Durham City v Sunderland

Sunderland RFC Under 10s were invited to Durham City for a midweek match on their floodlit first team pitch.

From the off Durham attacked with pace and determination and despite some fantastic tackling by Fletcher Jackson, Dean Edmundson and Reece Thompson, Durham managed to burst through for a score. Not to be dispirited Sunderland’s Ben Hutchinson made a lovely break almost equalising but stopped only yards from the try line. Durham responded well winning too many scrums and made headway into the Sunderland half once again, but a great run from Thompson gained much needed yards back into Durhams half. Both teams gave a great physical display and were well matched.Durham looked to score again as they broke away unchallenged up the wing being chased across the pitch by Edmundson who sprinted to make a great tackle only inches from the try line. Great tackling from Luke Newby and Devrim Koca kept Durham at bay, and finally Sunderland equalised with an excellent break by Hutchinson.

Half time score 1-1.

In the second half Sunderland gave Adam Armstrong his debut and brought on replacements Liam Wilde and Aidan Wayman, and despite some huge tackles by Wayman, Tye Hanlon and Michael Holder, Durham immediately went back in front. Sunderland would not concede further and fearless Fletcher Jackson burst through to score the equaliser. Armstrong prevented a further try scoring opportunity from Durham, and great industry from Matthew Sanderson in the centre enabled Wilde to score his first try. An excellent move from Durham saw them go close to tying, but Sunderland’s defence held firm for a great win 3 -2.

Both teams will look forward to a re-match on Sunday.