A RESURGENT Border Park gave their younger opponents a 30-minute bashing as they played their first friendly fixture of the season.

In the first of, what is hoped, many similar games this season, the Kielder-based outfit played Northumbria University’s Poly Warriors under the floodlights at Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park ground.

The country’s most remote rugby club was in real danger of folding due to a lack of volunteers and players, but the rugby community rallied and agreed to bring Border back from the brink and fulfill at least 12 fixtures this campaign.

And they got off to a storming start as they ran in five tries to Poly’s two in the opening half hour, although the younger, fitter opponents were able to claw things back in the second half and claim a draw.

It took 15 minutes for Border to power up before getting the scoreboard ticking, Drew Patrick going over for a try which was converted by John Murray.

He was on kicking duties again soon after, adding another two points to his side’s tally after Jamie Murray went over for Border’s second try of the evening.

They were 19 points clear on 21 minutes with David Howe this time crossing the white line, with John Murray off target for the first time.

Poly responded with a converted try to take the score to 19-7, but Border were again 19 points clear minutes later when Micky Hall converted his own try.

The action was thick and fast and a penalty try was awarded to the Warriors following a high tackle, yet Park were again strong and made it five tries in the opening half hour with Adam Telfer this time scoring. Border continued to pour forward and replacement Gareth Little went over the line, with Hall converting.

However, Poly were keen to claw their way back into the game and their superior fitness levels provided a platform to put their opponents under pressure and they edged their way ahead as they looked to deny Border anything.

However, Border came roaring back and Jamie Murray’s try put them within two points, with Hall adding the extras from the tee to level..

There was late frustration for the Kielder side too as they were thwarted what they would have thought was a well deserved win as a last minute effort from Brogan Millar was disallowed by the ref.

The starting XV for Border Park was Ed Craney, Karl Main, Adam Telfer, Drew Patrick, Kevin Ridley, John Murray, Phil Teasdale, Graham Robson, Joe Northwood, Ben Archer, Jamie Murray, David Howe, Micky Hall, Adam Binks and John Walton. Subs: Gareth Little, Brogan Millar, Micky Brown, Rory Saint, Shaun Young, Graham Lindup.