Rockcliff revival in vain as points go West

A SECOND-HALF fightback by Rockcliff was not enough to stop third-placed Westoe winning 24-10 in their Durham and Northumberland League clash.

In an abrasive, stop-start game played in wet conditions, Westoe’s powerful pack proved the difference between the two sides.

With ten minutes gone, the visiting forwards had worked the ball down Rockcliff’s right wing and from a catch and drive Anthony Rumis powered over to score, unconverted, for 5-0.

Rockcliff worked the ball into Westoe’s half, forcing a penalty which Rhys Johnstone converted.

Westoe gained momentum and their forwards drove the ball up the middle of the park.

As Rockcliff’s defence scrambled back, Paul Evans crossed by the posts and Louis Hagan converted for 12-3.

Frequent stoppages meant an extra eight minutes were played and as the fractious first half came to a close both sides had a player sin-binned.

Westoe were awarded a scrum ten metres out from Rockcliff’s line and from the resultant play Luke Moffett ran the ball in, converted by Hagan for 19-3 at the break.

Coach Darren Cunningham made changes to Rockcliff’s pack but the Whitley Bay side was still struggling to gain sustained possession from which to build an attacking platform.

A surge from Liam Bowman, supported by Simon Tindall eventually gave Rockcliff the score they needed as Richard Farnie burst over from short range to score his first-ever try. Johnstone converted for 19-10.

Rockcliff’s defence was holding out under sustained pressure but when they had a second player tallow-carded Westoe took advantage, John Younghusband sealing the victory at the death.