Rovers Heughers got 2026 off to a good start with a 39 - 15 win over our nearest neighbours second team. 10 tries were scored between the two teams in an entertaining game.

Old Boys started the stronger and were first on the score sheet after a number 8 pick up on the 5 metre line was initially repulsed but Old Boys captain Rory Craig was on hand to force his way over for an unconverted try. The Heughers took the lead though when Brad Harrington powered over and Billy Lloyd added the extras. 7-5. We stretched the winning margin when co-captain Ste Railton scored a hat trick with two tries before half time and one after. All were examples of his pace and power with Billy converting one try. Old Boys had scored one try themselves so the score was 29-10 a few minutes into the second half.

Next in the score sheet was Harry Calvert who went over the whitewash from a number 8 pick up with what might well have been his first touch since coming on. Harry had replaced the returning Matty Wilson at number 8 with Chadders moving out to the wing where he used what is left of his pace to scoot down the touchline for a try. 34-10. Our final try was manufactured by a lovely slip pass by Kev Maguire. to the charging Billy Lloyd. I will say that again - Squid passed successfully. Old Boys had the last word with Anthony Lawrence making a good break to get the final score.

FT - Rovers Heughers 39 - 15 Old Boys A

As said earlier this was an entertaining game, played in good spirit and a fine advert for Hartlepool rugby in general. Credit must also go to referee Dean Lythgoe who had a fine game with the whistle

Our win was built on a Strong aggressive pack with backs capable of stretching the game and scoring.. It also helped having good numbers to be able to refresh the team at critical points.

It was good to see Connor Roarke back on a rugby field after a period of unavailability due to work commitments. Connor will be a useful and welcome addition for the second half of the season. It was a similar welcome back to Matty Wilson who made his annual appearance and looked like he had never been away. There wee a few contenders but man of the match went to Ethan Dodge for a hard working and effective display. Irish Ethan has been getting better and better over recent weeks so well done Irish.

Squad

Luke Widdowfield
Adam Reay
Nathan Harrison
Cameron Mould
Ste Railton (cc)
Luke Wolfe
Lee Burdon
Paul Arnell
Adam Strong
Dan Arnell
Connor Roarke
Tony Cooper (cc)
Davy Carroll
Billy Lloyd
Josh Wintersgill
Jacob Cairns
Ethan Dodge
Danny Brackstone
Josh Tyrrell
Brad Harrington
Squid Maguire
Cullen Watson
Harry Calvert
Joel Aloub
Ollie Dunn
Matty Wilson

Unused but certainly not unappreciated sub - Jamie Turner

Next week the Heughers do not have a scheduled fixture.