A very strong athletic Stockton side saw a final score of 74-5. Rather than go through the game step by step I am opting for an overview with some key points.
 
Firstly, congratulations to Stockton on their performance of fast flowing rugby with some fantastic tries scored.  And a massive thank you for all the players lent so we could field 15.
 
The first point is a thank you to the two new signings, very new to rugby Pikey and Andy who did not look out of place at all. Looking forward to having you around lads.
 
This however leads me to my first point. Arron Pike or as he likes to be called Pikey had forgot a vital bit of equipment needed to start. A gum shield. This saw an extremely eager Mixie take the field early doors. Stockton were attacking from the off which was met with some strong West defence. Mixie really leading from the front regarding the tackle height took a boot to the eye for his efforts. Pikey gum shield in and on the pitch for a bruised Mixie.
 
The first half saw a lot of Stockton pressure throughout and some great running from forwards and backs which equates to a 48-0 half time.
 
A special mention to Sanny aka The Werewolf or more like The Hound Dog after his Saturday night performance of Jailhouse Rock, on yet again his outstanding defence. This did see him unfortunately hitting the bar early with a perfect strung up triangular bandage aiding his injured shoulder. Gez would be proud, nice to see all my time in the physio room has paid off.
 
Also some great defence from the more experienced of the team Larkin again, Toddy and Zac. Seeing some turn overs here and there.
 
HT 48-0
 
At this point the message from the coaches was very much to focus on your own game and what you want to get from it. Be it so many tackles, turning the ball over etc. etc..
 
Harry Siddle took this as an opportunity to lace on his kicking boots putting his older brother to shame with an exceptional 80/22. Not sure if he has been helping his brother practice but it’s paying off.
 
Larkin who had an exceptional game again took to a different sport and thought it was Monday 5 a side and went in with a technically perfect slide tackle on a grubber ball from one of the fast Stockton lads. The timing however we will leave for a different day.
 
Zac getting the ok from the coaches to kick it more saw a change in where the game was being played. An up in defence work from all the backs made it harder for Stockton to cross the line.
 
Unfortunately some holes still there and missed tackles so a point to work on for this weeks training and pre game warm up next week
 
Another mentions again for Andy and Pikey for just getting stuck right in.
 
A change in pressure and West putting some phases together ended in an unfortunate miss penalty to get some points on the board. This however lead to his first senior try by Sid living his best life on the wing. A grubber could have been added but he is clearly beyond his years and understands when to kick and when not to kick.
 
Some improvement from Dan in his defence and open play too.
 
Man of the match was Captain Mr Todd for his constant work rate even when the chips were down. And also lowering my blood pressure when frustration took over fascination for a short while.
 
A lot more available for next week so aiming for a different day at the office. Keep building and moving forward.
 
Post game grub good old pie and peas with the option for taking a full pie home showing Stockton hospitality which birthday boy Tyers took up before the words left Terry’s mouth.