Another new page was turned when Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club 2nd XV played a home match at Greenfield Community College against Stockton 3rds.  Aycliffe, despite the 1st team playing at Moore Lane having a full squad, were able to field 19 players for the match.  The ground was very soft underfoot and this dictated that it would be a forward dominated game.
The opening exchanges were very close, but it was Aycliffe who scored first when Craig Holmes was able to break the defence and score a try that Tommy Cooper converted.  Both sides fought manfully, but Aycliffe further increased their lead when Connor Blakey went over in the corner.  At half time the home side lead 12 – 0.
The forwards still dominated and there were many scrums due to difficulties handling the wet ball.  Phill Sangster was the next to score for Aycliffe and Cooper again converted. Stockton scored a deserved try to give them hopes of a comeback as the pitch deteriorated.
But it was Aycliffe who had the last say as Adam Batley broke clear and Cooper’s third conversion of the day completed the scoring to leave Aycliffe 26 – 5 victors.
Aycliffe Rugby are sponsored by Beaumont Grounds Maintenance and Honest John