With an away BUCs victory for each side going into the clash, Newcastle had a slight edge over the Northumbria after knocking them out of the cup earlier in the month with an impressive 17-6 win.
With Newcastle at home and on 3G, Northumbria started very strong, causing problems for the Newcastle defence right off the bat. The persistence Northumbria showed quickly paid off, with two goals being scored in the first quarter from close range through narrow gaps in the defence.
Newcastle reorganised for the next quarter, led by senior players like captain Callum Counihan, and managed to create a few chances- even forcing two fouls giving them a two-man advantage in attack. Sadly, none of these materialised into goals, and the first half ended 2-0 to Northumbria.
"The persistence Northumbria showed quickly paid off"
The third quarter saw Newcastle immediately on the back foot, with a few fouls being called against them, and Northumbria capitalising with three goals in very quick succession. Despite this, Newcastle were resolute in their spirit, and thanks to Luke Ramsbottom, snuck in a goal before the quarter finished.
Newcastle came out resurgent, looking like a completely different side from the start and scored two goals through well-worked manoeuvres. However, Northumbria sadly regained possession and, after scoring once more, held possession to run down the clock for most of the quarter, with the match finishing 6-3 to Northumbria.
