West started slowly and lost a regulation lineout. Following 2 phases of play Head made a good break and scored under the posts 7-0 after 10 mins.
West then began to take control in the tight play both at scrum time with the front row of Blades, Wales and Angus dominating their opposite numbers. From a safe lineout throw and a 20 metre drive West touched down with Wales the recipient of a well worked driving maul. Knibbs missed the conversion attempt as he was discussing what to have for tea with his Mam. 7-5 after 15 mins.
West were the team to strike next. From a quality box kick from Quinn, Knibbs made as searing break down the right and unselfishly passed to Quinn who scored under the posts. Again due to catering discussions Knibbs missed the kick.
Alex Barker made a great break cutting a super line.
Gateshead were then the team to play the better rugby and in fact throughout out rucked the West side who were less than willing to do the hard graft at times. As a result of Heads work they came back on level terms on 35 mins to make it 10-10.
West again responded when Riggers (despite having a sore finger nail) made a fabulous break into the ahead 22 only to be high tackled. The resulting play was botched and Head escaped.
Head missed a penalty and it was 10-10 at the break.
Following an honest assessment at half time a West came out with more purpose. From another great drive Jack Angus emerged from the pile as scorer. The conversion was missed.
The gateshead 10 was then yellow carded.
The game was for a period a bit of a tussle between the 22's. Head were a well organised side who played like a team.
Riggers went over for West to seal the game with Head making everyone a bit nervous with a late try.
Final Score 20-15 - appropriate for the first game of the year!Tyers army marches on. Good to see the skipper being looked after with his mother asking if he had enough shower gel as he was leaving the field. What is it with mothers?
Special mention to Ray Sutherland who is the most underrated ref in Durham and who had a fine game.
West
Blades,Wales, Angus, Tyers, Myers, McClurg, Barker, Johnson, Quinn, Lewis Scott, mozzer, Callum Johnson, Elliot Scott, Bulmer, Baden
Reps Miller, Spence, Chapman Hadwen
Tea - Beef Stew.