Seven tries for Rovers against two for the Oakes XV was probably a fair reflection of the game although Rovers will be disappointed not to have scored at least another two tries and with the second half ended with only 70 minutes played, Rovers will argue that their greater fitness would have seen more scores in the final ten minutes.

This was a good workout, however, ahead of the Durham Intermediate Cup Final against Durham City on Wednesday night.

Rovers had to wait until the 20th minute to get some points on the board with Jack Gunn on the end of a move involving James Evens and Kevin Maguire and the lead was 12-0 six minutes later when Oliver Dakers showed some good footwork and pace to run home, Michael Barnfield converting.

The Oakes XV pulled seven points back with a bulldozing effort by Ian Pinchen with Lewis Humble slotting the conversion.

The next two tries were scored by Ian Flounders, one either side of the break. He burst down the left wing from a breakdown on 37 minutes to cross in the Railway Corner and then brushed off two tackles to go over in the left hand clubhouse corner after 50 minutes.#
Liam Wood, who has been in great form, went in under the posts two minutes later and also added the extra points.

Ian Coulson was next on the scoresheet when he touched down and the lead was 34-7 with Rovers well on top.

Former Rovers Humble then scored and converted before Lee Maddison finished the scoring and his try also brought the final whistle.