The pitches have had a new drainage system installed and been completely reseeded providing two excellent playing surfaces.
The bar and function area of the club house, which was an empty shell on my last visit, have now been fully fitted out, and are not only an asset on match days but also attracting outside functions such as wedding and christenings.
My visit coincided with the clubs annual Ladies' Day which had attracted fifty plus ladies. The theme for the day was Spanish so - unusually for a rugby day - I enjoyed a glass of Sangria and some very tasty Tapas with home baked breads followed by apple pie.
Consett's opposition on the day were Stockton in an N&D division one clash. There was a strong wind blowing the length of the pitch and Consett had it at their backs for the first half.
Despite playing to the wind it was Stockton that took control of the ball, and used it to good effect to keep Consett pinned back in their own twenty two for long periods. The Consett defence finally cracked after twenty five minutes play allowing the Stockton left wing to round off a flowing move with a try in the corner. The conversion kick being blown off course by the wind. 0 -5
Stockton continued to control the ball and Consett were relying on long kicks downfield to put them close the try line. Consett won the ball from a line out inside the Stockton twenty two and worked it into midfield were former Rovers and West back row Stuart "Disco" Grazier was on hand to crash over fpr a converted try. 7 – 5-
Just before halftimea loose clearance kick by Stockton was gathered by Consett number 13 Haydn Petch who shrugged off two tacklers to score under the post. Half time. 14 – 5
The start of the second half took the same pattern as the first with Stockton having most of the possession and Consett defending desperately. Stockton closed the gap fifteen minutes into the half with a penalty kick. 14-8.
Stockton took the lead after half an hour when number 11 Chris Farrell crashed over in the left corner. The conversion kick was missed. 14 – 15.
Stockton kept on the pressure looking for a further score but a dropped ball on the try line, and some determined defence By Consett, prevented them adding to the score.
In the last minute a Consett clearance kick was knocked on by a Stockton defender. From the scrum the ball was worked down field in desperate defence Stockton conceded a penalty. Rather than risk kicking into the wind Consett elected to run the ball. The move ended with the Consett right wing scoring in the corner. The conversion was missed and the final whistle blown. 19-15.
Gareth Foreman making his ref's debut at level seven had a very sound match and contributed to what was a very competitive game.
It is with great sadness that I later learned that Terry Parsons of Newton Aycliffe collapsed and died during their second team match with Houghton on Saturday. My thoughts are with Terry family and all at his club.