Gateshead Storm 22 Woolston Rovers 24

DESPITE travelling to Tyneside with just 14 players, Woolston Rovers produced a stunning, backs-to-the-wall victory.

A blistering start saw Rovers go 24-0 up, with Alex Dunne, Ryan Brown, Will Chadwick and Harry Files scoring tries that were all converted by Lewis Hoarty.

They lost Kyle Brown to injury midway through the first half, leaving them with no interchanges for the remainder of the game

After reducing the lead to 24-6 at the break, hosts Gateshead stormed back to close the gap to just two points.

That forced a nervy final six minutes, but the depleted Rovers side held on for an impressive victory.

“That was an outstanding win for the lads in the circumstances,” Rovers head coach John Fieldhouse said.

“We knew that Gateshead would come back strongly at us, but the lads dug really deep for each other and got the win they deserved.

“To get the victory was down to every one of the boys showing plenty of grit, endeavour and support for each other.”

Rovers are now out of action until Saturday, May 19, when they travel to Clock Face Miners.

Woolston: Glyn Roberts; Alex Dunne, Dan Fearnley, Lewis Hoarty, Will Chadwick; Aaron Barber, Conner Muir; Kyle Brown, Ryan Brown, Jack Sherratt, Niall Toher, Ryan Hickman, Harry Files. Sub: Max Ainsworth.