Heughers 67 - Northern 3

The game started with intent from the home team taking the first scrum against the head then a good lineout steal by newcomer Lee Maddison then quick ruck ball to Ben Durrans who scored with Daz Fawcett converting. He quickly followed this with a penalty to take it to 10 – 0 after only 5 minutes played.

Good lineout work and a steal by Tyrone Church from the visiting no8 set up a good position to drive over Fuzz Flounders. The touchline kick made it 17 – 0. this was followed by a rampant run by Cal Whitehead who set up quick ball for Daz to kick to the corner with Ste Railton going over in the corner. Yet again Daz hit an excellent conversion, then minutes later after simple passing saw Mick Railton score giving a healthy lead of 31 – 0 after only 25 minutes.

The home side were taking scrum ball off the visitors, exerting pressure at the line and the quick back row of man of the match Maddison, Whitehead and Church were causing havoc in the loose. Another visit to the Northern line saw Andrew Arnell who controlled the tempo of the game very well, nip in from a close ruck after strong runs from Durrans and Wise 36 – 0. Matty Stephenson was stopped short after good counter attacking by both Railtons but desent at a penalty decision saw the visitors move the full length of the pitch to convert a penalty. The indifferent form continued for the last 10 minutes of the first half to finish 36 – 3.

Rovers found their form again at the start of the second half with a jinking run by Durrans to score a converted try 43 – 3. Soon after good lineout play by Church and Hanley then interpassing gave Whitehead a converted try. The home side were playing with confidence again and an excellent run by Pinkey Graves after hard work from Maddison and Steve Railton gave him a deserved try 55 – 3.

Another quiet spell followed with penalties for silly infringements but the form returned with Callum Whitehead and Maddison linking well to give Matty Stephenson a try. Another good passing phase saw Mick Railton stopped short then a strong break by Whitehead who passed to Ben Little saw the prop in open space but he was unluckily chased down by the defence. A good effort after excellent scummaging throughout the game. The game finished with more good hands finished by Steve Railton and converted by Daz Fawcett.

Final score 67 – 3. Excellent rugby by a team full of potential. Northern were not as strong as they normally are but the lads need to take confidence from this display. I’m sure they will agree good training sessions and build up to the game helps to the overall performance of the team.