Saturday marked a landmark occasion for Sedgefield Rugby Club as the Saxons finally took to the field for their first competitive outing since April 2024, when they played a friendly against DMP Elizabethans IIs at Mowden Park. With 29 lads pulling on the Sedgefield shirt, it was a day that underlined what grassroots rugby is all about: pride, commitment, and enjoyment.

First Half

The Saxons got off to a sticky start, with early inexperience showing as Wensleydale crossed twice in the opening 20 minutes, converting one for a 0–12 lead. It took some words of encouragement from captain Frag to steady the ship, and once the Saxons found their rhythm the tide began to turn.

At 28 minutes, Jamie Wilson cut through to score Sedgefield’s first try of the day — the spark that brought the game to life. With the home support lifting, the Saxons went into half-time trailing 5–12 but with growing confidence.

Second Half

The restart saw Wensleydale extend their advantage with another try, but Sedgefield responded in style. Just five minutes later, Jonny Hall powered over, and Lewis White coolly slotted the conversion to narrow the score to 12–17.

Wensleydale weren’t done, striking back almost immediately with a converted try to restore a 12–24 lead. But the Saxons refused to fade. Andy Broere stormed over on 59 minutes to bring the game within touching distance, before a dramatic finale unfolded.

On 73 minutes, Lee Keillor leaped through to score and make it 22–24. The momentum was with Sedgefield, and the closing stages delivered pure drama. With just a minute left on the clock, Chris Parker finished off a sweeping move to touch down the winning try and send the crowd wild.

Then came Wiffen’s moment — a conversion attempt that will probably be remembered for all the wrong reasons! Let’s just say the ball had ideas of its own and nearly earned him “DotD" for comedy value alone.

Awards
• Man of the Match: Lewis White — outstanding energy and workload, everywhere on the park after stepping in at 9.
• Committee’s Man of the Match: Gavin Young — relentless engine, superb work rate , great debut.
• Dick of the Day: Chris Dawson attempted a kick that didn’t quite go to plan and gifted Wensleydale a chance — one that got him a good ribbing in the bar afterwards ?

A Day to Remember

Every single player who wore the Saxons shirt gave everything, playing with pride, passion, and smiles on their faces. With 29 lads turning up to represent Sedgefield, this felt like a true rebuild moment — proof of what’s possible when the club and community come together.

It may have started slow, but it finished with drama, determination, and sheer joy. What a day for the Saxons, and what a statement for grassroots rugby at Sedgefield.

The match was part of the Sedgefield Beer Festival, creating a fantastic atmosphere both on and off the pitch. And as if the Saxons’ win wasn’t enough, the day was topped off in style as England beat Canada 33–13 in the Women’s Rugby World Cup Final.

Onwards and upwards — here’s hoping the Saxons can make fixtures like this a regular part of the club calendar going forward.

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