Sedgefield’s first home outing of the season delivered exactly what the supporters hoped for: hard graft up front, sharp finishing out wide, and a second-half surge that sealed a deserved 39–24 win.

First half
North Shields opened the scoring with an early penalty, but Sedgefield settled quickly and found their rhythm. A crisp phase-play move released Kyle Sutcliffe (shirt 13, sponsored by Ian Mitchell Scaffolding & Ground Works) to finish strongly in the corner, with Phil Greenbank (shirt 12, sponsored by Country & Commercial Finance Ltd) adding the conversion. The visitors hit back with a converted try to retake the lead, only for Greenbank to level matters with a composed penalty before the break.
Half-time: 10–10.

Second half
After the restart Sedgefield took control. Captain Mitch Corney (shirt 8, sponsored by DualBound) crashed over from close range, Greenbank converting, and a penalty soon after stretched the advantage. With momentum building and the home crowd in full voice, Joseph Taylor (shirt 14, sponsored by Tweeddale Racing) finished a sweeping counter to make it 25–10.

North Shields replied with a converted score, but Sedgefield’s composure told: Greenbank spotted space to dot down himself and then knocked over the extras. Corney’s second try—again off the back of powerful forward carries—pushed the game beyond doubt, Greenbank converting for 39–17. A late rally from the visitors added a converted try, but the result never looked in danger as Sedgefield closed it out professionally.
Full-time: Sedgefield 39–24 North Shields.

Scorers (Sedgefield)
• Mitch Corney – 2 tries
• Joseph Taylor – 1 try
• Kyle Sutcliffe – 1 try
• Phil Greenbank – 1 try, 4 conversions, 2 penalties

Awards
• Man of the Match: Captain Mitch Corney — led from the front, set the tone physically, and grabbed two decisive scores.
• Committee Man of the Match: Joseph Taylor — lively all afternoon and clinical when the chance came.

Welfare note
Best wishes to Tom Ducker, who left the field after a heavy collision and a nasty cut. Early reports are positive; Tom will follow the RFU’s graduated return-to-play protocol and we look forward to seeing him back as soon as it’s safe.

A confident, connected performance and a clear sign that the hard yards at training are paying off. Onwards and upwards.

Thank you to our sponsors
A massive thank you, as always, to our brilliant sponsors for their ongoing support:
• WB Engineers
• Apex Mouthguards
• Country & Commercial Finance
• PTL Taxis
• Franks Portlock
• The Hardwick Arms
• Rural Finance
• Hockings
• Hopper House
• Dualbound
?⚫️? Up the Sedge!