A sizeable squad boosted by the return of 12 players from University, long term injury in addition to three other new players to the club proved too strong for a West Park side that never gave up despite a sizeable scorline.

Even though Gate scored 15 tries it was the width and pace at which the 3’s played that caused mayhem in the West Park defence with many of the tries being well worked attacking moves creating space and 2 on 1’s with the last man.

It was great to see Nino returning to the pitch after over a year out injured and he immediately made his presence known with a try in the first minute and some strong scrummaging that belied the fact he had only taken contact in training on Thursday night for the first time in months so the 40 min run out was perfect during which time he added another try.

The varying front row options gave a solidity and platform for the back line to have a stream of good possession all game long which was capitalised upon.

Captain Noel (playing in the centres instead of the back row) then got his first of three tries with a well worked counter attack before Steve got the first of his two tries (more about the second one later)

Robbie Kent had been in every age group as a junior was making his first senior start (back from Uni) and what an impression he made, he scored 3 tries and showed power and pace in abundance, linking very well with the back line.

Young Rory Cardwell is developing really well and put in a good shift in the second row alongside the outstanding Matt Brougham and was rewarded with a first half try. Matt who along with front rower Dave are getting back into rugby after a long tour away with the RAF was secured a lot of possession and made many powerful driving runs.

Jonno made some strong carries (including a 50m charge down field) which ultimately led to an Oli Myers try and along with Snips and young Sam Thomas were winning the battle at the breakdown.

Half time saw lots of changes however the patterns of play remained constant as testament to the fact that all senior players train together so young players coming through train alongside the First XV players in training matches and their development and ability to communicate and organise defensively as well as in attack is really bearing fruit.

West Park never let their heads drop to their credit and were duly rewarded when they scored two tries early in the second half.
As the game wore on the youthful back line again started to exploit the spaces out wide and Cloughie got on the end of a well worked in out move to score.

Next up was the ever dangerous Sam Rowntree who made a number of strong breaks during the game linking up well with Robbie, Oli, Woody & Cloughie throughout, this time a strong break, quick interpassing and a good finish.

Fittingly it was a solo effort from Kenty that ended the scoring.

Champagne Moment – take a bow Tom (sonny bill) O’Sullivan after a searing break (his words) he produced an outrageous back of the hand offload for Steve to go over…

Brown Ale Moment – Young Sam Thomas who had a great game and should have capped it off with a fine try, only he made his one and only error in knocking the ball on over the line!