The statisticians were thumbing through the record books after Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club triumphed 96 – 3 over Jarrovians in a clinical display at Moore Lane on Saturday, the biggest win in recent years and possibly their top ever league win.  The visitors languish at the foot of the table without a point and Aycliffe took the chance to rotate the squad to give game time to some of the less used players this season.  The team responded with a controlled and disciplined display.
The game began with Aycliffe pouncing on a mistake from the kick-off and turning the ball over. The first try soon followed and after 20 minutes the fourth try had given Aycliffe the try-scoring bonus point. The Aycliffe scrum held the edge of their bigger opponents and they dominated in all phases except the lineout. Despite a prolonged period of Jarrovians defence, Aycliffe had further increased their lead to 36 – 0 at the break.
The game won, Aycliffe were able to make a number of substitutions. Lewis McCormick came on at loose-head prop and caught the eye with some barnstorming runs and two tries. Ash Elliott and Chris Carlon also made good runs. A total of 10 tries were added in the second half for the concession of a single penalty from a Jarrovians side who, although tiring, never gave up. Alex Lineton scored 3 tries, Adam Gascoigne, James Thacker, McCormick and Colin Wooster all scored two.  Further tries were added by Cymon Lee, Drew Gibson, Gareth Parsonage, Craig Holmes, and Luke Crossen.  Conversions were scored by Lineton (5), Warren Parsonage (2) and Luke Tinkler.
Although there will be much tougher games ahead, this performance showed the merits of keeping the game simple and performing the basics well.
On 16th November, Aycliffe continue their league campaign at home to Chester le Street in a game rearranged after the initial meeting had to be abandoned due to injury; kick-off is 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