Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club put in their finest display of the season against a mid-table Houghton team to consolidate 3rd place in Durham and Northumberland Division 3. In the two clubs’ previous meeting, Aycliffe had scraped an unconvincing draw and they were looking to make amends this time.  Aycliffe were able to field a strong side with Richie Littlefair returning to the side, but this time playing at hooker.
Aycliffe began the game in terrific style and were soon using the pace of their back line.  Simple passing saw the Houghton defence broken as David Judge scored the first try of the match, which Luke Tinkler converted.  More of the same followed with James Thacker and Judge both scoring.
The score was 19 – 0 within 15 minutes and the bonus point was quickly racked up; a well won lineout led to a driving maul, Number 8, Deryk Cairns, controlled the ball at the back and added the fourth try.  Thacker added another try on the half hour. Houghton now began to attack, and came close to breaching Aycliffe’s line.  The Aycliffe last ditch defence led to two players going into the sin bin, but the line held firm up to the break.  At half time, the score was 33 – 0 to the hosts.
Beginning the second half with only 13 men, Aycliffe still manage to score when Thacker added his third of the afternoon, before the numerical disadvantage saw Houghton spread the ball wide and score in the corner.  The period of Houghton pressure came to an end and Aycliffe reasserted their dominance.
Throughout the game, the Aycliffe scrum was on top and all the players performed well, Ash Elliott being particularly strong as he gains experience with ever match and scrum-half Chris Richards calmly controlled the game with his good tactical kicking.  The final quarter of the game saw Aycliffe add a further three tries.
Thacker added his fourth with a pacy run through the defence.  Warren Parsonage showed great strength to score in the corner.  The final try was, fittingly, scored at the end of a fine team move; Andrew Littlefair broke free and quick rucking saw the defence sucked in before the ball was quickly passed along the line to winger Michael Dunn.  Tinkler finished the game with 5 conversions for a final score of 55 – 5 to Aycliffe.
Coach Peter Ryans was pleased with the progress made by the squad, with replacements fitting in well when they came on. Aycliffe travel to bottom club Jarrovians on 15th February with the kick-off at 2.15pm.  Newton Aycliffe are sponsored by Boola Clothing and Haywoods Home Appliances.  Visit the website at www.pitchero.com/clubs/newtonaycliffe.