The town’s Rugby Club returned to winning ways with a comfortable win over Yarm in Durham and Northumberland Division 3.  After the previous week’s narrow defeat, Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club were keen to bounce back with the visit of Yarm to Moore Lane.  Aycliffe were able to select from a strong squad and were looking to gain a bonus point victory to maintain their challenge for a top three finish.
Aycliffe, from the beginning, dominated the scrum; Bob Malvern’s coaching sessions rapidly bearing fruit.  Despite the hosts having the majority of the ball, Yarm possessed some powerful runners and were threatening early on without getting too close to the line.
The deadlock was broken when Chris Richards took a quick penalty and the ball found its way to Andy Littlefair who touched down near the posts.  Luke Tinkler’s conversion gave Aycliffe a 7-point lead.  Soon afterwards, a Darrell McLaren drop-goal attempt struck the post; Aycliffe maintained their attack and, a number of phases later, the ball was passed out to the wing where Luke Crossen was able to score.
There was no further score in the half and at the break Aycliffe led 12 – 0 and were being frustrated by Yarm’s hard working defence.
Early in the second half James Thacker scored a solo try to increase the lead. With the game approaching the final quarter, Aycliffe were still looking for the bonus point score, but finally it came from a powerful 5-metre scrum which saw Number 8, Deryk Cairns, pick up the ball from the back and cross the whitewash.
Soon after, Gareth Parsonage was on hand to complete a good move and the Yarm defence began to crumble.  In the final 10 minutes, Parsonage, Thacker and Cairns all added their second tries and Tinkler’s total of five conversions saw Aycliffe to a 50 – 0 victory.
Mention has to be made of Ryan Milford who put in an excellent performance in the unfamiliar position of hooker, and the whole pack, including replacements, who produced a much improved performance marshalled by captain, Warren Parsonage.
Aycliffe’s next visit Chester-le-Street’s Riverside ground on 25th January and will hope to capitalise on their hosts’ recent drop in form.  The game will kick-off at 2.15pm.
Newton Aycliffe are sponsored by Boola Clothing Aycliffe and Hayward Home Appliances trading as Serviceforce.
Visit the website at www.pitchero.com/clubs/newtonaycliffe.