Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club played in the 25 000 seat Darlington Arena on Saturday and came away with an excellent 32 – 24 win against Darlington Mowden Park 3rd XV.  Due to the bank holiday Aycliffe were missing a number of regular players but still put out a strong squad.  The hosts were preparing for a cup final and, likewise had a strong team.
Mowden began strongly and soon used the weight of their pack to batter their way over the try line to take the lead.  Aycliffe fought back and Andy Littlefair, playing against his old team, punched through the defence to score in the corner.  A penalty goal from Dave Gibson gave Aycliffe the lead.  Mowden regained their ascendency and before the end of the half they had scored a further two tries.  At the break the home side led 17 – 8.
In the second half, Aycliffe upped their game significantly.  The forwards moved their bigger opponents around the field with quick rucking and the pace of the backs began to have an effect.  Aycliffe scored a try after a break by James Thacker saw Kevin Vaughan sight the line and score; David Judge added the conversion.  A 60 metre break by Lewis Stephens shredded the defence and Thacker was in support to go over in the corner.
Another Vaughan try, again converted by Judge increased the lead and Jonny Griffith was on hand to finish off a good move by scoring in the corner.  Aycliffe were now 32 – 17 ahead.
Mowden then launched a concerted attack on the Aycliffe line, which held firm on a number of occasions before Mowden finally scored with the last play of the game to make the final score 32 – 24.
The season finished with yet another great performance to follow on with those of recent weeks.
There are no more matches for Aycliffe until next season, but a number of the players will be turning out with Sedgefield at the Henry Valks tournament at Darlington RFC on 9th May.
Aycliffe Rugby wish to thank S Cars, Smurfitt Kappa and Whitehouse Funeral Service for their generous sponsorships for this season.