The bad weather also prevailed in the north-east as Aspatria's game at winless Durham City was marred by incessant rain.

Neither team mastered poor conditions, resulting in a game littered with handling errors, although the Black Reds were able to return with the spoils from a 14-0 victory.

In a close first half both teams had periods of dominance and good field position. Aspatria's lighter pack were under pressure in the set piece scrummaging but defensively they were well organised and Durham City looked unlikely to break the line. 

The visitors were near to taking the lead on twenty minutes when fly half Mike Scott intercepted a careless Durham pass in his own half. 

Scott raced for the line but was closed down by a fast defence and forced to kick. Aspatria winger, Mark Lister just lost out in the footrace for the ball.

At the close of the scoreless first half, intense pressure on Durham's line should have resulted in an Aspatria try but poor handling let the team down.

The second half started in spectacular fashion.  A poor restart from Durham City gifted the ball straight into the arms of second row, Mark Cottam. 

He made excellent ground before releasing the ball to start the best handling move of the game. 

Scrum half Jack Clegg and second-rower Dickie Miller were all present to keep the ball alive before a final pass to number eight Gary Hodgson (pictured in possession above) saw him through under the posts.

Near perfect rugby was completed by Scott adding the conversion.

This early score deflated the home team and Aspatria dominated from that point.

A second and decisive score followed on 55 minutes when Aspatria pressure resulted in Durham spilling the ball in their own half. Man of the match, Hodgson hacked through twice, diving on the ball to score his second. Scott had an easy conversion to take the score to 14-0.

The last twenty minutes were played with uncontested scrums when Aspatria prop Paul Miller suffered a knee injury. His replacement, Mike Tinnion lasted only five minutes before he too had to be helped to the touchline. 

The game was effectively finished at this point as Durham City’s set piece dominance was neutralised.  The game was played out with no further scores being added and Aspatria taking a valuable two points on the road.

Mark Beverley is featured above jumping well to secure possession for the Black Reds.

The mounting injury list at Aspatria will be causing concern and the coaches will also be worried about the penalty count against the team.

In breakdown situations the team is struggling to come to grips with the new experimental law variations which might cost them dear in closer games.

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