The contrasting fortunes of junior rugby were readily demonstrated in this game. After the high of a magnificent County Cup semi-final win in the previous week, availability problems saw the Centurions field seven front row forwards in an unbalanced side against a useful Houghton outfit.

However, the score does not reflect the brave performances of hooker Brogan Miller and prop Owen Shield as a centre partnership with fellow props forwards Lewis Sparke and Rory Craney at number 8 and 2nd row respectively. All can be proud of their efforts as they sought to contain the rampant visitors. Indeed, the forward battle was very even with the actual front row of Ed Weir, Angus Whitelaw and Josh Dunlop more than holding their own, Callum Foxcroft providing a steady stream of line out ball and Ian Charlton with Jake Sloan scavenging well.
The key difference was the well-drilled three-quarter line of the visitors. Despite some good tackling by Ethan McLeod and Spencer Tolley there was always support on hand with genuine pace that allowed them to produce five sparkling tries in the first half to lead
31-0.

The pattern continued after the break and a further three tries were added before the Centurions were able to exert a little pressure. Half-backs Chris Kerr and Andrew Murray both went close on a few occasions, Shield made several powerful surges before Millar rounded off a nice move in style to score well deserved try. However, this was too little, too late.

The final play of the game saw Kerr receive a worrying neck injury as he vainly tried to prevent the visitors scoring another long range try. Thankfully, after some expert medical treatment , this resulted in some temporary pain rather than any worse damage.