Friday night lights

7.45 KO v Bishop Auckland 2nds

The Heughers are very grateful to Bishop 2nds for coming over on Friday to play under our RFU match standard lights. If you are a supporter the bar is open from 7.00 pm. If you are a prospective player looking for a run out bring your boots or contact one of our coaches as detailed later. Our players can look forward tomorrow to rugby, pizza and beer. What's not to like?

Firstly a big welcome to Mick Ingham who will be helping to run the Heughers this season. Mick's experience, enthusiasm and extensive contacts will be invaluable. Previous Anthony Smith and myself looked after the Heughers and styled ourselves, perhaps pompously, the SAS team. Maybe Mick and I will become known as the S&M duo. It has a certain ring to it.

Turning to the game we have a large squad available and all will get a run out. There is a fine mixture of promising youth, experienced warriors and some closer to pension age than when they first started playing. All are welcome and valued. Notably we have two serving RAF personnel with James Dixon and Tyler Dean flying in to play. Tyler is the most junior so he has to salute James before getting a pass. But coach Ste Smith should be getting loads of ball. He is Head of Sport at a local Bishop Auckland and is playing against current and former pupils. They are bound to give him the ball when asked. Or give Ste a bit of a dig when he isn't looking. We also welcome back Neil and Tom Stead back to Rovers. And we will be announcing more new players soon.

If you are interested in joining Hartlepool Rovers then our men's training is on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm. Or call Josh Bragman on 07944557795 or Steve Smith on +44 7817 789011 or Mark Power on 07951408659

Finally please note that there will be a minute"s silence, at Friday's and Saturday's games, to remember all those Rovers who died during lockdown. These include past President Mick Eccles, ex-players Andrew Arnell, Walter Ainslie, John Seymour and Mick Coull together with a much loved grand lady of Rovers in Joyce Bambrough. Our condolences also go to Seaham Rugby club as they mourn the recent death of their player Connor Drinkwater. Connor was a familiar opponent having played for West and Horden as well as Seaham. Our thoughts are with Seaham Rugby Club and all Connor's family and friends.

Squad to meet at 6.45 pm.

Physio is Liam Gallagher. Not that one; Buster's son.

A Guest
S Hann
J Dixon
S Railton
C Ross
C Sewell
A Rochester
P Arnell
S Buttery
S Smith
J Montgomery
J Slater
N Stead
T Stead
A Palmer
A Stokes
S Groom
D Hogg
J Tyrell
J Cairns
N Rayner
C Montgomery
D Barker
L Wallis
M Foster
Tyler Dean
G Hewitt
I Wallace

UTR