Great Day For John Painter

By Simon Carew - April 29 2002
Great Day For John Painter
Darren Thomas
The Nathan Painter Memorial Fund is substantially richer thanks to Hartlepool's spirited rugby players. It's estimated that as much as £1,500 may have been made with £600 coming from the lottery alone at the Tech v West game at Grayfields. A West "All Stars" side won 33-0.

Not that the score matters that much. It was a great way for John Painter to end his long and illustrious playing and coaching career. He will be proud to hand the cheque over in his son's name.

It was very much a coming together of Hartlepool Rugby and those advocating a West and Rovers tie-up were given plenty of ammunition! Guest players Frankie Coulson and Andrew Lilley scored tries, as did West's own Darren Thomas. The final try was scored by a promising guest prop who preferred only to go by the name of Supercodhead the Second.

Former Rover Frankie played full back, and scored two tries, while Andrew Lilley played in the centre alongside Allan Milne. Craig Lee guested at fly half while Marty Challoner was also in the front row. Colt Andrew Hare had a fine game on the wing with Tommy Barff on the other. All of the try scorers took their own conversions.