Official West Hartlepool RFC

Billingham early 50's- westoe 39! Good game to watch bill backs were v good and showed westoes up and their forwards held their own. Andy Howells should be questioning himself about money well spent cos they were almost outclassed today! Well done billingham in particular Oldge ! Carlo.

55 - 39 :)

Billingham were fantastic going forward tonight, as were Westoe when they put their strongest side out, but both sides were very poor defensively and will need to do better to succeed in their recpective leagues.

Not taking anything away from Billlingham, as there were some outstanding individual performances, but when Westoe had their stronger sides out i.e at the start of the game and just after half time they were far superior, particulary in the first period. They then changed their whole 15, which allowed Billingham to run in a few trys against essentially a 2nd string side.

Westoe were still leading going into the final quarter, so you have to say the scoreline flatters Billingham, as they ran in a load of scores in the final period against what looked like a half 2nd team / half colts team.

So that said, I think we have a decent chance against them, and really have nothing to fear. I would certainly say that judging from training, we have more strength in depth, as they didn't use many players and their better replacements were former West 2nd teamers (Armo looked particulary sharp when he came on).

Come on West!

Watched the game tonight and imparticular the ex ' westies'. Thought billingham were fantastic going forward but did lack a bit of snap in defence at times as did wesoe which could be understood for a 1st pre season friendly. As for it being westoes second team it was also, or as it seemed billinghams second team pack who played against the likes of myers and robinson and held their own. I though oldge had a great game today, sniffling around the rucks and making a few turn overs that were crucial in the game. He seemed alot fitter than usual to. Thought armo did well for the half hour he was on and looked sharp also. looking to come off the centre and looks alot bigger and faster now to. He looked more comftorable playing the ' expansive' type. Thought will turnbull looked solid in defence and making some big hits with chris hyndman on the regular 1st team westoe backs. again looks alot fitter and seems to be a more accomplished player. Seems to have gained a yard of pace and has a niffty bit of strength in his frame to. Having said that i would give motm to either the full back ( not sure what evans it is) or chris hyndman of billingham who were both fantastic. I think it will be a very interesting game next week and we should do well against bilingham. roll on next saturday

The crucial turning point in the game was not necessarily the changes in personnel at the various points in the game - it was the difference in fitness levels. It is true Westoe looked very sharp in the first the 20 minutes and pulled away from Billingham. However, as the game progressed, in particular the second half, Billingham continued to run from all areas of the field. Late in the second half when Billingham turned the game around, Westoe attempted to take action and replaced a number of the "2nd Team" players with their stronger squad members. However, Billingham scored a further 2 tries in that period.

I agree with the above point that either Chris Hyndman or Peter Evans (fullback) should have been man of the match. Peter in particular scored scored some great individual tries, whilst also making breaks and off loading at the right times. Chris on the other hand did his usual work - breaking through first tackles or hitting the channel between 10 and 12, to offload to a supporting player.

My summary would have been that Billingham tried to play a different style of game in the first 20-30 mins (driving forwards game), but only really opened up once the backs were unleashed.

I thought the Billingham 10 played really well also

Agree with Love Spuds.....especially the try towards the end with the chip and chase.

I thought Jo Evans controlled the back line well. He knew when to offload, but more importantly when to take the contact and set up the next phase. He was not afraid to take the hit and made sure the play wasnt forced.

Fascinating. Bbut what has this to do with us? Both of these teams are in different leagues to us.

I think it is more the point that West are playing Billingham in a couple of weeks and people are looking for ideas etc

Billingham got promoted and we got relegated. We're in different leagues.

I know, but i think those that went to the match last night were interested from the perspective of what to expect when you play them pre-season.

The other point is, there were some players on show who are ex-west players from last season. It also is prompting a rugby conversation

WPA, do you practice being so Anal? Some people are actually interested in what goes on outside your little world you know....

EPA only found out that we have 4 teams last week. If it's not west 1st team (at home) or golf he does not give a hoot

Didnt know we were playing them next week. Still only a friendly though

Blimey ... there's more here about Billingham and Westoe than we ever see from posters about West.
What to expect when we play Billingham? A pre-season friendly, with loads of changes, which is what Billingham v Westoe was.
Love Spuds says: "Some people are actually interested in what goes on outside your little world you know...."
It appears some people are MORE interested in what goes on at other clubs.
Come on West.

A lot more than Billingham and Westoe .. at least there's a West connection.

Yes thanks for drawing it to my attention.

Buts its nothing to do with West. How come you interested in this story with an ex Westie as opposed to the other ex Westies at the crisp factory & the log cabin

Because I'm that kind of guy ... I just do owt, me.