Tries
Venters, Henderson (2), Hosking,
Conversion
E Pritchard (1)
Squad
1 Hosking
2 Rowan
3 Henderson
4 Healy
5 O’Neill
6 McGrann
7 Foy
8 Venters
9 Kay
10 Grey
11 Pritchard
12 M Allmond
13 Thompson
14 Hutchinson
15 Niland
Subs
Elliott, Donkin, Dancer, M Pritchard
West End 22 – 21 Gateshead III
Another great performance from West End in a 7-try thriller against a worthy league champions in Gateshead.
On paper this match would be a big ask for the home side with the visitors losing just once this season. However, matches are not won on paper and a tough and competitive match ensued with West End gaining another W.
A familiar forward pack started with Jacob Foy reverting to flanker, Tony Kay (sporting some lovely new boots) at scrum half and a backline containing a worse for wear (self-inflicted) Harvey Thompson at 13 and Matt Allmond at 12. New recruit Jack Grey deputised at 10 after impressing in training during the week.
The game started with as expected, with a mighty battle both in the backs and the forwards. West End got the first points with when Chris Hosking was bundled over from short range after some dominant forward play.
Despite this Gateshead were initially the better team with their number 12 breaking through and scoring after some good back play. Another try came for West End when the human wrecking ball Callum Venters converting from a well worked catch and drive to score another this season.
West End then went ahead with a try when the big man Henderson spotted a mismatch opportunity on the blindside and ran in for his third of the season.
Shortly after this, another try came for Gateshead from a stray lineout in the West End 22 that was pounced on by a Gateshead forward and ran in. The try was converted bringing the score to 15-14 at the break. A number of players in the backline were withdrawn throughout the first half due to injuries and players deputising in unfamiliar positions doing a great job.
Gentle giant Paul O’Neill lost his head when he high tackled one player and was sin binned straight away. Despite a 7-man pack, West End held out in the scrums with some great technique on display. The match was also an opportunity to play some old-school rugby with some great competing at the breakdowns on both sides and some great interpretations of the rules.
The second half came and West End were ready when Deano scored another great solo try, which Ewan Pritchard duly converted, a man of many talents this kid.
Around the 50 minute mark, changes then came with John McGrann coming off for Matt Allmond, David Niland for Justen Elliott and Adam Healy off for Michael Pritchard. A break came when Ewan Pritchard ran from his man up the wing and kicked the ball over the players head to almost run in a try but the bounce ended up behind him. Another great performance for the youngster as he finished his first season as top try scorer.
Despite the positives on the day, Deano was withdrawn due to a shoulder injury and replaced by Stephen Dancer. The shirt swap on the pitch between the two athletes being an interesting spectacle however it was later revealed Henderson had sustained muscle tears in his shoulder. All at the club wishing Deano a speedy recovery in time for next weekend.
With the score down to 1 point, a tense final few minutes ensued with multiple penalties in dangerous positions for Gateshead. To much relief, the game then came to an end, it was a scrappy affair but West End came away with an important W.
Congratulations must go out to Gateshead who managed to keep the game on despite players being called up to higher teams, an excellent record in the league this season and worthy champions.
A historic season came to an end for West End at their new home, winning their first trophy ever and a solid top five finish in a new league after getting promoted last season. Next season should be a cracker and maybe promotion is on the table. Well done to every player who has been involved with the season. With next week being a tour fixture in Leeds not much rugby may actually take place.
