Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club 2nd XV finally managed to play a game after weeks of inaction due to bad weather, and they did it with a local derby at Bishop Auckland against the home club’s 3rd XV.  With a number of players unavailable, Aycliffe welcomed 4 Darlington Mowden Park stalwarts to make up the 15.
With the weather fine for running rugby and the pitch in good condition, Aycliffe began the game by using their backs to good effect and centre Doug Thompson crossed for a try under the posts which Phill Sangster converted. Aycliffe were trying to use the speed of their backs to chase down kicks and Peter Hewlett added to the score when he pounced on some momentary indecision in the home defence to touch down in the corner.  Bishop now began to use their bigger forward pack to some effect and only superb tackling from the Aycliffe team kept them out as they stayed in the 22 for long periods at half time the score was 12 – 0 to Aycliffe.
Aycliffe were able to get on the front foot again in the second half and guest Carl Trotter used his strength and power to force his way over for a try which Sangster converted.  Connor Blakey topped another fine back-row performance with a try.   Bishop had the last word when they fed the ball quickly wide from a tap penalty and scored a try in the corner.  The final score was 24 – 5.
Aycliffe Rugby is sponsored by The Mortgage Advice Centre and Whitehouse Funeral Services