Aycliffe finally turned their Durham and Northumberland Division 3 slow start into a positive result at home on saturday. With the squad still not at full strength the depth of available players allowed newer players game time to make their mark.
The visitors were Chester Le Street, who must have been eager to win away from home following the hosts previous 2 straight league defeats.
Aycliffe struck first within the first few minutes before the visitors had time to settle. Aycliffes fast backs outpaced the opposition and full back Gareth Parsonage joined the attack looping outside the wing to collect then touchdown. The difficult conversion was missed. 5-0. It wasnt long before Chester regained their composure and taking advantage of the Aycliffes backs out of position their nr 8 ran through the middle vertually unchallenged to score a converted try between the posts. 5-7.
The larger Chester forwards play tended to suck in Aycliffes backs and too often the back positions were covered by their own forwards. Luckily Chesters tactics throughout the game tended to be kicks for territory that were easily collected by Aycliffe’s covering backs who subsequently launched plenty of running counter attacks. One such attack caused Chester to give away a penalty. Aycllife chose to tap and go and centre David Judge skillfully burst through to score. Luke Tinkler did not miss the conversion. 12 – 7. With the lead restored Aycliffe picked up the pace and before half time the forwards won good ruck ball launching the backs with swift accurate passing allowing right wing Mikey Dunn to sprint and score under the posts. The easy kick was duly converted. 19-7. Half time score.
The second half was almost stalemate with both sides kicking for territory but masterful kicking from Judge and scrum half Chris Richards were finding touch a few meters from the opposition try line. Following a good lineout win, a massive ruck was formed infront of Chesters post and Richards guided his team to run to the right it was almost a lottery who was going to collect but Judge decided he was going to score. Tinkler made it 3 from 4. 26-7. Despite Chester disputing some refereeing decisions that went in Aycliffes favour,  Aycliffe continued to capitolise on the visitors poor field kicking and Aycliffes forwards were rucking the ball more effectively and with Richards in fine form distributed the ball superbly to allow his forwards to get in on the act and second row Craig Holmes scored close to the posts to make another easy conversion for Tinkler. Final score 33-7. A bonus point due to the 4 tries was richly deserved.A league win at last, lets hope the tide has turned and more victories follow.
Aycliffe rugby are sponsored by Whitehouse Funeral Service and S Cars.