Honours even

They say games turn on a sixpence. This seem to revolve 360 degrees in every direction going.
For the Spartans, the omens weren't initially good, as they coughed up more turnovers than a German pastry chef. As a result, they found themselves on the end of a good old fashioned pasting, from our near neighbours, 55-15, with Adam Williams notching a brace and Aiden Wilkinson one, by way of consolation.
The Samurais, however, held Durham 70-70 in a try fest, Jack Cahill bagging a brace, Ryan Crossley (six), Josh Jobling (five) and Adam Shiels (one). Josh rescued a draw with a try saving tackle as Durham went for the jugular.
Next up, despite a spate of injuries, the Spartans returned from their mauling to match Durham, in an end-to-end clash. Big, South Pacific hits were the rule, as the Spartans fought back to claim a 45-40 victory. Jinking Sam Watson grabbed a try, Joe Cowley barrelling over for two, alongside Josh Jobling and Adam Williams, with Aiden sneaking over for a solo score.
Finally the Barbarian-esque Samurais claimed a second draw, 30-30, with Ryan plundering five tries and Jack one.
MVPs: Russell Chapman-Smith, for his never-say-die attitude.
Joe Calvert: Taking responsibility in the contact area.
Sunderland 15 Durham City 55
Sunderland 70 Durham City 70
Sunderland 45 Durham City 40
Sunderland 30 Durham City 30