In the morning and early afternoon, Middlesborough CC played a Durham County Select XI and this match was followed at 3.00 pm by Middlesbrough RUFC playing Wooden SpoonA-As.  Around 1,000 persons watched a competitive and fast moving match, with the visitors eventually emerging 32-17 victors.

Wooden SpoonA-As went into an early lead through tries by the fleet-footed Ian Dixon and James Clarke, almost as soon as he had replaced his injured twin Chris.  However the home side then scored twice and, with the aid of a conversion, were in the lead at half-time by 12-10.  Excellent support play and hard running resulted in four more tries in the second half for the Wooden SpoonA-As – two more by James Clarke and one each by Ross Batty and William Moala.  The latter scored in the last minute of the game, with his first touch of the ball, when he came on as a substitute on the right wing.  William, who had played in the IRB Sevens for Tonga, joins the 100+ Internationals who have played for the A-As.  Another to join this illustrious band was Scott Ridell who had played in the IRB Sevens for Scotland.

All in all a memorable day in the North East, with all the objectives met – increased exposure for Wooden Spoon, an enjoyable game of running Rugby, a victory and a lot of fun.  Many thanks to all who made it possible – the players who gave freely of their time at the end of a long hard season; Middlesborough RUFC, masterminded by former A-As’ player Mike Wright, who entertained us so generously; but above all to the inimitable duo of Shaun Cassidy, himself a former Middlesbrough player, and Andy Howells for all their efforts in assembling such a talented squad of 26 players.