After Wensleydale could not raise a side for our scheduled league game we were very grateful for Darlington 3rds coming through to give us a game. The county did take away our nominated referee though as the match was no longer a league game. So we were doubly grateful to Paul Arnell who took up the whistle to give 45 odd players a run about.

Darlington started off well with their large forwards frequently making ground. Skipper Ste Railton did break away though and was set to score when a shout went up that a Darlo player had suffered a serious injury - a dislocated elbow. Ref Arnell stopped play and the game was halted for a lengthy time.. With no ambulance being imminent the injured player bravely made his way to the touchline and on to hospital.

When the game restarted Ste Railton resumed by making another break and there was no reason to stop his try this time. Ste then turned provider for Mike Ellis to score. Then Kieran Wright scored a brace of tries both resulting from good passing and running.

HT: Rovers Heughers 26 - 0 Darlington 3rds

From.the second half restart Ste Railton broke through for his second try. Jonathan Sanderson was the next to score; his try being a reward for his hard work all game. Ethan Wilkins had been a handful for the opposition and he too got his name on the spreadsheet with a deserved try. Kieran Wright turned provider with good interplay with Jonathan Cushlow for Cush to twist over in the corner. The penultimate try was Ste Railton's hat trick. And this try scoring exploit was matched by Kieran who scored the last try for his own hat trick. Referee Arnell sensibly blew up early as the result was decided and the injury delay meant it threatened to get dark! Of the 10 tries scored Dan Arnell converted 1 and Frankie Coulson knocked over 7

FT: Rovers Heughers 66 - 0 Darlington 3rds

Many thanks again to Darlo for travelling and competing. They were a great bunch of lads and we wish them well for the season. They are in the league below us but are unbeaten in that league. And once again we hope that their injured player recovers quickly and fully.

For Rovers there was much to feel happy about. That is 4 wins in a row. We possibly played some of our best rugby of the season with the commitment of the team to work for each other and pass to others in better positions was one of the most pleasing aspects. It was also great to see so many experienced players turning out and passing on their expertise. Even though more vets had drunkenly promised to play at Mick Hanley,'s wake but dipped out when they sobered up! At the other end of the experience scale Adam Croft made his debut. You are often a bit nervous when you haven't seen someone play but are told 'he does a bit of footy'. Well Adam had a great debut and showed that with training he will be an asset. Man of the match was Kieran Wright for his hat trick and positive play.

Also a word of congratulations to our two new physios Reece Parry and Jack Southall who were kept busy treating both side's players.

On the minus side though this may be Michael Lamb's last game for a while as he starts Royal Navy training soon. All the best in your career Michael and do play when you can.

And finally well done to Paul Arnell who refereed exceeding well. He only gave 2 penalties altogether and the game flowed better as a result. Other referees please take note!

Squad

K Wright
F Coulson
A Croft
M Lamb
M Ellis
C Nicholson
S Railton (c)
M Stevo
D Arnell
J Evans
A Cooper
J Cushlow
A Palmer
T Ross
G Wise
M Power
D Hogg
C Whitehead
J Cairns
Irish Ethan
English Ethan
J Sanderson
D Foster

Next week we are away to Stockton Saracens in what may be a league and county cup double.