Lucky bounce and rivals ensure Blaydon fail in survival mission

OLD ALBANIANS BLAYDON TO maintain their status in National League One, Blaydon needed at the very least to beat Old Albanians - but despite a valiant effort failed narrowly in the attempt and relegation to North Two now awaits.

Had they won the outcome would have been identical, but rivals Hull Ionians guaranteed their own survival with a resounding away win. 29 24

Blaydon gave it their best shot but the day had started badly when their train was held up with a track problem, resulting in a late start. It ended badly when, with the scores level, a fortuitous bounce in the final minute let in the home side for a winning try.

However, it was Blaydon who opened the scoring on 17 minutes when they moved it three times through the backs before sending in No8 Jason Smithson to touch down, Brett Connon adding the extras. The lead proved to be short-lived when Albanians hit back as Max Mallins crossed in the corner and added the conversion himself, doing the same just before the break when centre Jason Lombard touched down.

A 14-7 lead then for the home side was improved on soon after the restart by a Mallins penalty following a ruck offence - but Blaydon were back in contention when good ball was swiftly moved for flanker Jack Davidson to finish off and Connon to level the game with another conversion.

Albanians got their heads in front again when Blaydon were penalised at a ruck, Mallins once more on target. With time running out Blaydon produced one last effort to ensure at least a draw, winger Dan Marshall scooting in and Connon landing a tremendous conversion from out wide to make it 24-24.

There was just time for the restart but Blaydon failed to secure the kick-off, the ball bounced badly and Sam Lunnon had a simple run-in to seal Blaydon’s fate.

Ironically when these two sides met at Crow Trees in the opening game of the season Old Albanians were returning to Nat One after a year’s absence and now in the final game were condemning Blaydon to a similar fate.