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Rovers 72 - 12 Blyth RFC

Rovers 72 - 12 Blyth RFC

darren smith16 Nov - 21:02
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Match report from today’s home win against Blyth.

Hartlepool Rovers delivered an impressive performance against Blyth, showcasing their attacking prowess and teamwork to secure a convincing 72-12 victory. After a disappointing outing the previous week, Rovers rebounded with a spirited display that plesed the home supporters.

The match kicked off with Rovers receiving the ball, and within just 90 seconds, Dan Charters made an explosive start. He burst up the short side, dummied twice, and raced to the line, scoring the opening try. Barnfield's conversion put Rovers ahead 7-0.

Blyth responded with tenacity, earning a penalty for offside and opting to kick for the corner. From the ensuing lineout, they executed a well-drilled driving maul to score their first try, narrowing the gap to 7-5.

Rovers quickly regained momentum. Fullback Trimble made a crucial tackle to halt Blyth's progress, leading to a penalty that allowed Rovers to regroup. Charters, continuing his strong form, made significant yards, and after impressive runs from Lloyd and Healey, Little finished off a flowing move down the touchline. The conversion was missed, but Rovers led 12-5.

As the first half progressed, Rovers dominated possession. A superb take from Josh Wilson initiated another expansive attack, and Charters broke through the defensive line yet again. He fed Keers, who finished from 30 yards out, with Barnfield adding the conversion to extend the lead to 19-5.

Blyth struggled to maintain possession, allowing Rovers to capitalise. Skipper Little's excellent support play saw him score his second try, with the conversion missed, bringing the score to 24-5.

Rovers continued to press, displaying excellent ball retention and passing. S. Barnfield showcased his footwork, evading defenders to score from 20 yards, although the conversion was missed, making it 29-5.

In a moment of brilliance, Railton, after a brief injury break, capitalised on a Keers break to touch down a loose ball. Barnfield successfully converted, stretching the lead to 36-5.

Rovers weren't done yet. A smooth break saw King feed Trimble, who made a dazzling run into the 22. Glaister-Smith's quick hands allowed Keers to power over the line, although the conversion was missed, 41-5.

Just before half time Blyth were hammering away at the Rovers line but after sustained pressure the ball was turned over and fed to Trimble. From his own 22 the elusive runner skipped past 3 would be tacklers to break into the Blyth half. He coolly stepped one cover tackle and checked in side the full back to dot down under the posts. Conversion was good. Half time 48-5

The second half began with Blyth struggling to clear their lines, resulting in another penalty for Rovers. This time, Wilson's lineout catch and subsequent drive led to Rovers scoring again, though the conversion was missed, pushing the score to 53-5.

Blyth's woes continued as they conceded yet another penalty. Barnfield cleverly fed King, whose inside dart took him under the posts for a well-deserved try. The conversion was successful, extending Rovers' lead to 60-5.

Blyth finally found the scoreline with a try from their man of the match number 8, who picked from the scrum and powered over down the blind side. The conversion was successful, bringing the score to 60-12.

Rovers responded swiftly, with Charters again breaking from halfway, showcasing his pace to score. The conversion was missed as the light began to fade.

A momentary setback for Rovers occurred when S. Barnfield received a yellow card for cheating thus allowing Blyth a brief respite.

However, Rovers maintained their offensive pressure. M. Barnfield delivered a short pass to Little, who forced his way over for his third try of the match. Barnfield converted successfully, bringing the final score to 72-12.

This was a solid display from Hartlepool Rovers, with 12 tries showing an all-round team performance. The victory not only boosts morale after last week's disappointment but also sets the stage for an exciting matchup against Gateshead in two weeks' time. Rovers will look to build on this momentum as they aim for continued success in the league.

Man of the match, sponsored by The Pizza Guys went to Dan Charters for his all action display.

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