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A sun drenched crowd was entertained with some good attacking play by both teams. Rovers must still be regretting a disastrous start to the game that saw them go 15-0 down after only eight minutes. To their credit, however, the White Shirts fought their way back into the contest and with a little more confidence could have scored more points.
The Invitation XV were always going to severely test Rovers but if the Friaragemen can take some of their play into next season they can be a force in Durham Northumberland One.
Alan Brown gave the Oakes XV an early lead when he powered over from close range and moments later it was 10-0 when Gavin Painter crossed after good approach play by Peter Evans.
The Oakes XV were having it their own way at this stage and Painter scored his second try to leave Rovers already chasing the game.
After a spell of Rovers’ pressure, the Oakes side extended their lead when Michael Evans and Painter combined and the Billingham man touched down to be followed by brother Joe on 27 minutes, their other sibling Peter kicking the conversion.
In the closing stages of the half, Mark Shires looked set to score when he broke from his own 22 but when he reached the Oakes 22, Painter stopped the full back with a great tackle that left both players requiring attention.
Rovers started the second half on the attack and their pressure told when player coach Craig Lee went over under the posts, Chris Sainty converting. Nick Howe, Andrew Arnell and Andy Hartson then turned defence into attack but the ball was lost and the Invitation side countered with Michael Evans going in at the left corner.
After this setback, the Whites returned onto the offensive and Shires was on hand to receive from Phil Hall after the centre had been sent clear by Lee and he outpaced the cover to score, Sainty adding the conversion to make the score 14-32.
The deficit was cut further when Paul Kirton ran well from just outside the Oakes 22 and although he was stopped short, Lee was in support to receive and touchdown at the corner, Sainty coverting superbly from the touchline.
Rovers were now on top and both Shires and Hall put in good runs but the last score of the game went to Michael Evans who completed his hat trick, brother Peter converting.
Rovers: Shires, Lilley, B Foreman, P Hall, Sainty, Rose, A Arnell, Tucker, J Cushlow, Wise, D Smith, Hartson, Wallis (c), Taylor, Grazier. Subs used: Bingham, I Pinchen, A Pinchen, Kirton, Howe, P Arnell, Baxter, Walker
RF Oakes Invitation XV: Painter (West), M Ryan (Hartlepool) J Evans, M Evans (both Billingham), Coulson (Hartlepool) P Evans (Billingham), Jenkins (Stockton), Carr (c), Cullinane (both West), S Brown (Stockton), T Dixon, C Miller, Sawyer (all West), W Brown (Stockton), A Brown (Hartlepool). Subs used: Rudd (West), Powell, Skirving (both Stockton), D Ryan, Redhead (both Hartlepool), Youdale, Hutchison (both Billingham)
Referee: Mike Hodgson (Durham Society)
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Author: Andy Quinn
Date: 11-05-08 20:51
Good to hear some of this seasons U17's got a run out. Hope they both do really well ext season :-)
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