Bishop Auckland

The Blues went into an early lead with tries from Oxley and Hodgson, both converted by Campbell, but a poor clearance kick by Blues allowed Colwell to launch an attack which finished with Gallone touching down to leave Blues leading 14-5 at the end of the first quarter.

Blues quickly extended their lead when an uncharacteristic run from Mapes sent Rowell over in the corner. The Red backs finally started to run with some purpose and a try from Atkinson and two from Colwell, all converted by winger Blanch, saw the Reds ahead 26-19 at half-time.

The third session was a rather scrappy affair with several stoppages.

Twice Blanch ran through the Blue defence to score tries which he converted, and twice Perkins was up in support to finish off Blue attacks.

Campbell converted both to set up the fourth session with the Reds leading 40-33.

The Reds extended their lead when Blanch collected a poor kick out to score his third try which he proceeded to convert. The Blues hit back with Oxley leading the way. Twice he broke clear, first giving Ramrattan the simplest of touchdowns, and then linking with Wightman to send Sayer over in the corner.

From a scrum in the Red 22, Mapes won the ball and then followed up to score and take the Blues 50-47 ahead.

Campbell converted only one of these last three tries, and his two misses were to prove costly when in the dying seconds of the game the Reds launched a final attack and Bartle wormed his way through the defence to reach the line. Blanch converted with the final kick to leave the Reds winners by 54-50 after a match full of entertainment and skill.

This Saturday, the second XV open their Tees Valley Social League programme with a home fixture against Horden (3.00). The first XV travel to Richmond for their opener in the Durham and Northumberland third division (3pm).