Blyth maintain 100% record with hard fought victory at Gosforth

Blyth travelled to Gosforth for their first away fixture on the 23/24 league campaign.
They expected a stern test and weren't disappointed by a slick Gosforth side who began the game strongly in a well drilled fashion playing with a high tempo which tested the Blyth defence from the opening moments. Blyth's defence looked organised & disciplined and appeared to be coping well until Gosforth opened the scoring with a well worked converted try after 6 minutes.
Blyth's young side reacted well and after 10 minutes of heavy defensive work they began to get a grip on the game and get on the front foot. Blyth narrowed the deficit with a penalty by Josh Ramsay after 11 minutes.
Blyth were now beginning to test the Gosforth defence with a good mixture of short hard running from the eager forward ball carriers, and a good kick and chase game exploiting the wide spaces in behind the Gosforth wingers. Blyth were rewarded with two tries in a five minute period by Omar Laidler & Ethan Hall both of which were converted by Ramsay.
Both sides showed ambition and threat and neither side was able to dominate possession for long periods in order to build a decisive lead. Gosforth hit back late in the first half with an excellent converted try from what looked like a rehearsed handling move created from clean line out ball. The visitors went into half time with a narrow 18-14 lead.
Blyth's pack was having a good day in the scrummage where they appeared to have dominance however the home side had the upper hand in the line out.
The home side had a couple of players sin binned during the second half for tackle related offences during the second half. Blyth failed to capitalise on their numerical advantage and passed up on two very kickable penalty opportunities, instead seeking tries. Gosforth however defended their line very well and survived the sin bins without conceding. The home side then went down the pitch and scored a try out wide from short range which was converted to secure a 21-18 lead.
On 64 minutes Blyth levelled the score with a penalty from Ramsay before almost immediately conceding a penalty just outside their own 22 to allow Gosforth a simple opportunity for 3 points to retake the lead.
Both sides were pushing hard for the win and the game looked over for the visitors after 69 minute when Gosforth exploited the narrow side and were justifiably awarded a penalty try when their winger was only thwarted from scoring out wide by a high tackle from Blyth's full back.
With 10 minutes left in the game Blyth were ten points down 31-21 but the youthful side never looked out of the game and continued to play with adventure. With 6 minutes to go they were rewarded when Corey Hart was driven over the line to score a try which went unconverted.
After 77 minutes and still 5 points down Blyth then scored what is likely to be their try of the season with a superb example of handling, support running and excellent decision making. Blyth ran the ball from deep and cut open the home sides defence to score a try close to the posts which Ramsay converted to secure a narrow 2 point lead.
Gosforth had a late opportunity on 79 minutes to secure victory when they were awarded a penalty just outside of the Blyth 22. The kick narrowly missed and Blyth were able to see out the last minute of the game to secure an excellent bonus point victory against a home side who will no doubt be involved near the top of the league standings come the end of the season.
Next Saturday Blyth welcome Wallsend to Plessey Road and will be looking to maintain their excellent winning start to the season.