Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club took advantage of a league-free week to play a 2nd team fixture, giving reserves and inexperienced players a chance of a full game, and trying players out in different positions.  Chris Carlon played at prop forward for the first time, whilst Jeff Hodgson played at Number 8 and Ronnie Gilyeat returned to the side.
The Aycliffe scrum functioned well from the start, giving Mikey Dunn at scrum-half enough time on the ball to be comfortable.  Good defence ensured that Chester never really looked like scoring, although their defence, also, was sound.  Aycliffe took the lead when the ball was spun out wide and winger Luke Crossen scored out wide.  Crossen attempted to convert his score but was unsuccessful.  There were no further scores in the half and the score was 5 – 0 at the break.
Ash Elliott was performing well at the lineout, taking ball from his taller opponent and Aycliffe continued to look comfortable.  Crossen again scored with a dash down the wing.  The final score came when Jonny Griffith, at full back, ran a good inside line to be fed by Luke Tinkler for his first try for the club.  Hodgson added the extra points from in front of the posts.  The match finished with a 17 – 0 scoreline in Aycliffe’s favour.
This was a valuable runout for the players and gave coach Peter Ryans things to think about in the selection meeting before Aycliffe’s next game which is on 29th November at home to Seghill; kick-off 2.15pm. Aycliffe Rugby is sponsored by Whitehouse Funeral Service & S Cars.