PRUDHOE and Stocksfield continue to climb the Durham and Northumberland III table as they aim for a mid-table spot.

After languishing at the bottom of the division in the early periods of the season after being deducted points, they're now up to ninth as they moved up a place following their 16-5 success over West Hartlepool Technical Day School Old Boys.

And they have seventh spot in their sights as they head to Chester-le-Street, who currently occupy the position, at the weekend, as a maximum point victory could potentially move them to within two points of their rivals.

Prudhoe's victory in the reverse fixture in late November caused a bit of a stir and, while their fortunes have improved since, West have failed to win a game.

And they faced an uphill battle both literally and figuratively when Prudhoe, attacking down the hill on their home pitch at Stocksfield Cricket Club, took the lead after just three minutes when Steven Henderson stroked over a penalty following an offside infringement at the ruck.

It was the story of the game as the strong winds, individual errors and a general inability from both sides to play coherent, flowing rugby caused the first half to be a fairly drab affair.

The half was only brightened for P&S through two further kickable penalties from Henderson as he took the score to 9-0 at the break.

The second half began with the visitors driving forward and, from the first minute, they took the game to Prudhoe as they regularly reached the five metres line.

A spilled ball, though, was pounced upon by home winger Dan Gennery and he kept on going as he somehow danced his way out to 20 metres out, where he had a free run for a spectacular opening try. Henderson was spot on again with his kicking as he took the score to 16-0.

The visitors again came back and were camped out on the P&S line, although they were thwarted time and again by some resolute defending at the expense of a couple of penalties.

Prudhoe didn't heed the referee's warning and they were reduced to 14 men when Dave Rodgers found himself presented with a 10 minute rest after receiving a yellow card.

Hartlepool's pressure finally told when they were able to take advantage of the extra man, scoring what was to be the second try of the game.

It turned out to be a consolation, as West were unable to match Prudhoe in all areas with the exception of the line-out, whee both sides struggled to master the blustery breeze.