November saw another three competitive matches for a P&S as we made consecutive long journeys to Richmondshire and Redcar before hosting South Shields with BBC Newcastle in attendance.

Firstly, the trip to North Yorkshire proved fruitless after a late try gave the hosts a narrow 29-28 victory. The game saw Matty Nevin move from his usual 14 shirt to the abrasive role of a number 6, something that he relished as he produced an impressive display, eclipsed only by Man of the Match Alex Fitton who stood out in the second row. Tries for Debil and Masters had become the norm but the front row contingent of Foster and Marsh notched their first of the season.

The following week saw the lads travel to face league favourites and leaders Redcar RUFC. After a competitive opening 15 minutes the hosts took control and quickly established an unassailable lead. However, in what has been described by many as the best half of rugby, P&S fought back to earn themselves a losing bonus point with Rob Reid crashing over near the end.

With the weather turning wet and with the training area more resembling a swap, Club Physion Kelly Norman took over the coaching responsibility putting the squad through a fantastic stretching and muscle preparation clinic. She demonstrated the correct way to warm up and had the boys grimacing with pain with multiple foam rollers. It was fantastic to do something different and was certainly enjoyed by all who attended.

The final November fixture saw South Shields make the trip to a soggy Stocksfield in a game which was covered by Ian Smith of BBC Newcastle. Missing key players such as Henderson and Masters didn’t cause any issues for the Ceres Energy sponsored side as they executed a near perfect game to win comfortably. Man of the Match Nicholls stood out at Scrum Half in terrible conditions whilst Dan Whiley continued to snow his promise in the centres. You can find the pictures and match interviews on our Facebook page.

Next week we reminisce the league games of December and the brilliant Doddie Weir Charity event at Newcastle Falcons, which P&S had the pleasure of attending.