Sunderland U14s vs Whitley Bay Rockcliff

Sunderland U14s entertained Whitley Bay Rockcliff at Hill View. The two sides met earlier in the season at Whitley Bay, with Sunderland running out 40-7 winners.
Whitley Bay raced out of the traps and went over in the third minute through an excellent try from their centre, who would play an instrumental part in the match. Sunderland responded well to the setback and went ahead with two tries from Louie Macari and Whitley Bay old boy Will Rolls. Louie Macari added a conversion to make it 12-5 but just before half-time, Whitley Bay scored another try through their centre to make it 12-10 at half-time.
The game became a tight affair in the second half and tries were traded with Sonny Hopper scoring for Sunderland to make it 17-10, only for Whitley Bay to respond quickly and their centre scoring an excellent solo try to complete his hat trick and tie the game 17-17. Sunderland had to dig deep as they were in a situation, which they hadn't encountered this season with being level with only 10 minutes left. Captain Sonny Hopper came to the rescue with two tries to complete a hat trick and with conversions from Louie Macari and Will Rolls, Sunderland eventually won 31-17.
A great victory against an excellent Whitley Bay Rockliff side, who competed throughout the match and the game was in the balance until the final few minutes. Star player went to the captain Sonny Hopper, who in the time of need, stood up and demonstrated both his leadership qualities and his playing ability in leading the team to victory with a hat trick of tries in a very difficult match.
Sunderland's next fixture will be the much anticipated semi-final with Darlington.