Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club played their last away game in Durham and Northumberland Division 3 at the leaders South Tyneside College.  The hosts had only lost one game all season: at Aycliffe on the opening day of the season, and were looking for revenge.  Injuries meant that Aycliffe had  a makeshift look to them, but all the players knew what their responsibilities were.
Aycliffe played down the slope in the first half, hoping to build up a lead.  Aycliffe had the chance to go ahead, but Luke Tinkler was just wide with the penalty and it was the College who scored first though, with a penalty goal of their own.  Aycliffe fought back and their backs were looking sharp.
It was good handling that saw Aycliffe take the lead, as Adam Gascoigne was given enough space to outsprint the defence.  Tinkler added the conversion and kicked a penalty soon after to give Aycliffe a 10 – 3 lead at the interval.
The College forwards were always looking strong and with the slope in their advantage in the second half, it was going to be a tough fight for Aycliffe.  The defence held firm though, as Jeff Hodgson put in a stout performance as did Cymon Lee with a number of little kicks, not what is expected from a prop!  The College edged closer with a drop goal and finally took a one point lead from a tap penalty with the Aycliffe defence out of position.
Tinkler had an attempt at a penalty from close to the 10m line, but with the slope against him, the range was just too great.  With time running down, the College managed to get an interception, which they ran in for the score.  The conversion was left untaken as the referee judged that the kicker had taken too long with it.  Aycliffe fought hard to get back into the game, but the home defence was too strong and they finished up 16 – 10 winners.
Aycliffe hold their presentation evening at Redworth Hall on  12th April, tickets are available from members of the committee.