliff won at their place last year. Shields preparation to the game both in training through the week and the match warm up itself was commendable especially after last weeks devastating loss; this added a little extra fire in the Shields players!

There was a minute’s silence for Malcolm that was held prior to kick off. Shileds opened the game with some excellent attacking rugby and some aggressive tackling, noticeably from youngster Anthony Jorodn. Due to the quick start by the blues this enabled good ball for the backs to express them selves and utilize training ground moves. Within the opening 10 minutes Rockcliff conceded a penalty on the ten meter line which Gav Duffy successfully converted taking Shields 3-0 in to the lead. After this Rockliff then began to take the game to Shields and had some good individual runs themselves which ended up in Shields territory. It was only a matter of time before the Shields defense slipped up as the referee gave a penalty to the Rockcliff side that was narrowly missed. From here Shields began to play as a team great attacking ball by the forwards and some quick hands from the backs helped shields edge closer and closer to the Rockcliff line and then due to infringement Shields earned themselves another penalty which Gav Duffy converted again bringing the score to 6-0. The Shields side was starting to dominate the game and this looked like it could be the blues day, however Rockcliff had different ideas. Within a few minutes Rockcliff were in Shields territory and played some good loose rugby with the strong running forwards taking it on. Sheilds did put up a good fight and smashed every red that came near however flanker Ben Dalton threw a punch and got sent to the pin, this helped Rockcliff overpower Shields in a maul that was drove over the line for a try. (Conversion missed 6-5 Shields). This seemingly being the turning point in the game as the blues heads did not drop and once again started to play some excellent rugby. With some great lineout ball courtesy of Andrew Leitch Shields opted for the catch and drive, from there we they started to play some great offloading rugby, the ball ended up in skipper Mark Hall’s hands who from five yards out powered his way over the try line assisted by Anthony Jordon smashing him over the line. (Gav Duffy once again kicking the conversion 13-5 Shields in the last play of the half).

The second half did not disappoint either as the hard intensive rugby from the first half was carried over into the second half from both teams. Rockcliff started the second half well and after they controlled the majority of play in the opening ten minutes of the half eventually got a penalty that was converted, (13-8 Shields). Rockcliff were the next to fall to adrenaline as one of their players got sent to the bin for a combination of punches on Harry Watson who laughed and was disciplined in not retaliating. Shortly after this Rockcliff narrowly missed a penalty from the half way line! However the reds started to play some good rugby and a very quick Rock player powered his way in for a great individual try. (Conversion missed 13-13). As the game was starting to be controlled by Rockcliff Iain Finlay charged down a kick that lead to a line out. Shields pack turned over the reds lineout and after a huge push from all 8 forwards and even Gav Duffy getting involved found them selves cross Rockcliff’s line from a 30 meter drive, Harry Watson was at the bottom of the pile to claim the try! (Gav Duffy converted, 20-13). In the last fifteen minutes of the game Rockcliff threatened the Shields line on numerous occasions which saw the blues 9 John Good be sent to the bin after being found offside. Rockcliff did utilize this as they smashed their selves over the line for an unconverted try which made the score 20-18 Shields. With five minutes left on the clock Rockcliff were really putting pressure on Shields however some outstanding defensive work stopped them from gaining ground. Second row replacement Barry Elliott did concede a penalty in the last play of the game which strangely the reds decided to go quickly rather than go for posts. From here Andrew Webster Rockcliff’s fly half went for a drop goal, which was narrowly missed and giving Shileds the victory and the cupa!

Man of the match had to be a rampant Harry Watson who has grown as a player in the last few months immensely. Harry showed good discipline and some outstanding runs and crunching tackles. Finally Anthony Jordon also continues to show some huge first up tackles and 100% effort on and off the ball.

Next week Shields take the trip to Seaton Carew where we look to continue this performance. Last week we had 22 training on Tuesday and Thursday this week we are looking for 30 plus so please get down to training and bring your mates it proves when we train together we play better and consequently win!