Barnard Castle 2nds 20 Newton Aycliffe 12 Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club's winning streak came to an end against a strong Barnard Castle 2nd XV. With only 16 players available, losing a man injured in the warm-up was the worst possible start for Aycliffe. In addition, a number of players were playing out of position.

Aycliffe chose to play up the slope in the first period and soon came under pressure from the Castle forwards, resulting in them taking the lead with a drop goal, a rarity in this level of rugby. Further Castle pressure brought them a converted try, and only good defence prevented another. Weak tackling by Aycliffe resulted in a second try, this time in the corner before Aycliffe at last began to fire. A period of sustained pressure should have resulted in a try for the visitors but slow ruck ball meant that Barnard Castle were able to clear their lines. The score at the break was 15 - 0.

A number of the Aycliffe players were now carrying injuries but they battled on. The home team added a further try after a breakout up the wing, but again Aycliffe fought back. As the game headed into the final quarter, good Aycliffe rucking gave Gareth Parsonage enough space to cut a swathe through the defence and score under the posts. Luke Tinkler added the conversion. A second try came from some good interplay, Tinkler finding the gap to touch down, Parsonage's drop goal conversion attempt failed to get off the ground. Aycliffe continue to press, with man-of-the-match Andy Newman performing sterling work in the unfamiliar position of flanker, and Ronnie Gilyeat dominating the lineout. The score remained, however, 20 - 12 to Barnard Castle.

Anyone who would like to play at Aycliffe, of whatever standard, is welcome to attend training on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, contact Bob Malvern on 07951 157291. On Saturday 6th October Aycliffe host Washington 2nds in a league match, up-to-date information can be found on the website at www.ayclifferugby.co.uk.