Official West Hartlepool RFC

Great Report Tony - good to see that our mates up the Coast are doing well under JG's stewardship. Good point about the roads too - if in doubt though just remember that all roads in Peterlee Start & Finish at The Central Club and you wont go wrong :-) Do you remember when Graham "Ginger" Baker had that Pub up there, The Argus Butterfly - it was like the bar in Star wars I :-)

Very fair and pleasant report there Willer. It's a huge shame that the travelling Stags on Saturday couldn't show just a fraction of the respect, appreciation of what they have and an appreciation of the work that has gone on at H&P.

I suppose an excuse for a number of those lads could be that they aren't quite old enough to remember most of the last 15-20 years. Although, some are!

Pit Baths – that is a very bold comment “It's a huge shame that the travelling Stags on Saturday couldn't show just a fraction of the respect”.

Where you at the game with the lads? Were you aware of the situation before the game?

The lads turned up to H&P and were greeted with a bus. Due to lack of available facilities at the ground the lads were taken to a rather derelict building to get changed.

Upon getting changed the lads were then faced with the question “do these changing rooms get locked?” due to a lack of representative the lads then took their gear back into the bus and locked it in their own cars.

I am usually keen for saying at the opposing teams club for a post-match pint and food, but the fact the lads(after the game) had to then get a bus to another part of the town then back on the bus to the club house, does put lads off. Some of the lads have other commitments, you cannot expect sending the lads away to get showered etc. then expect their return.

We appreciate the work which has gone on. We appreciate how much time and effort has gone into the transition, so please don’t say we do not. It was not too long ago we had to use the college facilities to get showered and changed. But before you post accusations of the lads showing a lack of respect have a think of the wider situation.

I feel that this is an issue with some of the older generation. You need to realise that the Stags are not a professional outfit and the lads don’t get paid. As a matter of fact the lads pay to play. We are very keen to throw our thoughts about, but should you have been in the same situation I think you would have done the same.

Overall we had a great game with H&P (as always very tough) and look forward to playing them again later in the season.

Dan Q