Of the 28 players available last week no fewer than 14 couldn't make this week. Nevertheless with other players returning and boosted by late cry ons by Ste Groom and Dylan 'Phelpsy' Smith we had a balanced squad of 19.

Despite kicking up the Mayfield Park slope and into a strong wind it was Rovers who showed up first. Powerful runs from the forwards led to Sean going over out wide for an uncontested try. Old Boys levelled the scores when they swept downfield. Billy Lloyd restored our lead with a strong run and Alex added the extras with a fine conversion. At half time kicking up the bank and into the wind we were satisfied with our lead.

HT - Old Boys 2nds 5 - 12 Rovers Heughers

With the elements in our favour we drove forward but an attack broke down in the Old Boys 22 and they broke away to score. A good conversion drew the scores level again at 12-12. Chris Sewell then put in a strong run and Michael Railton was on hand to finish off the move. Michael then got his second try after a period of pressure. With one try converted by Alex and the other by Billy we were ahead 12-26. Instead of kicking on though we let Old Boys back into the game. A back move of theirs broke down but a fly hack over the line was grounded. The conversion was missed and we held out till the final whistle.

FT - Old Boys 2nds 17 - 26 Rovers Heughers

This was a competitive derby played in a good spirit. Both sides had their moments but given we controlled possession and spurned a number of chances we are slightly disappointed to have not scored more tries. Also with a strong wind behind us I can only recall one tactical kick downfield. However it was a welcome win and the squad is shaping up nicely.

At full back Michael Railton was a powerful runner and fully deserved his 2 tries. On the wings Sean and Riley were penetrative and jinky while when he came on Phelpsy offered something different. In the centre Ste Railton and Chris Sewell (back from a short sojourn at Seaton) had contrasting styles. Ste was prominent on an outside arc handing off would be tacklers while Chris usually stepped in at first receiver and played there presumably like he plays league. Never, ever did he kick preferring to run into whoever was in front of him. It was surprising effective mind. At stand off Alex was almost impossible to put a hand on when stepping the opposition while Scott Buttery simply controlled the game by organising forwards and backs alike.

In the forwards we had dominance over the Old Boys eight in the scrum and lineout and edged them in the loose too. The revolving front row of Andy Palmer, Oli Dakers, Ryan Clayton and Tony Ross bossed the scrum and were prominent with ball in hand. Our 3 options in the second row of James Coxon, Billy Lloyd and Mick Ingham drove the home pack backwards and also did damage with the ball. Our back row of Captain Beef, Bailey and POC was very mobile while Ste Groom added some aggression when he came on. A bit too much for the ref who sent him to the naughty step for two consecutive penalties.

Man of the match for his alround play and two tries (to add to last week's two) is Michael Railton. We don't normally award anything more for away games but as Billy Lloyd is a finely honed athlete he declined his Pizza Hut Delivery voucher from last week and Michael nabbed it!

Squad

M Railton, Swallow (Phelpsy), S Railton, Sewell, Davis, Rochester, Buttery, Palmer (Ross), Dakers,
Clayton, Coxon (Ingham), Lloyd, Beef (c), Bailey (Groom), POC

Next week we are home to Horden who are always strong opponents

Other local Candy Results

Horden 22 - 24 Barnard Castle
Billingham 3rds 0 - 84 Stockton Saracens
Middlesbrough 3rds 14 - 44 West Stags

Billingham and Boro have stepped up from the Tees Valley League where they have dominated in recent seasons. The Boro v Stage game is something of an oddity in that West 1sts actually play in a higher league than Boro. We should be top of the league by virtue of having an extra game over most teams.