The new look 4th team, started their league campaign on a "Wet Wet Wet" afternoon. A new challenge for the young Durham side, with most of last years 5th team moving up into the 4ths. The chance of the playing in a higher league with more adult opposition will help develop them physically and mentally. The support of the 4th team regulars from last season will strengthen the squad and it is hoped overall the team will become more competitive as the season continues.

The first half started with Durham demonstrating some lovely flowing passing hockey and they were the stronger side creating scoring opportunities early on. Matty Page, Sonny Pearce and Patrick Nicholson all stretching the oppositions defence, by getting wide and running at the defence. The midfield trio of James Plyming, Toby Fisher and Nicholas Royle linked up well supplying the forwards with through passes and creating a lot of 2 v1s in their build up play. Newcastle gradually started to get into the game and they finished the first half on top. Durham Goalkeeper Raj Singh kept Durham in the game with excellent saves and coming out to meet the opposition players at the top of D. Steve Doran did his usual role, putting his body on the line, stopping shots on line and basically last man standing on the line. Half time score 0-0.

Newcastle pressure finally paid off early in the second half when they capitalised on a Durham mistake. They broke into the D and slotted the ball beyond Raj. Newcastle almost added a second, but a foul in the build up play on Mark Scott, meant the goal was ruled out. The Durham defence stood firm, with Harry Oliver, Xander Royle and Mark Petterson all contributing to reducing Newcastle to a few shots at goal. Goalkeeper Raj was once again superb, stepping up to the mark, closing players down and flinging himself about in the D. Durham almost equalised in the final minutes of the game with a break a way which was almost converted by Matty Page. Considering this was the majority of teams first experience of senior league hockey, the technical brilliance of the young team ensured the opposition had to work hard for the their win. Next week the squad is on the road, travelling to sunny Darlington.

Team
R. Singh
A.Fisher (capt)
T. Fisher
M.Scott
S.Dorans
H.Oliver
A.Royle
J.Plyming
N.Royle
S.Campbell
P.Nicholson
S.Pearce
T.Steel
M.Page
J.Stewart