Brigade made the journey from the Old Friarage to the New on Saturday and ran out winners in the Pyman Cup 1st round / quarter final. The Heughers await the results of the Seaton v Old Boys game on Wednesday to see if we go through as bestest losers.

The match was a close contest with both sides giving their all. Rovers scorers were English Ethan who took a lineout in the opposition 22 and bullied his way to the line. Next was Nathan Harrison who powered over in the corner after good passing along the line. Dazz nailed the touch line conversion. Then Michael Lamb scored a try with a beautiful in and out step that totally confused his opposite number. Dazz added the extras and also knocked over a penalty that may be significant.

Congratulations to Brigade on their win. They play West Stags, who they lost to recently, in the next round while the Heughers have to wait and see if we have a route through.

There were lots of positives to take from the game. Not least that players are still returning after a while away. James Dixon was available again after his Top Gun exploits while Patrick O'Callaghan made a welcome return after injury and less dangerous plumbing duties. This did mean we had a range of lineout options for a change. Brigade had a large squad and a reputation for scrummaging but despite our props both having to last the full 80 minutes I cannot recall us ever going backwards. Mike Ellis had another cracking game (this time in the centre) and Luke Widdowfield was prominent when he came on. Man of the match went to Liam Wood for his all round energy and ability.

Squad

L Widdowfield
K Wright
C Railton
N Harrison
SO Else
M Ellis
M Lamb
J Dixon
D Fawcett (c)
D Arnell
Dale
L Powell
D Carroll
A Cooper
L Collins
M Ryan
Irish Ethan
English Ethan
L Wood
AN Other
POC