Barney kicked to West and after a good take from Brown and text book rucking from Mould the ball was worked downfield. After a series of decent drives from the forwards, everyone's favourite copper top Dan Quinn squirrelled over from 2 meters. His goal kicking was as bad as ever in his shiny new boots missing the conversion. 5-0 after 5 minutes.
Castle were not to be outdone when a strong run up the Catcote Road side of the pitch and some missed tackles led to a converted try 7-5 after 20 or so.
West then went into Barbarians mode and scored 3 tries off the classic 101 greatest tries VHS (that was a video tape for all you hipsters).
The first was from some great interplay and support from forwards and backs which led to the Blockhead going over from 5 meters. Alan would have approved.
The next again made by the mercurial Hilditch at first five eighth which allowed Handley to score.
Finally another move with some fancy backs moves which allowed Jassy - who had a fine game throughout putting in some great hits and showing a different aspect to his game - to fly in at the corner. Hilditch adding the extras from wide out on the right.
Barnard Castle struck back again with another one of their own to make the score at oranges 24-12.
Jim Tyers scored too from a strange move which looked like he was walking (slow motion) - effective all the same. I can't remember whether that was before or after half time.
After the break it was all West.
First to score was Craig Hadwen who had passed the walking along the white line sobriety test to replace Head Block at half time. Hilditch adding the extras again 31-12.
As Barny tired some great hands in the backs by Peacock set Hilditch up for a try of his own.
A tap and go penalty from Quinn finished the scoring putting Butch, who again was a right handful all afternoon, in for a simple score.
Final Score West Stags 48-12 Barnard Castle
A good game to watch and a good performance too after the Christmas break when it is always tough to get into your stride again. Credit to Barny who had a couple of decent players and who caused us some trouble at times. Tough game away to Acklam next week.
1. Clayton2. Hamilton 3. Hunter 4. Handley 5. Tyers c6. Foulds7. Mould8. Brown9. Quinn10. Hilditch 11. Peacock12. Tyers 13. Butcher14. Dhilon15. Cole Reps: Hadwen Allott Scott
Referee - Les - Durham Society. Nice fella who marshalled the troops well.
Food - Steak Pie with peas carrots and roasties. A firm favourite with the boys, hearty and flavoursome 8/10.