While there were reports from the 1st XV supporters that it was parky enough up at Consett to fully justify that town's removal from Thomas Cook's Winter Sun brochure it was comparatively balmy at the New Friarage as we returned to league rugby.

Nearly all the selected team had arrived by kick off (though some only just) and we had the first use of a favourable breeze. We went on the offensive immediately and soon went into the lead when we used the ball well to pass and draw defenders and give Ryan Hodgson a sniff of the line and Rugby Ryan cut inside the last 2 opposition players for a try in the corner. Ryan then put over a fine conversion. We had more pressure and more chances to score but it was Consett who got the next unconverted try with their first visit to our 22. Squid then made a 40 metre break for his 8th try in 4 games (apparently I robbed him of one last week. Ryan hit the post with the kick and we led 12-5. A lead we extended shortly afterwards when Evo jinked his way over and then Couttsy pressured the Consett defence and pounced on a loose ball. With both conversions being nailed we now led 26-5 but it was Consett who got the next score. A penalty at scrum time was quickly taken and got a try out wide

HT Rovers Heughers 26- 10 Consett 2nds

Several changes were made at half time. Possibly too many as we returned to the field with only 14 men after a senior moment from a beleaguered team manager ie me. Doh. The venerable Kirto came back onto the field to even the numbers up.

There was a tense period of play with both sides having chances but defences being on top. Perhaps too tense as AJ and a Consett lad were yellow carded for a spot of handbags. It seemed that the next score would be crucial and thankfully we got it on the hour mark. Please read the next line carefully as you are not likely to see it very often. A Squid pass was taken at pace by Evo who went over under the posts. There now we were 33-10 up. With his work done Evo came off after the planned time and was replaced by the doubly venerable Wally. Ryan Hodgson picked up a loose ball and shrugged off 2 defenders to go down the wing for a try he converted himself. Consett came back into the game when their scrum half took a quick penalty. The best score was saved until last with the ball moved at speed through several pairs of hands until it reached Ryan Hodgson who galloped in to the corner for his hat trick. Simple but beautifully done

FT Rovers Heughers 45 - 15 Consett 2nds

This was a decent win over a Consett side that had some very good players. In particular they had some elusive backs and often looked dangerous. But we had the upper hand in the forwards with Squid, Monty and Tony Ross making yards with the ball in hand. While Dash Hogg's Auf Weidersein adventure didn't work out as planned continental brick laying's loss is Rovers' gain and Dash secured lots of lineout ball for us. In this he was supported by AJ who combined a rumbitious game at scrum half in the rest of play with leaping in the lineout. Mainly because he was the only person light enough to be lifted! In the backs Evo was a positive influence and showed he is on the way back with his 2 tries. But Ryan Hodgson took the honours for man of the match with his hat trick and 5 out 7 conversions. He still looks raw at times but is learning all the time and he got the ball more often in his spell at full back.

Old Boys A team did us a favour by beating second place Acklam and we will have extended our lead at the top of the Candy League table.

This week's pictures Consett pictures are mainly courtesy of Buck Connor but please also check out Jock Johnson's facebook page for many more

Squad

Hodgson, Harrison, Reay, Coutts, Gunn, Wright Coxon, Evens, Wallace, AJ, Ross, Cushlow, Harrington, S Saunders, Lawson, Power (c), Hogg, Stoddart, Squid, Monty, D Smith, Kirto

Next week we away to Medicals. There is no 1st XV game and many are coming through for a club day out and to support the Heughers. There is a free bus returning at something like 11.30pm after sampling Newcastle hostelries and any 18+ club members and supporters are welcome.