Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club’s run of victories in Durham and Northumberland Division 3 came to an end with a narrow 24-20 defeat at 4th place Seghill.  A win would have guaranteed Aycliffe finishing in the top three and, although they were missing a number of backs, they were confident of a result against another of the top teams.
Aycliffe began brightly with their forwards maintaining good possession as they kept the ball away from Seghill’s young backline, Neil Morgan won a number of turnovers and put in a great stint of tackling.  No score was forthcoming despite this early pressure, and Seghill fought back.  Aycliffe suddenly became very hesitant and were unable to stop the hosts scoring two tries for an early 10 – 0 lead.  Aycliffe now began to find their game and, despite struggling in the scrums, they soon had narrowed the gap after some good rucking by the forwards saw Niall Kelly touch down in the corner.  Soon after, a kick from Gareth Parsonage fell short but into the arms of Adam Gascoigne, who sped down the wing for another try.  The half-time score was 10-10 and the game finely poised.
Aycliffe were still on top at the beginning of the second half and from a turnover, Gascoigne was able to step through the defence for a try; the conversion by Gareth Parsonage came back off the post.  James Thacker made a number of breaks, but the Seghill defence was always able to make the last ditch tackle.  The pressure continued and more good rucking saw Liam Kelly score a try to give Aycliffe a 20 – 10 lead.  Seghill were not beaten yet and attacked constantly and were rewarded with a converted try to reduce the gap to 3 points.  With the game into the last 5 minutes, the Seghill scrum-half showed a bit of magic with a chip over the Aycliffe backs, the ball bounced back into his hands and he was able to score under the posts.  The conversion meant that Aycliffe needed a try, and they attacked fiercely but Seghill’s defence just hung on and they ended up 24 – 20 victors.
Despite the heartbreak of the late defeat, Aycliffe gained 2 bonus points and a win in their next league match, at home to Washington on 11th April, will confirm third place in the league for the 3rd time in 4 seasons.
Aycliffe rugby is supported by S Cars, Smurfit Kappa Ltd and Whitehouse Funeral Service