Rosslyn Park got the five points they needed at home to Blaydon to stay in third place in National League One and to maintain their title challenge.

But a spirited second half display from Blaydon made them fight all the way.

The win was achieved without back row stalwarts Hugo Ellis and Sam Shires, and Park will hope to have both men fit and available for selection for this Saturday’s long trip to North Yorkshire to play Wharfedale.

Park head coach Alex Codling said: “I thought some of the ambition and interplay with ball in hand in the first half was outstanding.

“To only be 15-3 up at half time with Blaydon having not visited our 22, we knew that the next score would be crucial and unfortunately it went to Blaydon and we made too many errors to kick on.

Pics and words: Rosslyn Park v Blaydon

“Credit to Blaydon, they are well organised and physical so to get the five-point win was great, but there is still plenty to work on.

“This week we face a big test away at Wharfedale and it will crucial to reduce our error count it we are to give ourselves an opportunity to get a result.”

Last season Park put in arguably their best away performance of the year to win at Wharfedale, but their picturesque stone-walled ground, with its sloping pitch, is never an easy place to win.

Especially in the heavy mud of winter. Park will need to put in another strong performance if they are to win.