A much changed Heughers were once more grateful to be able to call on our Colts in an entertaining game against Upper Eden 2nds - whose 1st team play 2 leagues above ours. In all the Heughers had 6 Colts playing with there being a further 2 in the 1st team squad.

Upper Eden had put over 80 points on Old Boys A the week before and were obviously a serious side on their day. And there was some trepidation about how the much changed Heughers with only 3 specialist backs would fare. While Upper Eden were the better, more settled side and deserved their win the battling Heughers were by no means outclassed and the game was competitive throughout and more even than the score suggests.

Rovers tries were scored by first Freman Lane following forward pressure. Then Lee Burdon crashed over. This was all the more praiseworthy given Lee only turned up to watch and then went home to get his boots to turn out in the second half. Davy Carroll notched the final try of the game with another powerful drive. The guesting Chris Sewell was our least worst option at goal kicking and he put in a creditable performance by converting 2 out of 3 tries. Thanks to both Chris and Lee for helping us out.

All the Colts played well and showed they will have a major role to play in the future of Hartlepool Rovers. Ollie Dunn and Kian Higham were a powerful second row combination. Joe Ward and Joel Aloub were mobile across the park and a reliable source of lineout ball. Reece Hughes showed his adaptability by switching to full back where he performed admirably. And it was another versatile player Jake McMorris who notched the Man of the Match award with an impressive display at centre.

I make it that brings the number of different players who have turned out for the Heughers to 74.

Squad

R Hughes
D Brackstone
J McMorris
N Harrison
L Burdon
D Barker
C Sewell
A Strong
D Carroll
A Cooper (c)
Josh Wintersgill
J Cairns
J Ward
O Dunn
M Bradley
K Higham
J Aloub
F Lane

The Heughers next scheduled fixture is between Xmas and New Year away at West Stags