Sedgefield’s Saxons took another confident step forward against Barnard Castle IIs (Barny). After a season without Saxons fixtures, simply being back out there—three games in two months—speaks to lads turning up and smart recruiting. With a few boys out of position and Jack “Ando” Anderson skippering for the first time, the group showed real cohesion and intent. The scoreline flatters Barny; this was a far tighter contest on the grass.

First Half

Barny struck first, but the Saxons flipped the momentum through out-and-out determination. Wave after wave of tight carries, quick reloads, and discipline around the ruck built pressure; the penalty count mounted, and after a long spell camped on the line the referee went under the posts for a penalty try. With tails up, Sedgefield kept the tempo high and found width off hard midfield carries, freeing Jamie Wilson to finish smartly—No.10 Luke Rowland added the first of his conversions. The half remained evenly poised with both sides trading territory in a high-tempo, physical contest—no set-piece dominance, just sheer effort.
Half-time: 14–21 (Barny).

Second half

Barny nudged out to 14–24 and then 14–27 with successive penalties, before an unconverted try stretched it to 14–32. The Saxons rallied: sharp handling through contact released Jack Wiffen to score, Rowland converting for 21–32. Barny hit back with a converted try (21–39), but Sedgefield had the last word—another pile-up over the line that’s still being debated between Andy Fife and captain Jack “Ando” Anderson; Rowland slotted the extras to close it at 28–39.

Full-time: Sedgefield Saxons 28–39 Barnard Castle IIs

Scorers (Sedgefield)
• Penalty try (automatic 7)
• Jamie Wilson — 1 try (conv. Luke Rowland)
• Jack Wiffen — 1 try (conv. Luke Rowland)
• Team try — Andy Fife or Jack “Ando” Anderson (TBC, conv. Luke Rowland)
• Conversions: Luke Rowland (10) — 3/3

Awards
• Man of the Match: Billy Short — relentless work rate and physicality.
• Committee Man of the Match: Jamie Wilson — constant threat and a composed finish.
• Dick of the Day: Dan Martin — for a late second-half howler of a kick that had everyone in stitches.

Club notes

Huge thanks to Sarah for stepping in as physio, and to everyone who covered unfamiliar roles—exactly the commitment that’s rebuilding the Saxons. Well done to Ando on his first match as captain.

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 Saxons!