Taking place at Kingston Park stadium, both sides sported large and vocal support on the sidelines for what was always set to be a fascinating match up.

Both sides are unbeaten in the league but with Wallsend showing a superior points difference and a squad predominantly made up of U16s against the Rockets mainly U15s, it was the Rockets who were arguably slight underdogs.

In what was a ferocious battle, defence was paramount and opportunities slim. When play did open up, the Rockets opened scoring through Phillip Brantingham before his fellow prop, Oliver Robinson also crashed over, Alex Donaghy converting both scores.

Wallsend struck back with a converted score of their own before Fergus Simpson sniped over for a converted effort that took the score to 18-6 at half time.

The Eagles struck back after the break with two tries of their own, both well converted to take the score to 18-all.

With the pressure mounting, Donaghy scored and converted his own try before Owen Wright extended the gap to twelve points, with Donaghy maintaining his 100% kicking record.

With the clock ticking, Wallsend scored one more six-point try to take the score to 30-24 but ran out of time, prompting celebrations from those in orange when the full time whistle blew.

Having secured the Jean Galia Cup in France earlier in the month, it was the second trophy of the season for the boys from Cramlington.

With the game also playing as a league and cup double header, it means that victory over Gateshead Storm will see the Rockets secure the League Leaders Shield and put them in a strong position going into the forthcoming play-offs as the vie for a place in next month’s Grand Final.

“We are very proud of the whole team” said Rockets Chairman, Jeff Ball. “A lot of character was shown tonight and the players can rightly be delighted with what was a tremendous effort.

This is a very strong group and hopefully they can maintain the momentum through to the end of the season.”