Sunderland Under-14s sign off for the season with impressive pair of victories

In the reduced length matches, the Ashbrooke youngsters proved too strong for a spirited Houghton side, running out 33-7 winners.

Fly-half Chris Rochelle orchestrated a fluid, attacking style, which constantly brought wingers Dylan Palfreyman and Farrell Parkin into the game.

Vincent Hessel grabbed a brace of tries, one converted by Rochelle, after skipping though Houghton’s despairing defence.

Not to be outdone, centre Zak Kennedy continued his rich scoring forn by powering through to score under the posts, with Rochelle adding the extras.

Up front, Isaac Mellefont and Alex Ryan combined well, with Russell Chapman-Smith an outstanding presence in defence.

As the 25-minute game wound down, Rochelle broke through the gain line to sprint clear, converting his own try.

Rookie scrum-half Thomas Hales finished the game with his debut try, demonstrating a devastating turn of pace. Rochelle adding the conversion.

In the second shortened game, Sunderland led from minute one, beating Consett 33-0.

With a dominant pack led by No 8 Adam Williams, second rower Jonathan James returned from from long-term injury to add aggression to the engine room.

Rochelle grabbed two tries and slotted three conversions, following scores from back rower Josh Jobling, Kennedy and a debut try for flying winger Rian Alderson.

Coaches paid tribute to Mellefont, Parkin and Palfreyman, who all turned out for their injury-hit opponents, showing the true spirit of rugby.