1st XV 31-8 Gateshead

Morpeth ended their home league campaign with a comfortable win
against a spirited Gateshead side and thereby confirming their league
status for next season as well as climbing 2 places up the league.
It was also  significant that they did so in front of a lagre crowd of
Past Players who had attended Mitford Road for the annual luncheon.

Unlike last week's muddy conditions the ground was in excellent
condition for the game which took place in glorious sunshine.Morpeth
had the first opportunity with a Jinks penalty attempt that he pushed
wide,but Gateshead took the lead with a similar opportunity that took
them to a 3--0 lead.This was increased with a try in the corner when
Morpeth lost possession in a vulnerable position,the ball being turned
over,then a chip ahead allowed a touchdown.
Morpeth then took over,a superb pick-up by Barry Hills,picked up
impetus,with Charlton taking it on,Hills again with excellent hands
allowed Manley to score in the corner.Jinks converted superbly to make
the score 8--7.to Gateshead.
Skipper Wilkinson was the next on the scoresheet after a Mooney break,
Wilkinson was tap tackled but crawled over to make the score 12--8.
This lead was shortly increased when from a back row move Dawson
started and ended a set move,with assistance from Wilkinson,Stu Hills
and Dawson all contributing for the young number 8 to gallop through
for the touchdown,to make the halftime score 17--8.
The second half perhaps did not live up to the excellence of the first,
although another Manley score after good handling from Barry  Hills,
Wilkinson and Dawson.Jinks converted this score.
Morpeth ended their scoring with the ebullient veteran Jackson burrowing over
after pressure from a short range penalty.
The final score being 31--8.
This was an excellent performance from what is a young side in a
difficult season,a tribute to all the hard work from the coaching staff
skipper Wilkinson and all the players.

Next Saturday sees Morpeth on their travels ,away to Old Crossleyans in

the penultimate league game.  

This Wednesday also sees Morpeth on their travels away to Northern in

the County Cup Quarter Final ,6.30pm kickoff.