The Ashbrooke side had travelled to Consett with high hopes of a victory that would establish a winning streak but they were undone by a keener and stronger side.

Consett took an early 7-0 lead but Sunderland struck back with a try by centre Tom Townsend converted by winger Sam Jordan.

Townsend struck again and scored a drop goal to give the Ashbrooke men a flattering 10-7 half-time advantage.

Perhaps the turning point in the game came when Sunderland centre John Gregson scored in the corner only for the try, much to the amazement of players and spectators alike, being ruled out when the home linesman judged that the player had gone into touch.

Consett, having thought that they were 15-7 down responded the more positively and justifiably ran out winners through a converted try and a penalty.

Sunderland seconds showed plenty of spirit, particularly in the forwards, but in the end were no match for a fitter, faster and well drilled Westoe who ran out 49-0 winners in the Candy League.

Sunderland thirds are definitely the team at Ashbrooke to watch at the
moment as the side extended their unbeaten start to the season with a fine 51-15 win over Gateshead.

Michael Simpson pitched in with three tries, while Mick Armstrong, Paul Lawson, Michael Lovstad, Jake Bellfield, Brian Green and John Grainger all scored one with Keith Richardson kicking two conversions and Bellfield one.