South Shields edged out by Bishop Auckland

South Shields, who were looking for a positive response after their loss last week to North Shields, saw head coach Stu Robson welcome back captain Clayton Fox and Matty Chaganis to the fold.

Bishop Auckland took the lead in the 22nd minute with a move against the run of play.

This sparked Shields into some great attacking play and only some brilliant Bishop defending prevented the home side from equalising when the returning Daniel Whitelaw was held up over the line.

Although Shields had the better of the play, it was Bishop who held a 7-0 half-time lead.

Robson rallied his troops at half-time and asked for a better response from his players, and boy did he get it.

A catch and drive resulted in Matty Thornton going over, followed shortly after by a James Pocklington penalty.

However, Shields conceded two tries out wide and responded with a fantastic well-worked try from Ian Arkley, to drag Shields within one score of a win.

Despite a tense final 10 minutes camped in Bishops half, Shields just couldn’t get that final try to secure the win.

Louis Kellett produced his best game for the club in a solid performance.

South Shields 2nd XV lost out at Rockcliff, losing 27-22.

A welcome return for Alex Roper was short lived when the fly-half went off with what looks like a serious ankle injury.

South Shields 3rd XV played host to Wallsend Warriors and narrowly lost out 31-32.