Newton Aycliffe 2nd XV continued their good form with a convincing win over Middlesbrough 4ths. Despite a number of players being drafted into the 1st XV squad, Aycliffe were able to field 18 players. The weather was excellent for open rugby, which suited the pace in the Aycliffe backline.  Aycliffe took the lead when Mikey Dunn proved too fast for the visitors, but Middlesbrough soon fought back with a converted try to take the lead. Aycliffe’s impressive stand-off Ben Walton put Aycliffe back into the lead with a try which was converted by JJ Rudge. The lead was further increased when Walton kicked the ball behind the defence, it seemed that the ball would roll dead, but Rudge was just quick enough to touch down before it crossed the line. Another Rudge try followed.  Just before half time Middlesbrough scored a try from a tap penalty. At the break the score was 22 – 12.
The visitors were on top early in the second half as they kept the ball in the forwards. With 15 minutes left, another converted try reduced the deficit to 3 points. Aycliffe, with Terry Parsons and Ronnie Gilyeat working hard in the forwards, began to re-exert their dominance and, replacement Phill Sangster powered over the line for a try, which he converted himself. Sangster added another try with the final play of the game, and Walton’s conversion completed a victory which was more emphatic than seemed likely minutes before. This was another good performance as the 2nd XV continues its successful rebirth.