Finally - a game

It was end-to-end six nations stuff here as the U9s duked it out with West Hartlepool and Consett in the mud.
West faced the Samurais first up. Attack apparently ruled and with both sides on the offensive, the try count mounted.
Led by the outstanding Ryan Crossley (a hat-trick) and, back to his bulldozing best, Josh Jobling (five), it rained tries. Debutante Joseph Cowans added a lone score, while Aiden Wilkinson and Tom Howe provided the spark for the link up play. 45-40 up, with the last play of the game, Sunderland's defence crumbled as West equalised.
Final score: Sunderland Samurais 45 West Hartlepool 45.

The Spartans fared better, despite trailing 15-5, before a devastating trio of substitutes. Hard hitters Adam Shiels and Williams piled on the pressure, Shiels nabbing one, with Williams grabbing a brace. Jason Warrender showed determined tackling with Irwin offering some great cover breaks. Heading into a tie, at 20-20, Russell Chapman Smith notched his second of the game with some quick thinking, to see the Spartans out winners 25-20.
Final Score: Sunderland Spartans 25 West Hartlepool 20.

With Consett travelling with just four players, Sunderland topped up their team to fulfill the fixture. In both games, Consett, despite their doughty defence, found Sunderland too strong.
The Spartans, with Matthew Dodds excelling scoring a lone try, crossed the whitewash six times, Shiels (2), Williams (2) and the tough-as-teak Lewis Irwin rampaging through for a score, in a shortened game
Final Score: Sunderland 30 Consett 10.

The Samurais notched 11 tries and a series of turnovers in a fantastic display of running rugby. Tom Howe bagged a score, running onto a Crossley pop to crash over the line. Jobling, again showing his attacking power, claimed four, followed by Crossley ( four), Wilkinson (one) and Cowans his second of the day. Breathtaking stuff.
Final score: Sunderland 55 Consett 25.
Players of the day: Will Eachus, tackling and listening. Joseph Cowans, powerful running and tackling.