IT was a happy start to 2015 for Teesside trio Stockton, Redcar and Acklam as they shook off their post-Christmas blues and got back to winning ways in the league.
After three straight defeats in Durham and North One, fifth-placed Stockton made the short trip to Blackwell Meadows to face Darlington in a crunch derby duel.
Stockton were well on top in the early stages and Darlington put themselves under further pressure on seven minutes when one of their front row was binned for taking out Stockton skipper Steve Taylor in a lineout.
On 13 minutes Stockton scored their opening try when flanker Joe Green burst through the home defence, before passing to full-back Jonny Horner who scored under the posts.
Approaching half-time Stockton were reduced to 14 when Martin Dixon was carded for a high tackle, but despite this the visitors increased their lead when Jeremy Good slotted over another penalty.
A late Darlington try left the score at 13-12 in Stockton’s favour at the break, but a second half brace from Jack Aldus and a late score from winger Danny Phin wrapped up the points.
The promotion race in Durham and North Two continues to heat up with second-placed Redcar earning a narrow 15-14 win at Hartlepool.
That means it’s five consecutive wins under new coach Richie Young, ahead of next weekend’s crunch clash with promotion-chasing Acklam at Mackinlay Park.
Acklam remained hot on Redcar’s heels on Saturday following a 65-5 demolition of Seaton Carew at Talbot Park.
Dominant in attack, Acklam racked up 48 unanswered points before the break, and that trend continued after the break with Dean Roberts ending with four tries and Paul Roberts adding a brace.
In National Three North it was a tough start to the New Year for Billingham, who were beaten 41-20 at high-flying Sheffield Tigers.
Meanwhile Boro’s promotion push took another dent in Yorkshire One, following a 17-17 stalemate with Hullensians.
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