A TRIP to Bishop Auckland marked the halfway point of the season, and Guisborough were looking to maintain their unbeaten record against one of the top teams in the division.

The rain arrived as Guisborough kicked off and the visitors were put under pressure, giving away a series of penalties which culminated in Mitch Cannon being shown a yellow card, following a team warning by the referee. Undeterred, Guisborough fought back a wave of attacks and eventually made their way into Bishop Auckland territory. With their first meaningful attack, Guisborough registered the first points of the day. Rob Leggott and Michael Henderson carried well through the midfield, before recycled ball was shipped out to the left wing. Phil Shields spotted a gap and went over to score.

Bishop Auckland rallied, taking play into the Guisborough 22, but solid defending kept the home team from scoring. Eventually, Guisborough cleared with a fine run along the left wing by Ewan Cameron, before a penalty was awarded. It was kicked to touch, and Leggott caught from the line-out. The catch and drive took the opposition pack towards the try-line. Matthew Flint broke from the back of the maul and dived over to score.

The home team soon got onto the scoreboard when, after a penalty infringement, a kick at goal proved successful from 25 metres.

Conditions were tricky, but Guisborough showed good handling skills, and phase after phase put them within touching distance of the Bishop Auckland try-line. Heading underneath the posts, Michael MacDougall forced himself over. Jack Robinson added the extras.

MacDougall was soon in the thick of it again, as he moved forward towards the half-way line. Ben Wood burst through the central area and towards the opposition 22. Robinson passed left to Cameron who slipped past defenders and up to the line. Although halted, Leggott was in support and touched down to score the bonus point try.

Half time, Bishop Auckland 3 Guisborough 22.

The home team started the second half on the front foot. After a kicked clearance by Guisborough, Bishop Auckland attacked through their backs. A fine run along the left wing, from the half-way line, gave the hosts their first try of the game. A period of intense pressure by Bishop Auckland tested the opposition defence, before a superb kick by Robinson ended with a score for Henderson.

It seemed as though Guisborough had sufficient points on the board now, but Bishop Auckland had other ideas. As the visitors looked to attack from just inside the home team half, a looping pass was intercepted and a Bishop Auckland player had the pace to touch down under the posts. The conversion was successful. Attempting to redeem themselves, Guisborough took play into opposition territory through strong runs by Leggott and Ross Sadler.

Cameron evaded tackles on the left wing and took play towards the home team 22. As Guisborough launched an attack, Oli Muir attempted a trademark run through the central area. Checked, he passed the ball on, only to collapse to the ground in obvious pain. The game was halted and, with only seven minutes remaining, it was decided to end the game early, so that the Guisborough back-row player could receive the medical attention required.

Final score: Bishop Auckland 15 Guisborough 27

Muir will be a welcome addition to the supporters attending the last game of the year whilst he recuperates from his injury, when Guisborough entertain Sedgefield at Belmangate on Saturday.