Johnstone’s late goal has team Rock-in

RHYS Johnstone slotted home a penalty at the death to clinch a vital 27-25 Durham and Northumberland Division Two win for Whitley Bay Rockliff at fourthplaced Sunderland.

Rockcliff started well and took the game to their hosts.

Winning lineout after lineout, they progressed into the home 20 metres zone and, after Steve Pentland was denied after a catch and drive, took the lead when Ryan Rapillo finished off a team effort by smashing over in the corner for 5-0.

Rockcliff were dominating proceedings and a neat jink from Andrew Webster found him with only the full-back to beat - and he scampered through for a fine individual try, converted by Johnstone for 12-0.

The home side rallied and began to take advantage of the conditions by using their big forwards to punch holes in the Rockcliff defence.

Eventually the pressure told, their winger finishing off an excellent forward drive under the posts.

Minutes later the same move brought another well-worked try for the home side.

Sunderland kept up the pressure and when Rockcliff were penalised for a high tackle notched another three points.

Rockcliff then missed a few tackles and the home side capitalised to score again and lead 22-12 at the break.

Andrew Moore came on at halftime, replacing Drew Shardlow, and this galvanised Rockcliff as they picked up the pace.

Harry Ramage scored a trademark try to reduce the deficit to 22-17.

Sunderland claimed a second penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking over but as the second half grew on it was all Rockcliff.

An interception from Johnstone saw him power forward with a Sunderland player hanging off his neck.

This was too much for the referee, who awarded a penalty try to take the score to 25-24.

With minutes to go, Johnstone squeezed a penalty wide but, with 60 seconds left, another penalty opportunity came up closer to the posts and Johnstone stepped up to stroke the ball home.

The result sees Rockcliff maintain top spot in the table two points ahead of North Shields.