With the weather much improved West made their running rugby intentions clear from the onset. This was orchestrated by the late cry on of Stu Waites. West initially opted to play with the wind and played most of their rugby in the visitors half for the first 10 minutes. Forwards dominating the first few scrums before unleashing the backs to use silky hands before Dom Cox notched in the corner for his first try. Zac missing conversion.

The restart forced a line out to rovers in our 22 but the salmon like Kay stole the ball before Waites hoofed down the pitch. A great team kick chase resulted with West being awarded a penalty. The flight footed, quick thinking Waites acted quickly, evaded a few Rovers players before releasing the backs which saw Dom Cox go in at the corner for his 2nd of the game. Unconverted.

Another sustained 15 minute spell by West resulted in a 7m line out with a catch and drive, Johnson peeled off for a 3m flop. Once again unconverted.

A Rovers penalty missed touch and Stu once again punished with a great 50/22. This resulted in a catch & drive before feeding Stu who ghosted through a gap feeding Zac to touch down under the posts. Own try converted.

It was Rovers turn to apply pressure and many short drive bursts they finally notched down for a well deserved first try. DG to convert

HT West 22 - Rovers 7

Ten minutes into the second half saw West score their 5th try with some brilliant inter passing and support play with once again Zac on the end to score under the posts. Just a say squeezing through the conversion

Rovers quickly came back with sustained pressure which resulted in a try in the corner. Unconverted.

Great resilience, West came strait back. A scrum in the opposition 10m line resulted in Larkin hitting a great line which he fed (popped out of his hands but went backwards ) directly  into the path of the oncoming support from Mould. Mould crossed the line unchallenged in the corner. Waites missing conversion. (Zac had given up the kicking duties at this point)

Rovers applied pressure for the next 10 minutes but defence held strong with mad eyes Godfrey putting in some hits and Johnson making turnovers.

Unfortunately the defence couldn’t be sustained and Rovers dragged West left & right before some tired tackling saw them cross the line. Unconverted

West once again came back and this time it was Larkin notching down after some great inter passing out wide. Unconverted

West continued their attacking prowess immediately from the restart. The attack started deep inside their own 22m line and with some barbarian type inter-passing and switches saw Cox motor down the catcote road touch line to Dot down for his hatrick. Unconverted

Rovers, who never gave up, came back at West in the last 10 minutes and scored another well deserved two tries. Both unconverted.

Thanks to Rovers for the game which was played in true sporting fashion. Look forward to playing you at the Friarage👍

FT West 49 – Rovers 29

Once again, another solid performance and excellent result for a continually improving stags team.

Stags: Cox, Tyers, Southern, Mould, Larkin, Waites , Parker, Blades T, Johnson, Caswell, Webb, Wray, Robertson, Kay, Mclurg, Treager, Liston, Godfrey, Alison 

MOTM:  many contenders and great to see Waites back on paddock. Special mention to Alex Johnson for another quality improved performance especially with his 1 yard gain on last weeks try with all of 3m. However, Dom Cox takes the spoils today with a hat-rick of well taken tries.  First class Dom 👍💪
Going - Good to firm
Conditions - Warm Autumnal day with a strong Northerly breeze
Bait – Melt in the mouth slow cooked beef sarnies in a rich gravy sauce & chips (stingey with the chips), 9.5/10