Rovers Heughers v B.B.O.B.
30 - 42
B.B.O.B. A. Robson A. Donnison O. Bulley R. Smith P. Gorman L. Johnson A. Arnell
Corkin A. Rayner L. Collins I. Scott P. Craggs D. Hetherington H. Wolfe
S. Jeffrey B. Harrington R. Hilton R. Noble S. Simpson C. Stalland

Brigade travelled up the road to the New Friarage for an early kick off friendly, prior to England's exciting and emphatic win over Australia. Despite the lure of of this local 'Derby,' Brigade team manager Eric Arnell and Mrs. Arnell made the trip to Twickenham and no doubt joined in a celebration or two! However sons, Paul and Andrew, were left behind to feature on opposing sides in what was an entertaining and competetive game.
The Rovers side included a few lads who have previously worn the Brigade shirt; 'Chirpy' Bird,
'Pinkey' Graves and Danny Barker along with old hands Davy Carroll, 'Finbar' and Mark Power still keen to express their enjoyment of the game.
Rovers were to claim the try count with six to Brigade's five whereas the kicking skills of Ollie Bulley, with three penalties and three conversions was key to the final outcome.
An early passage of play in the Rovers 22 led to Bulley's first penalty and this was closely followed with opening try by Brigade skipper Andrew Arnell. Phil Gorman's burst through the centre created the space for the BB scrum-half to cut through the gap and under the posts.
Rovers struck back with the running power of Maguire frequently testing the Brigade defence and the home side gained their first try. Bulley added his second penalty to conclude Brigade's first half tally but it was Rovers who took the lead with two well taken scores. H.T. 15-10
Brigade's Dave Hetherington was making his first appearance this season, his work keeping him away from rugby. Once converted from soccer, his natural talent found him a regular at full back and spells in the centre position. Saturday saw him finally achieve the role of line-out specialist as he joined the second row and was still smiling at the end! He still has a bit of pace and proved this with his break from mid-field to score Brigade's second try. Gorman followed this with a touchdown in the far right corner before Bulley added a further penalty. 15-28
The competetive edge to the game continued with Brigade forwards Wolfe, Harrington and Jeffrey prominent in open play and Rovers moving the ball wide at every opportunity. The Brigade line was crossed for the fourth time before the lively Aaron Donnison chased a long kick and gathered to round off under the posts. 20-35.
Rovers scored again to reduce the arrears to ten points but Brigade were in no mood to let their advantage slip. Prop Iain Scott has scored a few trademark tries this season with none bettering his break from loose play on th 22 and under the posts. Shane Jeffrey converted.
The final phases of the game belonged to Rovers, pressing Brigade on their line and touching down in the corner. A fitting local derby which reflected the close relationship between the two clubs over many years.

Bob's Poser 11. After Brigade's well earned victory against the 'Heughers' and England's triumph at Twickenham the theme has to be The Friarage (Old) Rovers and Those 'Aussies'
Here goes!
1 Durham played Australia at Friarage. In what year?
2 Mr. Thompson and Mr. Sivewright, both Hartlepool Rovers, partnered for the County.
What were their positions?
3 On the same tour England met Australia. What was the venue?
4 What was the score?

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