Rugby: Sunderland revival can't halt Richmondshire

The home club’s pressure told as they built a comfortable lead.

The Yorkshire side were 17-5 in front at the break, with Sunderland’s only points coming from number 8 Luke Robinson, who scored a pushover scrum.

The introduction of player-coach Martin Watt into the back row at half-time saw Sunderland pull their game together, with more shape and better continuity.

Scrum-half Brad Fish finished a set play out wide for the Ashbrooke side’s second try, before Watt completed Sunderland’s scoring for the day as he finished wide left after some good phases of play.

Richmondshire, however, were not done and further scores took final score to 31-17.

Sunderland are back in action at home this coming weekend, against a Whitley Bay Rockcliff side who have won one of their three matches so far.

The Wearsiders are one of three clubs to have been beaten in each match, but have one point on the board, a losing bonus point, while Winlaton Vulcans are yet to get off the mark.

Sunderland’s second XV suffered a five-point defeat to visitors Seghill as they opened their home league campaign at Ashbrooke.

Young Colts John Turner and Chris Crago played their first senior league games, with Turner bagging a try on his debut.

Harry Connell grabbed a brace and Robin Watson added to the scoring.