After being dropped off, we shook off the jet lag, only for this to be immediately replaced by extensive lactic acid build up due the heavy, uncut 10 inch long, rutted cows playing field. This meant the warm up wasn’t great and concerning as we looked like a bag of spanners.

However, we kicked off and immediately put the warm up behind us as we got into a rhythm and began to dominate in all areas, especially so in the scrum & lineouts.

 West camped out in the Billingham half for the first five minutes and looked dangerous.  However, a stray pass was intercepted and the Billingham player ran almost the length of the pitch to dot down under the posts.  Not sure how the conversion was missed but it hit the underside of the crossbar!! 5 - 0

 West restarted and once again built up pressure with the forwards carrying well, with strong trundles from Coates, Charlie, Penno & Liston who’s improving week after week.  The backs moved the defence from left to right before Coates hit a great line to take him over the whitewash.  Zac converting. 5 - 7

Shortly after the restart Todd came off with a pulled hamstring which meant Larkin coming onto the field at 12 and partnering the young Wilkins who made a welcome return to rugby after being out most of the season.

Billingham attacked and some weak tackling saw some good support play and offloading which resulted Billingham’s second try in the far corner.  Conversion missed 10 - 7

Once again more pressure by West deep in the Billingham 22m which should have resulted in  2^nd try but a slight knock on gave Billingham a scrum.  Billingham’s clearing kick didn’t make touch and fell to Painter on the half way line.  He took it up to the defence, feinted a kick, shimmied the defender, before going on a barnstorming run only to be brought down 10m from the line.  The ball was quickly recycled before Zac found a slight gap which he offloaded to the supporting Penno to score West’s second try of the afternoon. Zac adding the Conversion 10 -14

From the restart West again pilled on the pressure and a kick into the corner from Southern saw Painter chase it down.  Painter got to the ball first and switched with the looping round/supporting Larkin who crossed the line.  Unfortunately to Larkin’s dismay, the try was disallowed as the Ref said it was foul play by Painter (most honest, sportsmanlike man in the world) who took the man out without the ball . (Dubious)

From the penalty, once again Billingham failed to clear their lines and landed in the hands of Painter.  A copycat run of the previous one, with another feint and scything run, saw Painter hauled down just short again.  However, West couldn’t take advantage this time and resulted in a turnover.

Billingham cleared their lines but West were dominating the lineout both in attack and defence. Wray robbed the ball and fed the backs.  Larkin took it in before the forwards recycled with more carries from Allison, Coates, Hadwen & ever present Kay saw West go close to the whitewash again.  However, the unfinished product was a penalty to Billingham for West holding on.

From the penalty, again Billingham failed to clear their lines and landed in the hands of Painter for the third time in a matter of minutes.  A DeJa’Vu run of the previous two, with another feint (can’t believe the same player bought it for the 3^rd time) 😊 he side stepped and boshed his way to the Billingham 5m line.  However, West couldn’t take advantage again and resulted in another turnover.

Half time 10 - 14

Immediately after the restart, Billingham decided to run it and entered the West half for only the third time in the game.  The dangerous Fijian threw an absolutely outrageous dummy which was unbelievably taken by Cox!!  This allowed him a trot in for his second try.   Try Converted 17 – 14

 West made some changes with James Tyers coming on for Allison, Godfrey on for Liston & Callum for Hadwen.

 For the next 20 minutes West once again applied most of the pressure with the lineout at 100% due the accurate but unorthodox end over end throwing in by Mould and once again the reliable glue hands of Wray. This pressure was finally taking it’s toll on the defence and with Parker’s accurate distribution, Southern darted through a gap who passed to the supporting Painter for a well-rewarded try.

Zac adding the Conversion 17 - 21

 West’s domination continued in all areas of their attack.  The backs began to look sprightly and confident with Parker, Southern Cox & Tyo making yards.  Unfortunately this resulted in Cox injuring his shoulder and coming off.  This was just believed to be a stinger by the physio’s,( who may I say where absolutely first class all day). Most injuries were treated with just the old magic sponge, cold water and the threat of Mixie Parker having to set foot on the playing field.

 Painter was once again looking dangerous and came in from his wing off Southern at 10 into a gap.  However, he dropped the pass that would have resulted in a great try.

Billingham had a scrum but couldn’t get out of their own half due to the solid West defence.  West soon turned defence into attack and turned over a maul. They moved the ball down the blind side before Larkin fed the ball to Mould to go in for a try.

Zac adding the Conversion 17 - 28

Final whistle Billingham III 17 - 28 West Stags

Thanks again to Billingham for hosting the fixture and really glad you got your lads a game of Rugby.  Good luck for the rest of the season.

Summary

Once again another solid team performance both in defence and attack. Given we probably had around 70% possession the score line win margin should have been far greater. That said, couldn’t fault the lad’s commitment, determination and team spirit. These key areas make it enjoyable and is one of the reasons why we are beginning to be a successful team. 

Work on’s- More focused in the Warmup and be more clinical in attack.

MVP (Most Valuable Player) -  Once again, this is a quiet individual who is improving in confidence every week. His kick return yardage was phenomenal, exceeding on average 30 yards per impressive carry. He also came off his wing looking for work and therefore highlighted as the teams Go - To player. This week’s MVP goes to Jordan Painter👍💪

Dick of the day - This goes to a forward whose backside had fallen out 5 times before kick-off which meant carrying additional toilet paper down his socks for emergency purposes!! This player also embarrassingly got ripped, not once, but twice by backs half his size. Get yourself in the Gym Craig Hadwen, that’s embarrassing 🤣🤣

Journey to Pitch – Long

Going - Heavy, long to extra-long in places

Physio’s - Outstanding

Food – 7/10 Curry & Rice.