So what started as a very cold and windy day and having to play on an unfamiliar ground due to weather, it turned out to be some day for Horden and Rovers on what could be labelled as a lions v Barbarians game against Billingham and Oldboys.

The day started with a good thorough warm up with only 17 lads being available and quickly stepping up to take on what looked like 40 players warming up across the pitch, which we can all agree is an intimidating start.

Game started with a very good defensive effort and a lot of communication and eagerness to make good hard tackles. As what has usually happened this season, the lads conceded a try early on in the game with Barbarians using the overlap well to beat us on the wing, after failing to crash ball through our solid defence.

The lads quickly restarted the game after identifying the mistake and restarted with some pace and aggression. Barbarians were waiting for the restart with a smile on their face which quickly dropped as the lads applied a lot of pressure on the Barbarians defence. Rucking very well and working the ball through the hands and continuing to make ground.

The lads remained focused and concentrated on what was required from them and remembered their training which was evidently clear throughout.

The lads soon gained a penalty try to bring us ahead in the game after Barbarians failed to convert. The penalty try game from a high tackle which denied Luke his try by a matter of inches. The lads did very well to remain focused and not get over confident but instead reset with an impressive level of focus.

This attitude displayed early in the game stuck with the lads throughout the whole game despite the Barbarians constantly bringing on fresh legs and using their mass of subs well to try and tire the lads. The Barbarians had some good strong ball carriers who were no match for the forwards tackling technique and line speed.

Realising this the Barbarians were smart enough and skillful enough to work the ball through hands and attempt to beat us on the outside wings. However, they were met with a stronger and quicker back line who dominated the open field and constantly shut the door on the Barbarians every attack.

The second half saw Harry and Carter replaced by Corey and new player Tom, who were just as impressive and brought on fresh set of legs which gave our backs and forwards the boost and continue to meet the Barbarians speed and attacking line.

The final try for us was scored by Luke who was too much for the Barbarians back line, after stepping, handing off and breaking through tackles made by the Barbarians to run over half the length of the pitch and score. Again the lads remained focused and did not lose concentration.

The fresh legs of the Barbarians did show in the later stages of the game which brought them into the game again by a try and conversion of narrowly beating us on the wing. The lads restarted with focused aggression and determination to score again, however, after a knock on by Barbarians resulting in us being award a scrum and winning the scrum, Daniel at 10 was wise enough to direct The ball to be kicked off the pitch and end the game with a very well deserved and hard fought win.

Andy, all the parents and watching in the cold wind and myself, as always were very proud of the lads and hopefully this display of awesome rugby by the lads will continue to grow. Well done to eveyone.

Final Score Horden and Rovers (Lions) 12-10 Oldboys and Billingham (Barbarians).

Reporter: Christopher Brown