Houghton Boars took on a strong Consett 2nd team this week.

Boars kicked off, Conestt didn't collect and young Keegan Burnside ran onto the ball putting Houghton on the offensive, several drives forward by both backs and forwards saw the Boars into the Consett 22, however after some brilliant defensive work by Consett and some poor hands from the Boars backs it ended with a penalty against the Boars - Consett kick clear.

During this time there was a lot of penalties both for and against the Boars which stopped the free flowing game they like to play, Marc Lisle knocking a few passages of play on (in his defense its been a while since he's played!)

Boars break through the centre with Lee Bainbridge, the ball is quickly shifted towards the wing- a try scoring chance for the young winger Owen Charlton however he knocks on - sad times.

This seemed to wake Consett up and for the next 5 minutes they pressured the Houghton defense - they stood strong in their own 22 with some massive tackles, guards in place, backs defensive line speed was excellent and the pressure is released after Glenn Crowther wins a penalty for an excellent turn over in a ruck.

Boars attack from the penalty, backs look good from Paul Ridley moving the ball out to Lee Bainbridge who hits a great line but knocks on.

Penalty Boars - Gary Shepherd kicks for the corner - poor kick but bounces over the winger for a line out on 5 meters, Line out is good, Lee Bainbridge once again hits a brilliant line the ball bounces off his chest - scrum down to Consett.

Boars now under pressure again in their own 22, lots of possession for Consett however the ball is turned over on the Boars 5 meters line - again resolute defending, Richie Lydiatt gets the ball at point to set up the next phase but in a moment a of madness decides the best course of action is a cross field kick (from his own 5 meter line!!) this obviously got him the votes for DOTD. From the resulting line out Consett set up a catch and drive which they subsequently scored from, conversation missed 0 - 5.

The Boars push for some points of their own having seen most of their attacks pushed back by a great Consett defence, Gary Spoors collects the ball and bounces off 2 defenders, moves into the 22 and is tackled but manages to off loads and the ball is moved through the remaining backs only to see David Cummings knock on another good opportunity for a try.

Boars then push harder for the try however another knock on by Marc Lisle from a try scoring opportunity stops the attack in its tracks. Consett are struggling to release the pressure and give away a penalty right in front of the posts - Paul Ridley slots home to make it 3 - 5.

HT 3 - 5

Second half sees some changes for the Boars to ensure the colts are fit for their game on Sunday.

Neil Mcknight who has had a solid game in the scrum goes down injured with a back injury - Referee isn't happy for him to continue, Paul Teare who was also solid in the first half comes back on.

Consett kick a penalty long but misjudged the distance - Marc Willey catches the ball right on the touchline and manages to clear his lines.

The Boars pile on the pressure and Consett finally relent by giving a penalty which is kicked again by Paul Ridley 6 - 5 Boars!

Consett come straight back and their big centre who wouldn't be out of place on a basketball court runs a good line wide and offloads, some good phases of play come from this which culminates with a try for Consett in the corner - Conversion missed 6 - 10.

A few minutes later Consett try to attack with a kick which is collected by David Cummings on the half way line, he steps the first 2 chasers which opens the field of play up, he pins his lugs back on the outside and moves past another player, he's in the 22 now and at full pace, the Consett players cannot catch him and he runs over for a fantastic solo try - conversion missed 11 - 10.

For the next 10 - 15 minutes the play is sloppy y both teams as the physicality of the game is starting to make an impact on everyone, knock ons, scrums, lineouts, penalty count for both teams is on the increase and its become a game that is played between the 22 with neither team giving an inch.

Its the last minute and referee who has had a good game so far despite some dubious decisions (for both teams!) makes a call which doesnt look anything like a penalty (even the Consett coach was surprised) straight in front of the Boars posts - their 10 who has a great boot converts the penalty to make it 11 - 13 which kills the game off.

Full time 11 - 13

Man of the Match - David Cummings
DOTD - Richie Lydiatt