The Wearsiders began the day in third place in Regional 2 North and, on a greasy pitch, started the game showing why they have been the surprise package following their promotion.
The first ten minutes were spent in the West half with the visitors defending desperately on their line. Flanker Farai Chikumbirike did get over but the West forwards were able to get their bodies under the ball to earn a 22 drop out.
Back came Sunderland, but when the ball was lost in the tackle as the backs attacked down the right, West winger Max Tennant was quick to get his boot to the ball and set off on a chase up the wing. He was the first to the ball on the half-way and won a penalty as fullback Marc Edmundson put in a challenge.
The penalty kick to touch was West’s first venture into the home 22. They made the most of it as the backs ran the ball with full-back Will Hilditch coming into the line to dive over (above) despite the attentions of two defenders. Jobe Roxby adding the extras.
In previous games this season the West pack has dominated the scrum only to batter the opposition try-line without too much success. The boot was on the other foot in this game with Sunderland winning the early exchanges, until some front row interpretations were resolved with Roxby wide with a 40 metre penalty attempt.
However, Sunderland had the best of the line-out throughout and set about getting themselves back on equal term. They found a resolute West defence and it was still 7-0 at the break - despite a final five minutes where Sunderland opted for scrums as they won several penalties in the West 22. They managed to reach the line but couldn’t cross it .
Sunderland began the second half with the same energy. However, they had to wait until the 55th minute to get on the scoreboard - fly-half Ben Hutchinson successful with a long range penalty after West strayed offside..
Matt Siddle responded with a sharp break up the left to set up some West pressure which ended with a penalty for offside in the home 22. Roxby gratefully slotting the three points.
His colleagues set about defending that one score lead with some tenacious tackling as Sunderland, and their supporters, became increasingly frustrated. The hosts finally achieving a score with just five minutes left on the clock. It came from a catch and drive after West were penalised on their 22- this time Chikumbirike was unstoppable and it looked like the conversion would level the score.
Fortunately for West, Hutchinson was wide with a relatively straightforward shot at goal. He then had a much trickier penalty attempt from 45 metres after Nick Bennions was penalised for holding on , but that was also wide.
Now, firmly believing this was their day, West forced their way into the home 22 as the final whistle beckoned and, when they were awarded a penalty wide on the left touchline, it looked like the shot at goal option was being taken to run the clock down. That wasn’t good enough for Roxby who continued his remarkable goal kicking record by sending the ball high and handsome between the posts.
That was the icing on the Christmas cake as the ball was booted into touch from the restart.
In two games between these teams only four tries were scored with Sunderland shading an equally tight game 13-11 in September. Both games hard fought and thoroughly absorbing. Merry Christmas.
Sunderland: Marc Edmundson, Jack Hadlington, Adam Stormont, Ethan Sutcliffe, Zach Campbell, Ben Hutchinson, Alex Lamb, Kieron Hanlon (capt), Peter Harrison, Devrim Koca, Oliver Farren, Luke Bryan-Victory, Marcus Harris, Farai Chikumbirike, Michael Holder.
Reps (all used): Mason Burnett, Jake Wrightson, Dean Edmundson.
Try: Chikumbirike.
Pen: Hutchinson.
West: Will Hilditch, Sam Knight, Ollie Connolly, Peter Youll, Max Tennant, Jobe Roxby, Matt Siddle, Liam Pennick, Aidan Jackson-Smith, Andrew Rollins, Nick Bennions, Connor McLurg, Charlie Kay, Isaac Robinson, Chris Atkins (capt).
Reps (used): Ben Reed, Ryan O’Keefe. (Not used) Hayden Hodgson
Try: Hilditch.
Con: Roxby.
Pens Roxby (2)
Referee: Nick Evans (Durham Society)