The quality of rugby was well below par and despite excellent conditions at Brinkburn both sides struggled to run the ball. The optimistic West fan would say that an 8 point loss against a Boro side who had only lost once in their opening five games wasn't a bad result and had West not gone to sleep for 2 minutes at the start of the second half it would have been even closer. On the other side of the fence though, the pessimist would have to say this was a disappointing display, lacking creativity with West barely threatening the try line and needing a penalty try to finally get across it. Whichever side you sit, the sooner a couple of wins come along the better to get this season going.

Handling errors were again costly for West, far too many balls were lost in contact and the first up tackling was again poor. In contrast Boro defended resolutely and made West work hard for every metre gained. Without ever playing fantastic rugby they ground out the win in a way you have to in order to compete for promotions.

An uneventful first half didn't trouble the scoreboard operator with only two missed Boro penalties and one failed Paul Moss attempt to speak of. In contrast the opening minutes of the second period were the most crucial of the game. From the restart the visitors collected their own kick and after a break from former West junior Rob Bellerby the ball was recycled and centre partner James Muncer dived in at the corner. Simon O'Farrell nailed the touchline conversion and then added a penalty from almost the same spot 2 minutes later when replacement Gav Robinson was harshly penalised for hands in the ruck.

Moss saw another long range penalty drift wide on 49 minutes and after West had spent a good 10 minutes attacking but with little reward, Middlesbrough moved the ball upfield and second row Iain Bradford went in for the visitors second try. O'Farrell couldn't repeat his previous effort on the left touchline.

West looked a beaten side with 20 minutes still to play but to their credit they fought back well and had their best attacking spell of the match. After a quick tap penalty five metres from the line the forwards inched towards a try and looked to get it when Carl Robinson seemingly touched down but referee Simon Lazenby ruled him just short. Play was brought back for a previous infringement and when a third offence took place moments later Mr Lazenby awarded a penalty try with the ball again inches short. Moss added the extras and West were, all of a sudden, back in the game.

But Boro got the tactics right for the final quarter and kicked well from hand, forcing West to attack from deep which never really looked like producing a score. The best opportunity came 2 minutes from time when the ball was moved wide on the 22 sending Chocky Davies galloping up the field. He got the ball on to Gav Robinson on half way but the move was snuffed out and West were denied the chance to recycle thanks to fists flying back on the 22.

Whatever your take on the performance the result is another blow and with next week's opponents Morley going top of the league thanks to a win at Stockport things don't get any easier and a massive performance will be needed from everyone.


West: Wilson, A Cheslin (G Robinson), Connolly, Moss, C Cheslin, Wallis, Readhead, Carr, Sawyer, C Robinson (Norris), T Dixon, Davies, Howard, Tones (Garside), J Boatman.
Try: Penalty
Con: Moss

Middlesbrough: Bircham, Campbell, Bellerby, Muncer, Norris, O'Farrell, P Wright, Warsama, B Horton, C Horton, Bradford, Theakston, Dixon, Kirwan, Howe.
Reps: Symon, M Wright, Bland

Tries: Muncer, Bradford
Con: O'Farrell
Pen: O'Farrell

Sin-bin: Howe

Referee: Simon Lazenby [Yorks]