On a cold February afternoon, the stage was set for a battle of wills at Gateshead. With a full squad to choose from after a week’s break, Tommy’s selection headache hinted at a fierce contest. And indeed, the match would prove to be exactly that, as the Shields were tested to their limits by the league leaders.

The game kicked off in heavy, unforgiving conditions, with Shields immediately applying pressure. But it was Gateshead who struck first, seizing the opportunity in the fifth minute after a knock-on in Shields' 22. Their lightning-quick play saw them swiftly breach the line for the first try of the day. A missed conversion left the score at 5-0, but the message was clear: Gateshead meant business.

A bitter blow struck soon after when play was halted for a lengthy delay due to a head injury. When the game resumed, Gateshead capitalized again. A dubious knock-on call from the referee went unnoticed, and within moments, Shields were under siege on their own try line. A desperate clearance kick didn’t halt the storm as Aaron Horvath was forced off with an injury just 11 minutes in, replaced by Jethro in a premature change that shook the visitors.

The next 10 minutes were marked by a relentless series of penalties against Shields, halting any chance of a sustained attack. A break down the left saw Gateshead regain ground, and as pressure mounted, the referee issued his first warning to the Shields’ captain, Marshall, for a lack of discipline. But it seemed fate was against them, as on their own 5-metre line, Shields could not capitalize on a clean lineout win.

The tide turned again when the home team drove forward, and a controversial yellow card for Carl Owens—suspected of diving into a tackle—saw Gateshead surge ahead, scoring in the left corner from the ensuing penalty. Further indignation for shields as Benji was carded for a high tackle in the run up to the try. 2 down, 10-0 down with still 15 minutes to go.

Where past Shields teams may have faltered, this new breed of players fought with fire in their bellies. With only 13 men on the field, Shields responded. From the restart, a knock-on put them in Gateshead’s 22, and after a scrappy but determined series of phases, Jack slotted a penalty, putting the score at 10-3. They weren’t done yet. Even with two men down, Shields recovered possession and, showing incredible resilience, launched an attack. However, a mistake soon gave Gateshead the ball back, and after a quick counter, the home side pushed further ahead with another breakaway try, making it 17-3.

But just as it seemed the game might slip beyond them, Shields found a glimmer of hope. Back to full strength, the forwards began to dominate. After a series of forward drives, it was the returning Dave Anderson who broke through, charging over the line for a try that had the traveling fans roaring. Jack’s perfect conversion brought the score back to 17-10 as the whistle blew for halftime. Shields had shown heart and grit, and they were very much still in the game.

The second half began with Shields pressing forward, their newfound aggression testing the Gateshead defence. The home team, rattled, found themselves under pressure as the visitors relentlessly pounded the line. The Shields forwards showed exceptional tenacity, forcing the league leaders back. But just as it looked like they were in control, a moment of hesitation on their own try line almost spelled disaster. Fortunately, their defence held strong, and the ball was cleared, giving Shields a brief respite.

Yet, the relentless pace of the match continued. Gateshead pushed again, and as the game entered its final 20 minutes, their quick, dynamic play found a way through. With the score now at 22-10 after another try in the corner, it seemed as though Gateshead might seal the win. But Shields weren't done. They camped out in Gateshead’s half, pressing with everything they had.

The final 10 minutes saw Shields throw everything at the home side, their forwards unyielding, but penalties continued to halt their progress. And just when it looked like Shields would break through, the referee’s yellow card for Kemsley and a contentious penalty for backchat gave Gateshead yet another escape.

A dramatic final phase saw Shields with a lineout just 5 meters from the Gateshead try line. The crowd held its breath as Shields drove forward, the ball just inches from the line. But in a cruel twist of fate, a late tackle from the side and a hand under the ball denied them the try. With one final whistle, the referee ended the match, leaving Shields feeling utterly aggrieved by the close call.

Despite the defeat, Shields had put up a magnificent fight against the league leaders. Gateshead’s quality may have won the day, but it was Shields’ unwavering spirit that captured the hearts of all who watched. With heads held high, Shields can take pride in their performance, and now, they turn their sights to next week’s home fixture against Ashington—a team that earlier in the season handed them a painful loss. It’s time to right that wrong.

Report by Jason Turner.

NORTH SHIELDS RFC

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