Blyth 33 - 24 Prudhoe & Stocksfield

P&S travelled to familiar surroundings to play recently promoted Blyth. After the strong showing on the Northumberland 7s circuit, P&S were looking to bring that form into the 15 a side game and were boosted by the return of many players, taking a squad of over 20 including four new faces who had joined this summer. The game was designed to allow both clubs the chance to give as much game time to the large squads on offer, meaning 3 periods were played of two 25 minutes and a final 30.

Having won the toss P&S decided to play up hill first and started confidently, claiming the high kick off and began to build phases. Despite a resolute Blyth defence P&S were making yards, with the ball carriers accelerating into contact and relishing the competition at the breakdown.

Blyth however, were the fist side to score, when their impressive maul worked their way towards the try line. P&S defended the initial attack well but Blyth kept their composure to retain possession and pick and go over the line. 5-0. With plenty of time left in this period, P&S came back strongly with Dan Tate and Brogan Millar carrying strongly through midfield allowing for some front foot rugby to be played. It was from one of these carries that P&S scored their first try of the evening as Chris Patterson broke through a gap to advance into the Blyth 22. With the Blyth defence scrambling back into position, the ball was recycled down the blindside and Yannick Debil crashed over to level the game. Steven Henderson continued where he left off last year and duly converted giving P&S a deserved lead. 5-7

For the rest of the period Blyth had some sustained pressure due to their 10s excellent territory kicking. Despite defending very well, P&S slipped off one tackle in midfield allowing for the home sides no.12 to touch down under the posts. 12-7

The second period saw P&S make lots of changes including handing debuts to Kieran Reilly, John Robson and Sam Bates, all of which slotted into the backline comfortably. Will Foster joined the front row and Brogan Millar moved to number 8.

Playing downhill seemed to suit P&S who showed some real attacking threat through both fantastic set pieces and skilful backs moves. For many of the past seasons P&S have had a good scrum but wasn’t used as an attacking weapon. However, the pack can be proud of their efforts in this period not only winning our ball comfortably but disrupting their scrum on every occasion. P&S got their second try of the night, when after a series of patient pick and go’s, Chris Patterson dummied his way under the posts allowing Steven Henderson the simple task of giving P&S the lead. 12-14. For the rest of the period, both sides cancelled each other out with Blyth’s defence showing good organisation and P&S just trying to force the play too strongly.

The final period of 30 mins saw more changes as Chris Nicholls moved to 9 and the Nevin Brothers joined Jonathon Dodds in the back three. During this period P&S scored two tries which will be difficult to beat all season for excellence. Firstly, Steven Henderson scored a try that included some fantastic support play and offloading in contact to extend the lead before Jonathon Nevin scored a try up the left wing showing the incredible pace and skillset the side now possesses. With Blyth also carrying an attacking threat and scoring two converted tries of their own, the game was in the balance when P&S mounted a match winning attack deep into the Blyth 22. Unfortunately for P&S, the home sides winger intercepted a pass to sprint 90 metres and claim victory.

Despite the disappointment of not beating a side who were comfortably the best in our league last season, the performance had so many positives to take forward into the season opener at Seghill in 2 weeks time.

Many thanks to Blyth rugby club for being fantastic hosts, and good luck for your campaign this year in DN2.