BBOB started best by scoring the first 2 tries. One was a well worked backs move but for the second we could have tackled a bit better. 12-0. We narrowed the gap when Ste Railton scored a typical rumbustious try. 12-5. Then Brigade stretched their lead further after a break through the centre. 19-5. However we came back and scored first through the guesting Henry Craggs- a score deeply appreciated by his Dad Paul and indeed all of the Brigade faithful. Then Randy got his second try following a delightful little pop pass from Ian Pinchen. Billy Lloyd had kicked one touchline conversion to draw the score at 19-19. Just before half time Brigade scored when one of their players collected his own grubber kick to score. 26-19.

Shane Jeffery was brought on at half time in the slightly unusual position of stand off. But Brigade then notched up two more tries to extend their lead to 40-19 and it looked like the Heughers were in for a hammering. But the lads had other ideas and mounted an impressive come back. Firstly Davy Carroll rumbled over from a 5 metre lineout. Which in itself was remarkable as we then had no-one in the pack who was light enough to lift so all the players just put their hands up and thankfully Brigade did not compete. 40-24. Then Darren Foster picked a lovely line for his first Rovers try. Well done Darren 40-29. Our next score was a penalty try as debutant Darren Merrilees was high tackled in the act of scoring. The Brigade tackler was yellow carded as was Kev Lawson for reacting too extremely to the tackle. 40-36. Virtually from the restart though we conceded a penalty for Ste Railton fending off a tackler with not enough of a bent arm apparently. Brigade sensibly took the points.43 - 36. There was still time for THE TRY though. From a lineout on our 10 metre line Jim Turner burst through and took everyone by surprise with his turn of pace. Especially the Brigade full back. The video is HERE 43-41. The ref indicated there was still one minute to play and this was extended further as we were awarded a few penalties but Brigade held out for the narrow win.

FT - BBOB 43 - 41 Rovers Heughers

Thanks to Brigade for the exciting and competitive game which was a great advert for junior rugby in Hartlepool. Both sides probably thought they deserved to win with Brigade never being behind the game whike the Heughers scored the most tries. The last 3 games at the Old Friarage have all been very close with a draw two years ago then a 3 point win for the Heughers last year followed by a 2 point win for Brigade yesterday. And thanks also to the Craggs twins Henry and Thomas who Brigade sporting loaned us to fill a couple of gaps we had at kick-off.

For the Heughers despite the narrow loss there was much to be pleased with. Even with a few late cry offs and no shows we had decent numbers. Certainly in the pack where we were boosted by the returning Mick Bradley, Mick Rennie, Gavin Whitehead and the Usain Bolt like Jim Turner. But it was winger Darren Merrilees on his debut that was awarded our man of the match. Darren tackled and ran hard and did very well. Well done!

Finally a get well soon to Nathan Harrison who fractured some some of his ribs. Speedy recovery Nathan. Try not to laugh.

Squad

Luke Widdowfield
Henry Craggs
Thomas Craggs
Darren Merrilees
Mick Railton
Nathan Harrison
Ste Railton ( cc )
Shane Jeffery
Dan Arnell
Davy Carroll
Tony Cooper (cc)
Billy Lloyd
Kev Lawson
Ian Pinchen
Jacob Cairns
Josh Wintersgill
Jamie Turner
Callum Whitehead
Gavin Whitehead
Mick Rennie
Mick Bradley
Darren Foster
Patrick O'Callaghan

Next week the Heughers have a free Saturday before being at home to Stockton Saracens on a fortnight's time.