The 2 sides had met 3 times previously this season with the playing record being totally equal with each team winning and losing once with the third game being drawn. So a close encounter was anticipated and so it proved.

The Heughers took the lead when 17 year old Harry Calvert drove over for a close range try that Frankie Coulson converted. Horden drew level when one of their forwards won a lineout and charged through to the line. 7-7. Horden stretched their lead when good handling along the line put a player over in the corner for an unconverted try. 7-12. The Heughers re-took the lead from a typical Davy Carroll who took a quick (well quick for him) 5 metre penalty and barrelled over the try line despite the efforts of 3 defenders. I think it was James Keers who added the conversion. 14-12. And we went further ahead with 2 more tries before half time. First Alex Rochester made a try for himself by looping around our backs and then cutting inside. Then Keers got the final pass after a good break from the centre. Both tries were converted (by Keers and Squid I think) to put us 26-12 at the half time break.

HT: Rovers Heughers 26 - 12 Horden 2s

Horden started the second half strongest and were rewarded with another try once more after good handling in the backs. Despite the try being right in the corner the conversion was a good one. 26-19. Both sides had chances before Harry Calvert effectively sealed our win with his second try. Which was converted by Squid. Despite going a man down for 10 minutes after a high tackle the Heughers held out for the win.

FT: Rovers Heughers 33 - 19 Horden 2s

Commiserations to Horden who gave us a very competitive game. And well done to referee Mark Harrington who kept the game from getting over competitive.

For Rovers it was a very welcome win which relied on everyone of our squad to play their part. With several injuries to contend with we needed each and every body. The 3 and a bit week break since we last played also played a part with a few lads feeling the pace by the end of the game.

While it was definitely a team effort there are just a few mentions that are deserved. Firstly to Harry Calvert who has now played 2 senior games and scored 2 tries in each. Harry will be a real force in our Colts team next season. He might have modelled himself on Andrew Dring who was immense in our back row. Until his legs gave up anyway. As well as his usual try Davy Carroll was an unusual source of ball at the back of the lineout where he must have won half a dozen of Horden's overthrows by the simple expedient of putting his hands up in the air. And well done to Captain Cooper who led his side from the front

On a less positive note Jon Sanderson broke his collar bone during the game and we wish him a very speedy recovery.