In glorious sunshine TECH kicked off playing towards the clubhouse with the strengthening wind in their faces. With the poor preparation they'd had it was important that the side settled quickly against a Consett side that showed a number of changes in personnel from last years squad. Both sides started in positive vein and despite the heat the game set off a cracking pace with all the players showing they were prepared to run the ball at every opportunity.
After 8 minutes debutee Chris WILLIAMSON made a sharp break before passing on to full back MASSHEDAR who was up in support. Unfortunately the cover defence was good and he was forced into touch. TECH continued to press but were then penalised and Consett player/coach KENT cleared to touch on the 10 metre line.
Good defence by both sides was keeping chances to a minimum but on 15 minutes another darting break by WILLIAMSON saw him make good ground. The visitors were penalised and despite it being in a kickable position TECH decided to keep the pressure on the Consett defence by kicking to the corner. The regained possession and put together a number of good drives only to eventually turn the ball over to a grateful defence who kicked clear.
TECH continued to look positive and with the pack winning some good ball at both scrum and line they continued to press. More possession in the visitors half saw the ball moved swiftly along the line to the wing before it was passed back inside to Simon CAVEY. He then placed a good kick behind the on rushing defenders and gave chase only to be narrowly beaten to the ball by the impressive visiting scrum half who touched down behind his own line.
Both sides continued to look for the opening score but both defences were looking secure. After 30 minutes Consett got the important first score when the home side were penalised at a ruck. From 25 metres the Consett No.9 made no mistake. Worse was to follow right on half time when KENT made the most of a rare missed tackle to cross for a converted try giving the visitors a 0-10 lead at the break.
It was important for TECH to hit back quickly and with 4 minutes of the second period gone they did so when James MASSHEDAR coolly converted a penalty chance. Unfortunately a minute later KENT was again in action with a strong run. Although he should have been stopped another couple of missed tackles saw him then pass to the supporting player who crossed for an unconverted try.
After 10 minutes a good break out of defence by TECH saw the ball moved to Jon COLE whose determined run was brought to a halt when he was tackled into touch. Both sides were continuing to play good open rugby but again some good defending kept the score at 3-15. On 20 minutes TECH introduced Adam HOWARD for his debut as he replaced the tiring Andrew CAMPBELL. A minute later TECH added to their tally with another well taken MASSHEDAR penalty. He had another opportunity after 28 minutes but put his kick from 25 metres wide of then posts.
TECH were not denied for long and on the half hour they got the score their determination deserved. Another break by WILLIAMSON was halted with a tackle which the referee deemed dangerous but he allowed good advantage as TECH recovered possession. The impressive SMART then drove forward with purpose and powered through the would be tacklers to score the try which took the score to 11-15. Ashley PARKER saw his attempted conversion miss the target.
TECH continued to press to close the gap further but Consett held firm. The home side were then unfortunate as a kick ahead went into touch off a Consett player. The visiting touch judge though was unsighted and gave the put in against TECH. To their credit the visitors made the most of their good fortune and after winning the line out moved the ball swiftly as they broke deep into home territory. Another missed tackle then allowed Consett to score the decisive converted try making the score 11-22.
TECH continued to push forward but couldn't close the gap again until on 42 minutes skipper Stephen JONES received the ball and with his other options closed down he dropped a goal to take the final score to 14-22.
Despite this loss no one could criticise the home side for any lack of effort as they all gave their all. Especially worthy of mention were scrum half WILLIAMSON who settled very quickly in his first game at this level and Andrew THOMPSON who gave an excellent and gritty performance after his late switch from the second row to prop.