ALNWICK Rugby Club's First team were unable to build on last seasons fifth place finish in the Durham & Northumberland League, Division One.

Hindered by lengthy injuries to two senior players, the Greensfield side could only muster a seventh place finish, racking up a tally of 19 points.

Related features:
- All of Alnwick RFC results, reports and Durham & Northumberland Division One table for 2007/08 season

Hector Brewis, chairman of rugby admitted: "It has been a disappointing season considering the multitude of talent coming through.

"Unfortunately, we lost our captain and vice-captain for half a season which meant we had a big hole to fill. On occasions we played some fantastic rugby but only on occasions."

This was epitomized by the stunning 47-3 win over North East rivals Sunderland at Greensfield.

The emphatic home win mirrored Alnwick's league form throughout the campaign, as they used home soil to good effect.

Of their nine league wins, six came at Greensfield.

Away from Division One, Alnwick made it through to the fourth round of the EDF Senior Vase before being knocked out by Horden while Northern knocked the blue 'n' golds out of the North Cup with a 43-22 victory.

The cup woe continued for Alnwick as they were unable to wrestle away the Brett Horse Trophy from Morpeth and the Bill Renton Claret Jug from Berwick.

Alnwick tumbled to a 27-0 defeat against old foes Morpeth in the traditional season opener before narrowly loosing out in the annual boxing day clash for the Bill Renton Jug.

Holders Berwick retained the prize for the fifth consecutive year as they edged past Alnwick 12-11.

Looking back at the season Hector praised first team coaches George Robson and Garry Hodgson and applauded the work of Andrew Shell, labelling him player of the season.

Shell, playing in his second full season, scored 14 tries.

Elsewhere, strong end of season finishes saw the second and the third team reach cup finals.

While the seconds were beaten by Tynedale IIs, the thirds grabbed cup glory by beating Prudhoe and Stocksfield in the Northumberland Junior Challenge Shield.