Starting Line-up : Strong, Stephenson, Bradley, Farrell, Chadbourne, Turner, Davis; Norman, Tindale, Gibbon, Barker (Captain), Thompson, Dean, Flounders, Devlin (Subs : Laybourn, Clark, Craig, Evans, Andrews, Brogden)

Rovers arrived for first game of the season to play away at a very well drilled and fit Houghton team.

The first half was one to forget, with Houghton being camped in Rover's half most of the match. This meant strength sapping defence required for 40 minutes. When the ball came from the scrum and was passed/moved, Rovers looked a better team.

Big mention in first half must go to Riley Davis who made at least three try saving tackles, keeping the score lower than it should have been.

The boys started and continued the second half much better, and fair to say just about the majority of time was spent in Houghton's half with no return - with Houghton scoring from long sprints from the breakdowns.

Positives in second half were some better ball from the scrum, and passing/moves from them. Occasionally, however, the ball was taken into contact, which had the forwards been up with play may have resulted in another phase of play - but most ball was lost in these areas.

There were some good line-out's in second half. Good throws from Tindale, with forwards creating mauls, meant we went close a couple of times on the blind side with Dean just coming up short, or going into touch before the line.

Everyone was out on their feet by end of the 80 minutes. Clear to see fitness is key going forward in the season, with improvement to bodies arriving/being at rucks/breakdowns required.

Thanks to the referee and to Houghton who were friendly hosts. Also big thanks to the parents and remaining u15's who couldn't play, but turned up to support the lads today.

Next game planned for this squad is for the u15's at home next Sunday 24th, in the Cup.

Everyone's support next Sunday would be appreciated.