West set off for County Durham with a decent side given the longer list of unavailability’s/excuses and were bolstered with an unlikely cry on. The team were delighted to see Ian Wilson appear at the door of the changing room (carpet on the floor by the way – makes all the difference) in his gleaming white trainers, body warmer and freshly dyed hair. A player of this quality is always a boost to a Vets side – so much so he was put straight on the bench with the Management choosing to stick with the 62-year-old tried and tested Peter Wilkinson.

The game started at a decent lick (well above a walk anyway) with West attacking with Peter Wilkinson down the 1:80 gradient towards the lower valleys (local Simon Cavey had warned us of a slight undulation) of the pitch however a mistimed pass put Sedgefield in for an interception despite Titch’s best efforts to bring down their man. 5-0 con missed.

West were soon back on level terms after some determined forward play from Hamilton, Boatman with Ste Wilson crossing the white wash. Moss hitting the post with the conversion 5-5.

Campbell had his nose rearranged (again) from a stray arm or three and was replaced for a period by the freshly epilated and waxed Wilson who shone a bright light through the gloom on his arrival.

They scored 2 – we scored 2 – our try scorers were out of Coley, Stocker and Liam but I can’t remember who exactly (sorry) – but they were good.

Half Time – scores level.

West started the second half going up the North Face of the pitch with the forwards setting off earlier with the Sherpas to try and reach base camp before light.

The most famous Sunderland export since the Nissan Micra then came up with the goods - Jonny Boatman outstretching his arm for a wonderfully worked try after drives from Richardson, Geritz and Campbell.

There was a real worry that the match was going to go to extra time - no one wanted anything silly like that.

West were soon to infringe and Sedge had no hesitation with only 3 on the clock to kick the penalty in front of the sticks to make it 22-20 to Sedge.

West had other ideas as to how this game was to pan out and kicked long only for Sedge to kick out on the 5-meter line. After a lineout, the ball went to Graham Frankland who made a magnificent break up the wing to cross for a try – however it was not to be when his best mate and fellow Sexagenarian ruled that part of his toe had entered touch. GF was furious – he told Wilky that it was a real shame.

Thankfully West then won the lineout against the head and after a series of drives by the forwards - in particular Stocker who was a right handful all afternoon - the ball was released to the backs and Paul Moss crashed over for a try – he held his nerve to slot the conversion and win the game for West.

Final score West 27 – 22 Sedgefield

A good game all-round – Sedgefield – decent set of lads – made us feel very welcome – thank you.

Team – Started the game but mostly finished: Geritz, Hamilton, Stockdale, Dixon, Wilson S, Campbell, Richardson, Boatman J, Cole, Parker (c), Larkin, Moss, Dowie, Wilkinson, Titch

Finished: Wilson I, Frankland

Technical: Bren and Napper – no sausage rolls mind

Spectators:- Cavey, Siddle, Donna Boatman and the 2 kids

Media: Kathryn Waites

Ref: Colin Davidson (Durham Society)

Bait: Pie and Peas – very nice - likely from George Bolams

Man of the match – Mixie