Hartlepool B.B.O.B. RFC

Brigade moved themselves into a mid-table league position with an entertaining home win over Richmondshire, the game featuring a Peter Howe hat-trick of tries and seventeen points from stand off Ritchie Picknett. The early exchanges were even with both sets of forwards eager to gain the advantage in open and set play. A series of well judged kicks by Johnson and Picknett settled play in the visitors 22 where excellent lineout work from Walker and Starrs gave Brigade the edge, paving the way for the opening score. The ball was quickly moved away from the ruck, the hands of Howe and Coverdale sending Rory Craig over in the corner for Picknett to convert. Brigade continued to dominate and Picknett, following his kick into space, gathered to touch down wide out. The stand off added three points with a penalty before Howe caught the visitors unaware with a tap penalty and a five metre drive to gain the touchdown. Picknett converted to take Brigade's score to 25. Richmondshire rallied with a series of effective forward plays and a converted try concluded the first half scores.
H/T 25-7
Brigade resumed their attacking style after the break, winning good ball from scrum and lineout and giving Dan Bird the chance to link with his threes. Good support from Walker,Edwards and Andy Egglestone kept several attacks moving forward and Howe was given space to open the visitors defence with a swerving run from the 22 to score under the posts. Picknett added the extra points before the game began to swing in favour of Richmondshire. The visiting forwards once again took the initiative, driving play up to the home line where defensive errors let in two tries with one conversion and reducing the deficit to thirteen points. Determined to protect their lead, Brigade withstood further attacks and long range clearance kicks from full back Johnson once again put his side on to the offensive. Brigade might have elected to convert a penalty in front of the posts but Bird took the quick tap penalty, sending the ball out to the right where Edwards was on hand to dive over in the corner. The game looked secure as Brigade's pack kept up the pressure in the Richmond 22. A driving maul was joined by the eager Howe who emerged with the ball, touching down to round off a match winning performance.
F/T 42-19