Sunderland really turned up today against a weak but game Rockliffe side. The Tynesiders were short of players so the hosts loaned them two players each half to even up numbers.

The local lads were really up for the game today and started scoring very early. They put together some sound basic play and some cracking moves from the training ground. Amassing points breeds confidence and this showed for most of the game. A number of players got on the score sheet, including three of the recent additions, Pearson, Brown and Allen. Other guys played in different positions in the absence of two key players, and all acquitted themselves well. A fine team performance put the super fast Carr through on four occasions, the centres broke the oppositioin line frequently, and the forwards won some excellent ball to set things up.

Man of the match went to Allen for a powerful and skilled performance throughout, but to a man the side performed excellently. Well done, lads!

And that on the day Sunderland went on to humiliate Chelsea in the premier league. And...following England's cracking show yesterday. Think I've died and gone to heaven!