A DISAPPOINTING first half display saw Prudhoe and Stocksfield with a mountain to climb, trailing Wallsend by 29 points at the break.

There was a big improvement after the break, but they were never, realisitcally, going to claw back the deficit as they went down 46-7 in the end.

Wallsend were at their strongest this season, but Prudhoe were without a full pack, plus the leadership of captain of Chris Patterson.

And the hosts were only happy to take full advantage, running in six unanswered tries with P&S way off the required pace.

The half time whistle provided Prudhoe with the ideal opportunity to regather, and they came out for the restart a different side.

From the Wallsend kick off, P&S were on top as a scrum back was called as the kick failed to make 10 yards.

Having capitulated at every first half scrum, P&S shook their hosts with a solid push and take.

Carl Ferguson took the ball forward and into the opposing 22, and extra pressure from Prudhoe saw Dan Whiley cross for his side's opening try, which was converted by captain for the day Steven Henderson.

The scoreline looked slightly better at 29-7, and it was certainly a sign of intent from the visitors.

The game swung end-to-end during an entertaining second half, but Wallsend stepped things up a gear again to score two further tries.

They were also awarded a penalty try when a Prudhoe player impeded a Wallsend centre who looked likely to run the race for the ball. It was the Wallsend player who ended up being yellow carded for his reaction to the incident!

For a scratch Prudhoe team, there were positives in the form of two debutants, with another coming off the bench.

Ryan Chamberlain continues to show his versatility, making the move from the second row to hooker and then prop within the past two weeks to get things moving for his side.

Ben Archer again showed his talent stepping into the scrum half berth, epitomising Prudhoe's strong team spirit.

Things are already looking better for Saturday's visit to high flying Seaton Carew with half a dozen players expecting to be available following injury or other commitments.