Again unable to field a full strength side, Bishop Auckland rugby first XV went down to their fourth defeat in five games in the Durham and Northumberland third division on Saturday when they lost 32-8 away to South Tyne College RFC.

Although the return of Mick Ruddick to the pack brought a sharper cutting edge to the back row with a number of runs into the College defence, the Auckland forwards were too slow about the field both in support and in defence and at times were in danger of being overrun by the more aggressive College pack. Twice in the first half the College ran quickly taken penalties and simply ran through a disorganised defence to touch down. A well-struck penalty added to their score to put the home side 15-0 ahead at half time.

For a brief spell early in the second half, Bishops looked as though they might salvage something from the match. A strong run from Steed brought a penalty which Constantine kicked. Minutes later, Bishops won a scrum in midfield and Steed broke through the College defence to touch down, and the visitors were back in the game.

But in spite of strong running from Hargreaves, Bishops were unable to close the gap any further and it was the College that tightened their game. The homesters kicked a penalty and then scored another two tries against a tiring Auckland side.