With honours even last season Redcar were hopeful of continuing their winning run (of 1 game ) with the visit of Durham.

Redcar dominated the opening minutes and in their customary fashion conceded a try in the corner which Durham failed to convert.

Both sides were evenly matched with the bigger Redcar forwards dominating the tight and the fast running Backs dominating the open play. Redcar tied the scores when Andy Benbow broke from the 22 to score. He failed with his conversion attempt. Redcar then dominated the rest of the half put gave up possession too easily. Mike Philo went over the line but the referee disallowed the try as he was unable to see the ball grounded.

Half time saw the sides matched at five all.

Again Redcar used their size advantage to make progress into the opposition half but good tackling by Durham out. Luke Junior scored from a set scrum converted by Andy B to give Redcar a 12- 5 lead which they kept for most of the second half.

The final 5 minutes saw a flurry of action with Durham scoring under the posts to draw level followed by a second try to take them into the lead with 2 minutes to go. Redcar drove upfield and Steve Johnson was forced over the line under the posts. Andy B Converted to take Redcar into what should have been an unassailable lead. However Durham were not finished and following a break from their own 22 scored in the last play of the game to take the honours with a 24-19 win.

Whilst it was disappointing to lose it was excellent to play in a highly competitive match with 2 closely matched sides. We will look forward to the return fixture

Mick