In typical Redcar fashion, this was a game of two halves with a sprinkling of poor discipline, but another game with more positives than negatives. Redcar kicked off the game, heading down the slope with the sun in their eyes. Redcar came close in the first 5 minutes as they attacked Barny, but they held on and cleared their lines. Some smart play eventually got Barny up the pitch, and they decided to take 3 points, 3 – 0. Redcar were the next to get the points after the restart as some good defensive work won them a penalty in front of the posts for Daniel Addison to kick the points, 3 – 3. Barny then took control of the game as they scored two converted tries tries on 13 mins and 31 mins before the end of the first half.

Half Time Barnard Castle 17 Redcar 3

Redcar started the second half a different team, they quickly attacked at Barny and were rewarded when quickly thinking from a free kick saw Brad Smith bundle over the line after 10 mins, Danny Addison converted, 17 – 10. Redcar continued to battle hard and were unfortunate not to come away with any points before Barny picked up their 4th try of the game on 60 mins which was converted, 24 – 10. The lads' heads did not go down, and after 65 mins got their second try of the game. A lovely pass from Lee Collins put Caleb Kasonali through for a try, 24 – 15, Caleb was then quickly to get his second try 5 mins later, as he cut an excellent line around the ruck and danced his way to the line, 24 – 20. With 10 mins to go scrum half Damo Buck picked up Redcar’s 4th try with a quick tap and go and run for the line, it was converted, 24 – 27. With Redcar in control and 4 points up, the home team piled on the pressure, Redcar stood their ground well and defended against a big physical pack and strong runners. However, Barny were to have the final score, with what can only be described as a madness of a final 4 minutes of a game and the home team bundled their way over in the dying seconds.
Final Score Barnard Castle 31 Redcar 27
(Thanks to Damian Buck for this report)