South Shields Westoe must play waiting game for DN1 play-off spot

South Shields Westoe have done all they can in the race to claim a DN1 play-off place after they clinched a 45-22 victory over a lowly, but determined, Gosforth side on Wednesday evening.

The latest victory sees Westoe in second place on 108 points, but with Consett having 106 points, and a game to play against Gateshead tomorrow, Westoe’s chances of a play-off place rests firmly in Consett’s hands.

With Gosforth having beaten Gateshead recently, Westoe knew they couldn’t take their opponents lightly.

Westoe started brightly enough, with their forwards all running hard, making inroads into the home side’s defences.

A couple of goods moves led to Paul Evans breaking away to score.

Gosforth responded with one of their own before Joe McKenzie added to Westoe’s score.

The home side responded well with two quick-fire tries that brought the score at the end of the first half to 17-12.

Gosforth got the first score of the second half, but that was to be their last score of the game.

Westoe upped their game and responded with two converted tries, even with two players in the sin bin.

Gosforth wheeled a scrum, but this allowed Judson to feed Arnold, who raced over the line to touchdown.

An error by Gosforth allowed Westoe to recycle the ball quickly for Foster to score under the posts.

Westoe, back to full strength, secured two more tries from McKenzie and Arnold after yet more mistakes by Gosforth.

The final try of the game came when the Kirton burst out of his own 22 after a Gosforth restart kick.

Kirton was then brought down, but Ramsay pounced to score in the corner.

Westoe’s first team still have a cup final to play against Barnard Castle on Tuesday, May 8, at Durham’s Hollow Drift ground. Kick-off is 7.30pm.

The Second team play their last game of the season tomorrow against Barnard Castle at home and after winning the Second’s Cup, they could possibly win promotion, if they win and Acklam lose.