Whitley Bay Rockcliff 2nd XV 60 - Blyth 2nd XV 12
The Vikings capped a resurgence from a difficult season, in which they stepped down from the CANDY league owing to lack of numbers, to win the Northumberland RU Number 3 Cup against Blyth at Northern's ground, McCracken Park.
Winger Luke Pickerill got the Vikings off to a great start with an early try, converted by stand off Evan Bradford, for 7 0. Captain and scrum half David Neasham then touched down for the Viking's second, unconverted, try which was quickly followed by Bradford and centre Rob Straker both crossing the whitewash. Bradford converted both to put Rockcliff 26 0 up.
The Vikings were dominating play despite Blyth's valiant efforts, and back row Michael Cooper scored twice, with both efforts converted by Bradford, for 40 0. As half time approached Pickerill scored his second try of the game and 45 0 at the break.
Cooper was quick off the mark in the second half, securing his hat trick, but Blyth stuck at it and were rewarded with their opening, converted, try shortly afterwards. Neasham replied with his second of the match, before Blyth scored again, unconverted, for 55 12.
Full back Connor Ball had the final say though, scoring the Viking's tenth try of the match for 60 12 at full time, and the Vikings secured the Number 3 Cup for the first time since 1934.
The Vikings capped a resurgence from a difficult season, in which they stepped down from the CANDY league owing to lack of numbers, to win the Northumberland RU Number 3 Cup against Blyth at Northern's ground, McCracken Park.
Winger Luke Pickerill got the Vikings off to a great start with an early try, converted by stand off Evan Bradford, for 7 0. Captain and scrum half David Neasham then touched down for the Viking's second, unconverted, try which was quickly followed by Bradford and centre Rob Straker both crossing the whitewash. Bradford converted both to put Rockcliff 26 0 up.
The Vikings were dominating play despite Blyth's valiant efforts, and back row Michael Cooper scored twice, with both efforts converted by Bradford, for 40 0. As half time approached Pickerill scored his second try of the game and 45 0 at the break.
Cooper was quick off the mark in the second half, securing his hat trick, but Blyth stuck at it and were rewarded with their opening, converted, try shortly afterwards. Neasham replied with his second of the match, before Blyth scored again, unconverted, for 55 12.
Full back Connor Ball had the final say though, scoring the Viking's tenth try of the match for 60 12 at full time, and the Vikings secured the Number 3 Cup for the first time since 1934.
