Sunderland Colts go down fighting, with very bright signs for next season

The largely Under-17 Wearsiders fell behind to an early try, but Luke Carroll levelled with a try in the corner, after a lovely move involving Dean Edmondson, Fletcher Jackson and Groark.

Jackson almost got on the end of a brilliant Ben Hutchinson kick, but Gateshead reached half-time 12-5 up, with their Fijian finding a gap to score under the posts.

Groark’s long-range second-half penalty drifted just wide before Gateshead extended their lead to 19-5.

Edmondson responded with an excellent try, converted by Groark, but a knock-on led to the final, unconverted Gateshead score.

With almost all the Ashbrooke lads able to have another crack at the Colts League next season, they can take heart from their efforts throughout a fine campaign.