Rovers had already called on guests to cover absences and when once of those, Martin Lithgo, cried off they were forced into further rearrangements. Prior to the game many were predicting a big West win due to the understrength look to the Rovers side but before anyone blames the result entirely on that there were only 5 names on the Rovers team sheet who did not appear in the league meeting between these sides in October - Humble, Barnfield, Sinclair, Palmer and Dring - and at least three of these have played league rugby with Rovers this season so the side perhaps wasn't as weak as it seemed.

West were simply better than Rovers in every area, and this was just the sort of confidence boost they needed after a poor run of form in the league. Tries were finished off well, making a pleasant change from the recent poor finishing of overlaps and try scoring opportunities. The ball was kept alive superbly and the dangerous runners showed what they can do given space, carving up the Rovers defence at will.

Chris Sainty had given Rovers the lead on 12 minutes after a series of penalties went the visitors way, Michael Barnfield missing one earlier shot. But that was to be end of his side's scoring.
Mikey Young, playing against Rovers for the first time, put West in-front with his first try, darting through after the ball went loose at a line out. Then Paul Rudd ran in two tries in two minutes on the half hour, made by breaks from Greg Edwards and Andrew Hare respectively. Davy Tighe added the two conversions and converted an Anth Carr try just before the break.

Half time at 26-3 was a fair reflection on the opening period. Rovers started well but were found wanting as the half drew on. It was hardly a polished performance from the hosts though. They had made plenty of errors and on another day would not have been so far ahead.

The second half though proved to be no contest with West tightening up on a few of the first half mistakes and running in tries left, right and centre. Everyone looked dangerous with ball in hand and Rovers defence was at times anonymous with the backs drift being beaten regularly by some hard running from the West pace-men.

Jon Boatman got the first try of the half 2 minutes in before Edwards and brother Dan added further scores before the hour mark. Wayward conversions from both Tighe and replacement Tom Dixon helped keep the score down but the tries kept on coming.
Dan Boatman added his second before a quick brace from Gav Painter as the demoralised Friaragemen tired further. An out of sorts Dixon missed all the conversions but it hardly mattered with the rate the tries were being scored.

Finally the game finished as it started with a try from scrum half Young who had, along with several others, caused Rovers problems all afternoon. Moss added the easy conversion and referee Fitzmaurice put the visitors out of their misery 3 minutes early and leave them to do some soul searching before resuming league action a week on Saturday.

For West it was just what the doctor ordered. More of the same clinical finishing for the rest of the season and the results will surely come. A sound pat on the back to all the players today though, a thoroughly deserved win and a final word of sympathy for Rovers who were clearly damaged by missing key players. But the 15 starters and numerous subs could have played much better and if they are called on again this season to cover injuries or further absences they will have to improve on today's showing.



West: Hare (Moss), Lambert, Edwards, Howe (Todd), Painter, Tighe (Wallis), Young, Carr (Cullinane), A Dixon, Norris (Robinson), Rudd, Miller (T Dixon), D Boatman (Henderson), Myers, J Boatman

Tries: Young 2, Rudd 2, Carr, J Boatman, Edwards, D Boatman 2, Painter 2
Cons: Tighe 3, Moss


Rovers: Foreman, Humble, Kirton, Jones, Lilley, Barnfield, Sainty, Wise, Cushlow, Sinclair, Power, Palmer, Smith, Grazier, Dring

Pen: Sainty

Referee: Brendan Fitzmaurice