Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club won comfortably in the second local derby of the season against rivals Sedgefield in Durham and Northumberland Division 3.  Injuries and unavailability meant that Aycliffe’s side was not the strongest, but a feature of this season’s campaign has been the way the squad players have slotted into the team with little problem and so it was to prove again.
Aycliffe began the game in furious style and for the opening minutes, Sedgefield were unable to get any significant possession.  A Luke Tinkler penalty gave Aycliffe an early lead and they added a try, with some good handling seeing Adam Gascoigne over in the corner after a break by Keith Dodds, on his first appearance of the season.
Some sloppy Aycliffe play saw Sedgefield reduce the deficit with a penalty goal of their own, but the visitors were still well on top. A penetrating run by Sam Daltry put the defence on the back foot and when the ball was released out wide, Craig Holmes was able to score under the posts.  The conversion by Tinkler and a further penalty saw Aycliffe 18 – 3 ahead at half time.
It was the forwards and the quality of the rucking which gave Aycliffe the advantage and Sedgefield were unable to play their usual game in the face of the onslaught.  Jeff Hodgson kept battering away to weaken the opposing defence, but it was out wide where the next score came.  A speculative kick by Aycliffe was badly dealt with by the defenders and Tinkler was just able to score in the corner.  Sedgefield finally were able to put together a concerted attack; good Aycliffe tackling saw them stopped just short a number of times, but eventually the line was crossed.  The conversion was missed to leave Aycliffe three scores in front.
The visitors soon forced their way upfield and secured the bonus point when Andy Littlefair was able to reach out and just get the ball down after a dart from close range.  Tinkler rounded of the scoring by converting the try.  A series of cards saw the game finish with Aycliffe down to 12 men and Sedgefield with 14, but Aycliffe’s team spirit saw them able to withstand the pressure without too many scares.
This eighth successive win for Aycliffe sees them up to 2nd place in the league with two games to go, although Winlaton Vulcans have a game in hand.  On 29th March, Aycliffe visit league leaders South Tyneside College, kicking off at 3pm.  Newton Aycliffe are sponsored by Boola Clothing Aycliffe and Hayward Home Appliances trading as Serviceforce.  Visit the website at www.pitchero.com/clubs/newtonaycliffe.