14 man Blaydon unlucky to lose out in the last play of the game, Billingham RUFC 24, Blaydon RFC 22
Blaydon playoff campaign was dealt a big blow yesterday in a game where things just went against us; we lost 2 props so had to play with 14 players, (not being allowed to put on a sub when we went uncontested) a gale was blowing across the pitch so a penalty hit the post, we lost possession too cheaply in opposition 22 and then lost to the last play of the game.
Credit to Billingham their defence was good as Blaydon dominated possession and territory.
The playoff spot is now 3 team race with Harrogate coming into the mix, with Billingham holding the initiative, both Billingham and Harrogate have to play Hull. Blaydon have no remaining fixtures against top 4 teams, so Blaydon are not out of this yet
Billingham 24 Blaydon 22
The battle for the play-off spot in the North Premier League goes on after this close encounter that was only decided in the last play of the game. Billingham eventually took the honours with a score by Dan Burns, who appeared to have come from an offside position, and the final whistle was blown immediately after the Pete Evans conversion giving Blaydon no chance to respond.
Not only had it been a dubious winning score but Blaydon were reduced to 14 men for the last 5 minutes of the first half and all of the second because of injuries, prop Darren Fearn having gone off in only the 2nd minute with a serious knee problem.
The visitors made by far the better start and opened their account in the 4th minute after moving it through the forwards before full-back Nathan Bailey came in on the short ball to cross in the corner.
Jamie Guy was off-target with the conversion but put over a penalty on 18 minutes and then added the extras when Bailey went in again with an identical effort to his first.
Blaydon had dominated the first half up to the final minute when Billingham in a rare attack pulled back 5 points through winger Eldon Myers who found a gap at the end of a handling movement.
Trailing 5-15 at the break Billingham were immediately on the offensive and within 60 seconds of the whistle scored a second try when centre Luke Wilson went over, Evans converting, and then took the lead for the first time with a Sean Richardson effort.
Despite now playing against the wind and with a man short Blaydon were still the dominant force and regained the initiative with 8 minutes remaining. Great patience was shown in the build-up and after a long period of possession the ball was moved out to the wing and then quickly back again for second-row Harry Borthwick to touch down near the posts, Guy again on target.
With time running out they were still attacking but a wayward drop goal attempt was caught by the opposition and sent downfield. The home side now attacked and were twice repulsed but a Blaydon knock-on led to a ruck and the last minute try.
Billingham had started the game in 3rd position 1 point behind their rivals whom they have leapfrogged, but Blaydon with a losing bonus point are now 2 points in arrears with everything still to play for.
John Brennan
