Bishop Auckland

Newly-promoted Richmondshire opened with a determined series of attacks, and their heavier pack threatened to push Bishops back over their own line. Bishops defended resolutely as they were penned in their own 22 for 20 minutes.

Bishops finally broke downfield as Dodds, playing his first senior game, won the ball from a Richmond lineout. Atkinson and Oxley then combined to send full back Sayer down the line to score in the corner.

Another piece of aggressive running from Oxley and Sayer should have brought another try, but a poor final pass went astray and the chance was lost. As Richmond resorted to kicking in an effort to advance upfield, they found another young Auckland player Stephen Rowell in excellent form as he caught the ball several times to run it back into Richmond territory.

Campbell kicked a penalty to extend the Auckland lead, and the first half finished with the Auckland backs again threatening to score.

Richmondshire opened the second half with a number of attacks but poor passing brought several promising moves to a halt. Further efforts at kicking for territorial advantage were returned with some interest by full-back Sayer.

Bishops further extended their lead when Atkinson broke clear and sent Oxley over for a try which Campbell converted. From a five metre scrum, Richmond finally drove over for a try. They added a penalty deep in injury time, but the game finished with Bishops five metres out from the Richmond line and looking for another score.

Bishop Auckland's second XV put up stout resistance in losing 50-0 at home to a well-organised Horden II side in their opening fixture in the Tees Valley Social League.

The visitors included several young county players. In spite of determined tackling from Ramrattan and Blanch and a spirited display from the Auckland forwards, the home side was comprehensively beaten by what may well turn out to be the strongest side in the League.