The Centurions returned to action in the County Cup having completed their Candy Aln League programme, where they were just pipped for the title by Ashington in the final game of the league season.

They came up against a very strong Alnwick team and conceded an early try when a series of missed tackles allowed a long range break out. Helped by a strong wind half-backs Andy Harvey and Henry White responded well and broke out of their own half. Will Jonas carried well to the 22 metre line and locks Jeff Wheallans and Callum Foxcroft drove close to be rewarded by a scrum. The front row of Phil Scandle, Robbie Binks and Ed Weir held a distinct advantage in this department allowing Brogan Millar to pick and drive. Held just short, Binks popped up in support and bustled over for a try.

A lack of discipline allowed the home team to make ground with a series of penalties and touch down in the corner but the response was again good. Alex Birkenshaw carried powerfully, Arin Pekdemir continued the move with help from Graeme Hutton before fullback Seb Jansen appeared on the inside to finish well.

At this point the game was closely contested but, the ring-rusty visitors were a little disorganised after a four week break. A rampant Lions team had a purple patch in the 15 minutes before and after half-time scoring 3 excellent ties in each period that effectively sealed the victory to lead 46-10.

To their great credit the Centurions regrouped and finished the game strongly against the elements. The powerful Scandle brushed defenders aside as he surged forward. Ryan Laverty and Oliver Hillary ran strongly and the pugnacious Brogan Millar was on hand to pounce on the loose ball and dive under the posts with White slotting the conversion.

Further tries might have been scored as Jansen saw the ball slip from his grasp over the line, Jonas was held just short and James Brown was impeded as he tried to take a try-scoring pass after another lung-bursting Scandle charge.

At the other end Alnwick extended their lead despite a magnificent defensive tackle from Josh Schollick before the Centurions had the final say. Shaun Taylor cleverly turned defence into attack, found Harvey who danced around defenders to feed Hillary who showed his trademark jinking ability to score a beautiful try from the halfway line.

A disappointing defeat where the Centurions were competitive at the beginning and the end of a game in which Alnwick had too much firepower.