Ross leads the way for Houghton

Houghton produced a barnstorming second-half performance to outgun Jarrovians 53-5 in Durham/Northumberland Division Three on Saturday, writes Clarissa Murphy.

James Ross and Matt Marchant both fell just short of tries as the Dairy Lane men started strongly.

Jarrovians threatened themselves, but the boot of Andy Charlton rescued Houghton.

The hosts finally took the lead when Ross McGorman crossed the line after Brett Henderson drew in the defence, though the conversion went wide.

A deliberate knock on in the 22 gave Houghton a penalty try which was converted for a 12-0 interval lead, though the home defence did have to work well to deny never-say-die Jarrovians a reply.

On the restart, Steve Wilson impressed before Aidan Towers was unstoppable as he crashed through under Glen Crowther and Ross, with his second score, touched down for a 31-point advantage, but the visitors rallied, using a catch and drive to power past the defence to put their only five points on the board.

Houghton, though, finished strongly, with good hands and speed in the centre causing problems.

Daniel Jones picked up from the scrum and dived over the line in the corner for an unconverted try.

A good tackle by Charlton denied Jarrovians’ fullback and three more home tries were added before the end, with Marc Willey and Ross, who completed a hattrick of tries, scoring after support play in the backs from Mark Douglass and Henderson.

Houghton’s victory took them into fourth place, above Seghill, whose match was postponed.

They are five points behind third-top Wallsend, who were beaten 32-11 in the match of the day at second-placed Newton Aycliffe. Leaders Richmondshire made it 11 wins out of 11 with a ruthless 49-0 demolition of Chester-leStreet.

Houghton, with seven wins in 11 games, have no league match this weekend, but host mid-table Yarm in their final game of 2016 on December 17. Their first game of the new year is a tough clash at home to Aycliffe on January 7.