Working in a six-team league with only a short amount of time in between matches was seriously a tough task but it did mean plenty of game-time for everyone.

Bishop's first game was against the Invitational team, Team Luke. Despite a slow start, it was a solid performance - with Bishop running out winners 25 -10. Celebrations were short-lived however, after finding out they would be playing in just 5 minutes against Sandal-based team 'The Codfathers'.

The fast turnaround did not go so well for the boys in blue - who at half time trailed by 5 tries. In the second half however, they managed to control much more of the play and used kicking to take off some pressure... and reduce the running! The second half was won by two tries- leaving the final score as a 27 to 10 loss.

The team really started to find their feet after this loss and quickly put together convincing wins over Darlington RFC (19-12) and host club Whitby (19-0) to set up a tough final league match against BA Legend Paul Brookes and his North East Barbarians team.

By this stage - fatigue had set in and tactical thinking and control were the main factors. In theory Bishop could have gone into the final with a loss but that proved not to be the case as some outstanding work across all players meant Bishop Auckland would meet their previous conquerors 'The Codfathers' in the final.

With a 25 minute rest most of the side were ready to go - but it was the end of the line for newly-appointed Club Captain, Chris Liddle (hamstring) and the tough tackling Liam Higgins who picked up a shoulder injury against Darlington.

Despite losing to the Codfathers earlier in the day - Bishop Auckland were very optimistic about their chances, and rightly so. They played some superb Rugby throughout the tournament - and saved the best til last!

The game was a very close affair with both sides scoring early - it was the Codfathers securing a conversion to lead until the end of the first half when Will Munro intercepted a pass to secure the ball in good field position. Two phases later, Bishops scored - and when the Codfathers looked to score a certain breakaway try of their own - Munro ran the length of the field to tap tackle the winger and turn over the ball once more. From there - it was all Bishop Auckland and as confidence grew, so did the scoreline.

With most of the players dead on their feet - the referees whistle came as a very welcome end to an amazing and enjoyable day. Bishop Auckland 22 - Codfathers 7.

There were plenty of reasons to be happy about the tournament today. It was played in great spirit, by good teams. The Rugby was great and the weather was too. For Bishop Auckland, it was the team spirit that made the difference, and the new faces who stole the show! Our graduating Colts were outstanding. Great fun to be around and every single one of them worked so hard in a very gruelling tournament. For those players, it was a great taste of things to come - and we are very lucky to have them with us.

It would be tough to single out a player of the tournament - but it was fantastic to see James Wilkinson with his legendary Grandparents - Keith and Gail, soaking up what must have been a very proud day.

As Binnsy likes to say... "we start at the bottom of the hill again Tuesday", maybe not literally for these lads this week!