Rovers 3rds got their 2015-16 Tees Valley League campaign off to a winning start with a 31-7 win over a battling Seaton Carew 2nds at a sometimes wild and wet Hornby Park

It was encouraging that the number of available players is rising with Dicky Flounders being the latest of our 'Sex in the City' generation to turn out this season while Adam Ringwood made his debut after joining Rovers and Matty Dixon was also able to appear. Luke Bell was also seen to be forsaking industrial strength lager for a more healthy run about in the fresh air. After an annoying effective cameo at stand off last week Darren Smith was deemed not needed there this week, as we had Dazz, and he was unceremoniously pushed out to full back.

The first half was something of a let down with absolutely terrible weather, little constructive rugby and our lads then losing focus after too much querying of the referee's decisions. Indeed the only good thing was that Gary Farman (who had to gamely fill in as there was no ref, again, available from Durham County) blew up after only 31 minutes with the scoreboard untroubled at 0-0.

At half time though the hailstones had relented the sun had come out, a touch, and we had the advantage of the bank. Finally we started to play a bit and put the ball through hands. We took the lead through 2 very similar tries from Connor White where he forced his way over the line after good forward pressure. Dazz could not convert either but we led 10-0. There was a bit of a set back when Seaton replied with a try following a hack through. This was under the posts and the successful kick reduced our lead to 3 points. We soon recovered our poise though somewhat aided by the unusual sight of a Seaton forward actually heading the ball into touch from the resultant kick off. When we gained possession from the lineout Pip Addison made a good break and passed onto Joe Little who fed Matty Dixon who skinned his opposite number but slipped and was caught. We were able to recycle possession though and Pip scored his debut try for Rovers. The try was converted by Dazz and our lead was now 17-7. We put the game out of reach when Chris Sewell also got his first tries for Rovers with both coming from strong running through the centre. Again Dazz converted both for a score of 31-7. We nearly got another with a very good passing movement featuring most of the team but we were pinged for a marginal forward pass.

All in all it was a decent second half and something to build on. Joe Little had some good runs and was a handful for Seaton. Adam Ringwood looked like he could be a good prospect and is able to cover the back 5 positions. Craig Vincent continued his fine showing last week and is settling into the scrum half position. Dazz controlled the game extremely well and brought the best out of centres Pip Addison and Chris Sewell. Ste Saunders captained the side and extended his unbeaten league run into his second season!

Finally thanks to Gary Farman for standing in to referee and to Seaton who are always hospitable opponents. It was good to see them also having a full squad.

Next week the 3rds have a game against the agricultural strength of Northallerton 2nds which is likely to be on the Friarage.

Team

D Smith, B Harrington, P Addison, C Sewell, S Railton, D Fawcett, C Vincent, L Clayton, M Lidster, G Wise, C Dowdle, S Saunders (c), J Little, AN Other, C White

Interchanges (all used) M Dixon, R Flounders, L Bell, O Dakers, A Ringwood