We are delighted to have been present during the Westoe RFC Development Team’s victory in the Durham County Bowl Cup Final, against West Hartlepool which finished in a 24-19 victory.

South Shields Westoe RFC development team, sponsored by West Nautical, were playing in their first cup final in 3 years. The last one, in 2014 was when our Managing Director Geoff Moore played and lifted the trophy in a match, where he broke a disc in his neck.

The opponents West Hartlepool Stags, were the match favourites having remained undefeated all season and winning the league. However, Westoe the home side fought against the odds with a superb team performance.

In perfect conditions on a very large pitch, both teams played a fast running game and exchanged scores throughout the match. Westoe scoring first via Lewis Wilson, after some great positional play by fly half Graeme Tiffin. Despite this great start, West Hartlepool managed to score twice to end the first half 12-5 ahead.

In the second half Westoe rallied themselves and full back Jack Arnold managed to race 60m through the opponents’ defence to score under the posts, allowing an easy conversion for Tiffin. Quickly after the restart, Tiffin spotted Wilson on the wing and guided an inch perfect cross into his path for him to score and convert for Westoe to take the lead 19-12.

West Hartlepool were not to end there and they scored a converted try, to finish the match 19-19. As a Cup match this final score, caused extra time to be played meaning that the next points would bring victory.

After a failed drop-goal attempt by the usually very reliable Hartlepool fly half; Arnold for Westoe collected the miss-kick and with one of his trademark runs, carved through the defence to score in the corner. This run was matched down the touchline by the cheering of the large local crowd who had turned out to watch the team lift the cup.

Everyone at West Nautical wishes the players and club congratulations, and we are delighted to continue our sponsorship of such a great local club.

Read the full match report on the Westoe website here.