Stockton v Heughers Match Report

Stockton started well pressurising Rovers for the first 10 minutes and after an exchange of penalties went 3 points in front. Rovers bounced back with strong runs from Railton and Smith but lost Egglestone with a rib injury after strong Stockton scrummaging, replaced by Wise who also took over the captaincy.
After another spell of pressure, Stockton crossed the line for a converted try despite good defence and claims of not grounding the ball. A better spell for Rovers followed, Fawcett missed a penalty then after continued pressure a strong run from Whitehead resulted in an unconverted try, 10-5 to Stockton. Rovers continued to play well and after a good lineout Sainty kicked ahead for Railton who unfortunately knocked on at the line. Stockton finished the half with anothe penalty leaving the score at half time 13-5.
Into the 2nd half players were feeling the knocks with King coming off for new signing Duranns, Lythe and Little struggled and Bullock left to clear his head for a while after some hard runs and tackling. A good steal from Baxter saw Whitehead cross for a second try but the referee said he was held up. Breakdowns were becoming very scrappy and Rovers were coming off second best, often being penalised due to isolated runners not releasing the ball. After good defesive work by Rovers a dissapointing spell saw Stockton run through half-hearted tackles to score twice taking the score to 27-5.
The last move of the game saw Rovers finally passing the ball along the back line for the first time in the game for Railton to score a try in the corner. Final score Stockton 27 Rovers 10. Fair result on the day, hopefully we will see Stockton move into the Candy league soon.