The match marked a significant step forward for the set up that has gone from strength to strength this season and has still only lost four games all year.

Three of those have been against Wallsend Eagles and with Wallsend also finishing with the League Leaders' Shield, the Rockets were slight underdogs.

However, with Head Coach, Dave Townend naming a strong side, hopes were high.

The squad has caught the eye this year for its youthful make up complemented by influential more experienced players.

Unfortunately errors were a common theme through out the match and the Eagles scored three tries to take a 18-0 lead after half and hour. The Rockets were never able to wrestle the lead back but manfully kept in the game, going into the break at 18-6.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Wallsend outscoring the Rockets despite some tremendous effort from the orange and black.

The score was 34-12 before Cramlington managed two consolation tries to make the score a more respectable 34-22 but it was not to be enough and it was to be Wallsend's day.

"We are very proud of everyone today" said Rockets Chairman, Jeff Ball. "It can't be mentioned enough what an achievement it is to be here, in the final, with such a young squad.

They completely deserve to be here but full credit to Wallsend who executed their game plan better and regained the Trophy they last held back in 2015."

Ball continued: "Our lads will no doubt learn a lot from this experience. The older lads have been equally crucial and everyone has done a great job all season.

There is a long way to go and with the guidance of Dave Townend, who has been excellent in his first year at the club, I'm sure next year they will be going one better.

Finally, thank you to all the players, coaches and supporters for their efforts today and year. It's been another fantastic season for the Rockets.Roll on 2018."