Not easy to play mid week fixtures as players race home from work or aren't use to sitting around waiting for an evening kick off. However, incredibly grateful to Nth Shields for getting this match on and avoiding the nightmare of trying to find a Saturday for it. Also, thank you so much to Blyth RFC for hosting the game.

We had a strong squad out although the front row was playing together for the first time - great to see George Waterhouse back involved at the club after another season with Newcastle Uni 1's. In addition, Harry Tankard was making his first team debut as he has been unable to play in league games due to joining us after the transfer deadline.

The boys once again set a great tone with a hanging kick by Shaun Stewart and Joe Whelan smashing the Nth Shields player. Joe is making a name for himself off kick offs - we have not seen the likes of this since Aedan Moloney left the club. We went onto the attack and after 8 mins we were dominating the gain line. The boys spotted space on the blind side and Ben Jubb through a miss pass for Greg Abibu to scorch in. Conversion added by Shaun Stewart for 7-0.

Nth Shields were to show great spirit all night and they battled back with a few penalties as Louis Matthews was penalised over the ball - much to his surprise. They kicked the penalty to make it 7-3 and then kicked deep into our territory. Shaun Stewart recovered the ball beat two players with some great feet but unfortunately his pass was then intercepted. Wake up call received at 7-10 with our lineout connections struggling and too many pens.

Great response from Shaun Stewart as he landed another pin point kick off for Joe Whelan to get another shot in. Louis Matthews finally getting a steal and we went onto the attack. We looked dominant when we moved the ball to space as Darren Kelly took the ball up to the line and put Luke Foster in a hole. Luke should a bit of feet and good pace to finish - 12-10 Vos.

We tried to pick up the pace in the final 15 mins of the half with Sion Gittins leading the way with quick taps. Reward came our way for our ambition as Dan Neill made a line break supported by Louis Matthews. It looked like Jonny Allton had done his hamstring during the run in but I think he was trying to work out how to put the ball down. 17-10 at the half.

Lots of info said at half time - probably too much but we needed a better tempo, more energy about us in defence. On came Christian Selkirk and Sam Bird.

The first line break was ours as we took a quick tap which lead to a Joe Whelan run however we did not finish the opportunity. Staying on attack Ben Jubb made a bust in the middle with Dylan Gittins running up alongside him to take the scoring pass. Conversion added by Ben Jubb. 24-10 up.

We made a mess of the kick off and were under pressure as Nth Shields neared our line. Louis Matthews was yellow carded stripping the ball from a tackled player. Down to 14 men we couldn't keep them from scoring an unconverted try to make it 24-15.

On came the rest of the bench with Vinny Baker making an immediate impact with one run where he refused to be tackled.

Boys were starting to tire and debutant Harry Tankard started coming into the game. He started probing the line and on 55 mins stepped a couple of forwards to race in for his first try of the night. Conversion added by Sam Bird with a drop kick, refusing the kicking tee. 31-15

Both sides kickers were excellent at restarts and again Nth Shields regathered their kick off. It happened time and time again on the night as we scored but went under pressure instead of going back on attack. Nth Shields recovered the ball and scored a fine try aided by some poor tackle quality by us. Game on again at 60 mins with the score 31-22. Brief concern as the ref shouts out it's 31-25 ! Since turning 50 I have lost a lot of thinks so perhaps 5 mins and 3 pts is possible to have been missed ?!?

However, just as Nth Shields hopes were raised Harry Tankard lowered them with great vision - space in behind, chip and regather then too much pace to go in and secure the win. Conversion added by Sam Bird with another well struck drop goal. 38-22, definitely 22.

We upped the tempo again with another quick tap with a Nth Shields player getting carded for being back about 2m's. Reward at last as this was the second time it had occurred. The boys were now showing some confidence and moved the ball to Ben Jubb in a wide channel. Big fend and he raced in for the try under the posts. Conversion again added by Sam Bird. 45-22.

For the third time in the half a beautiful kick off was reclaimed by Nth Shields and they went on the attack. Huge shot by George Waterhouse kept them at bay for a moment but they scored to make it 45-29. Not enough time left for a late rally - only time left for Brandon Gilbert to score out wide with Dan Neill in space as an unneeded extra man. Conversion expertly drop kicked again by Sam Bird for a final score of 52-29.

Thank you to Fraser Gill for taking time out from his hectic week to officiate. Was great to have a chat to you in the bar afterwards about the game as well as up skill my understanding of a ruling the other week which I didn't understand.

Thank you to Nth Shields lads - dominated the scrum battle against our youngsters, some great work on the gain line by your 5 and 13 and I thought your 10 had a decent game.

Next for us is a club game vs Loughborough on Easter Saturday so please let Magnus Leask know if you are available play. Then we have what equates to a semi final vs Northern 2's. A win would see us back into the County Plate Final once again.

Reminder no training tonight lads.

Up the Vos !