West started very slowly, with only young silverback Sancaster and Pop Larkin making tackles Consett’s strong runners were able to find gaps in Wests defence on a regular basis. Consett quickly establishing a 0-12 lead.

When West had the ball line breaks by Pop Larkin and Southern didn’t get rewarded due to slow support play leading to Consett turnovers.

A strong scrum leads to a turn-over (Caswell and Wood dominant in the tight) and some simple but effective passing in the backs released Jordan in space down the wing to score his first try of the afternoon. Zac adding extras from out wide 7-12.

Again, missed tackles cost along with some good offloading from Consett saw them cross the whitewash again, with extra added 7-19.

Half Time 7-19

Some encourage from Turner and Mixie at half time hoped to improve West second half. My points being perhaps more industrial than my counterparts! Front rows swapped, with Cam Allison who was playing prop for Consett letting us know their scrummage wasn’t very strong!!!

Unfortunately, we started the second half as we ended the first allowing Consett’s strong runners to dictate play. Pressure eventually rewarded with their 4^th try. 7-24

Mixie on for Cox! Very quickly Mixie off for Cox (phew). Mixie taking longer to take tracksuit off than he spent on the pitch. Spud cramping, he’s been watching too much footy!

Back to the game. Luke Bage makes a good little run, Consett’s 4^th try seems to have brought the stags to life, good support from Robson and Powell lets the ball get recycled and again simple hands allows Painter in for his second. Zac with extras 14-24.

From a Tyers catch and drive Jacob releases ball to backs whilst still going forward allowing the back line to use speed of hands to again see Painter go in at the corner. Extras added 21-24. Is the comeback on?

JLS was now starting to control matters at 10. Spud gamely taking ball on a hard line but he gets mashed, yet still recycled the ball. Once again, quick ball and simple hands sees Painter in corner for his 4^th Zac’s kicking again spot on, 28-24.

The Stags now playing all the rugby. Some great offloading and good running from Bage gave Imran the opportunity to go over in corner, Zac with extras 35-24.

Consett’s scrum half scores a great individual try going a full length 35-31. Mild panic!

Panic not a power break and offload from Powell sees Imran in corner for 2^nd and Stag’s 6th. Final play 40-31. Phew first win after 3 close games previously.

Full Time 40-31

MOM: Jordan Painter with 4 tries. A jug (for the hat-trick) and fines for wrong post-match attire made a successful afternoon expense! Special mentions

1. Cam Mould who played a full game at hooker for Consett and gave a 100% for 80 minutes.
2. Harry Siddle stuck in for a full shift on the tight head against the vastly experienced Ross Wood who enjoyed his afternoon introducing Harry to the dark arts.

Stags: Cox, Painter, Pop Larkin, Southern, Mehdi, JLS, Parker (J), Wood, Spud, Caswell, Tyers, Bage, Sancaster, Robson, Powell. Sub (all used) Mould, Siddle (H), Allison

Bait – Burger and Chips I believe.