There were three teams at the festival made up form about 5 clubs. Thanks to a few BBOB lad Rovers arrived with 17. Other teams represented were DMP, Ryton, Consett, Blaydon, and West End. The format was 15 a side, full pitch, 2 games, 15 mins each way. Rovers sat out the first game as DMP faced Consett.
The first game between DMP & Consett looked very serious and there were a few nervous faces amounsgt the relics. DMP went on to win their first game agains Consett.

Rovers first game was against DMP. The game started at break neck speed with Jimmy Mash making a number of quick dashes. It was nice to see Mash in a Rovers shirt again although it didn't last long. Mash is in fantastic shape thanks to CrossFit but it was a man who is an odd shape, The Pace who scored two tries for Rovers. One of them being a kick through and he lived up to his name to out Pace the defence to collect and go over. The next was the end of a good team move. Not sure who scored the rest but the Relics won.

The final game for the Relics was against Consett. Consett but up a good fight and took an early lead. Rovers hit back with a number of unanswered tries. The line out functioned perfectly with Cush hitting Liam every time. One of the best tries of the night was Tony Church finishing off a fine backs move, in the corner, and at the same time giving himself 3rd degree burns on his leg. Tony now has a few weeks of picking the scab off it and that lovely weeping feeling. Rovers had too much for Consett and won again comfortably.

It was a really good night of Vets rugby and a the opportunity play at Kingston Park was too good not to miss. It was good for the relics to meet up again and see a few faces back in a Rovers shirt that haven't played in a while. Cross fit Mash, Cush (good arras), Tottsy (international jet setter), and Lil to name but a few. It would be good to see them play more in a Rovers shirt for the 2nds.

There were a number of highlights. Mash pulling up with hamstring problems. He now knows that he is too quick for his body. Robbie doing everything not to score. Darren splitting his shorts after his recent weight gain. Tonys try. The Pace. Paul Arnell's kicking. Pinky looking like a proper back row player.

The evening was rounded off making new friends with a couple of lads from West End Rugby Club over several pies and pints in the bar. Thanks to the RFU, Bradders and Phil, for organising the event. Harry, Liam, and Andrew Arnell from BBOB for joining us. And a big thank you to Tony Church for organising's from the clubs point of view. There will be more games next season and a trip to Jersey on the cards again.