Our current team have a number of u15's playing up an age level whilst the search for new blood continues. Meanwhile Sunderland arrived short and Evans & Craig agreed to play for the opposition to allow the game to proceed (yet again !!)

Unfortunately we went down by one try very early in the game. A try coming from midfield, with some neat footwork / sprinting getting the player over the line. Further points were scored by Sunderland, and Rover's had two converted returns (Chesterton & Dean, with Farrell converting both). A great surge through the centre created the first, with a level of drive & pressure creating the second.

Unfortunately Cameron Craig was injured during the first half, and following assessment of his injury he will be unavailable for some weeks - we all wish him a speedy recovery.

Half time: Rovers 14 - 26 Sunderland

It had been a very entertaining game thus far, if not frustrating. Rovers, in spirit, had the numerical advantage and have the skill and players to make it count. When the team play as a team, support at breakdowns and runners, when they run straight and pass, when tackles are made we can be a match for most teams. The team just need to think back to the first half of last season when we were playing very well.

Sunderland again dominated the points scoring this half, however, Rovers returned with two further trys from the returning Dixon and one from Farrell. Both were converted again by Farrell. Kicking from both teams during the match was excellent.

Rovers then "scored" the try of the century. Neat passing from a scrum just in Sunderland's half saw some lovely interchanges between Davis and Laybourn, with the latter going over the line. Great celebrations between the two lads (and some supporters.........) was cut short when everyone realized that the Ref had blown 2 minutes earlier. Nevermind.

An entertaining game. The lads need to apply what they do in training week after week.

Thanks to Sunderland and to our Referee. Onwards and upwards

Final Score : Rovers 28 - 45 Sunderland