B.B.O.B. v Rovers Heughers

B.B.O.B. P. Connsidine R. Smith P. Howe P. Gorman K. Tikna L. Johnson A.Donnison I. Scott M. Thornton L. Clayton P. Craggs R. Scotchford R. Hilton C. White B. Harrington
Subs used: R. Miles R. Noble S. Topping A. Rayner J. Evans C. Corkin K. Brallisford
G. Whitehead J. Fletcher; Bench L. Connor T. Burton

Rovers visited their old home ground to meet Brigade in Saturday's friendly and left with both a close win and two double yellow cards which turned red. Brigade managed three yellows in a game somewhat marred by pointless comments to the match official, petulant behaviour and occasions of reckless play. A plea might be made for greater self-discipline on the rugby field including allowing spectators of all ages to enjoy a game free from loud and aggressive bad language. So, to the events of the game.
With Olley Bulley ruled out following injury last week, Liam Johnson came in at stand-off to partner Aaron Donnison. Peter Considine took the full-back berth with Gorman and Howe in the centre and winger Kahn Tikna gaining his first start at the Old Friarage.
Rovers made a dominant start and would outplay Brigade for the first twenty minutes. Some poor defence allowed the first score within minutes of the start and a second unconverted try followed soon after. Brigade tightened up their game but this was not enough to prevent Rovers taking a 17 point lead.
A series of concerted efforts by the Brigade forwards brought a number of opportunities and Peter Howe finished a good handling move in the left corner. The effort was maintained and Matty Thornton drove over following a decisive forward drive. Half-time 10-17
Just as Rovers had dominated the first quarter, Brigade would do the same from the re-start. Skipper Andrew Arnell came on with Donnison moving to full-back and Considine joining the threes. Brigade drew level following a spell of forward pressure with Hilton, Whitehead and Fletcher prominent in the drive from the 22; Phil Gorman taking the ball and powering over the line.
Despite being reduced to thirteen, Rovers responded, outpacing the home defence for a converted try and landing a penalty to gain a ten point lead. The final minutes were closely contested with Gorman grabbing his second try with a burst from ten metres and Rovers going over under the posts to extend the winning margin to twelve points.
Convivial hospitality followed at The Cosmopolitan with perhaps mutual reflection on the events of the afternoon.