We travelled to Barnard Castle to face opponents we had only played a month previous, and felt we knew a game plan that would work, only to see that our opponents had recruited more new players to the team, and these players would prove to be a thorn in our side.

A glorious sunny morning meant that it was perfect conditions for our style of rugby, we pushed them back with our kicks and kept them pinned deep with our defensive line, something we had done on our previous meeting, only this time they employed their new recruits, some great running from Barnard Castle showed that this wasn't going to be an easy match.

What was great to see was how well the boys adapted to the new style of play, Barnard Castle did not want a physical battle in the middle of the pitch, they wanted to pass the ball, our wingers moved across the pitch well to cover the onslaughts of attacks, probing each time, the boys worked well in pairs to ensure that minimal ground was made. when we got the ball we made use of it, passing the ball wide and using our fast-paced runners as direct straight-line play.

Our forwards more than held their own against some rather large U13's players who were playing down an age group, seeing rucks and mauls won over and over they did not become complacent knowing each time they would have competition.

A last-minute tackle into touch secured the win for Bishop but certainly a lot to be taken away to learn on, and something to be proud of.