Boro Wasps v Billingham Lions

Billingham made the journey over the Tees with a blend of youth and experience but once again a shortage of back cover. In what turned out to be a war of attrition both sides left th field with a string of injured players. Our woes started after only three minutes when Youdale popped a shoulder after a scrum collapsed to be replaced by Rob McCabe. With a strong breeze at their backs Boro peppered our half with high kicks which Westall dealt with showing his catch and return skills were still as sharp as ever. The home side managed to break our defences despite desperate tackles from Keenan twice in the first half hour with brutal attacks hammering our line. Once again Rumis dominated the line out and with the free running experienced Armstrong we looked good for a second half comeback as the superior fitness was starting to tell. We were unlucky not to go ahead when Kev McCabe who is adapting to his move to the lions well did a trade mark pick and drive to be stopped just short. After thirty seven minutes we overturned a ball on our five metre line and Ker went almost the full length of the field to score. Boro were stunned and gave away a penalty just in their half. Woodhouse took a quick tap and went over under the posts to score with a looping run to bring about half time.
Boro Wasps 19 – Billingham Lions 14
Our shortage of back replacements could have been costly as Woodhouse was limping between breakdowns but the experience of Shepherd and Reay showed as they stepped in when needed in between making breaks in the open. Ten minutes into the second half saw all of our subs used up with Rumis leaving the field with a twisted knee to be replaced by Coulle putting extra responsibility on Fernie being our only recognised lock, Daley replace Kev McCabe and Hammond come on for Dave Reay who had once again given us that extra back row in a number two shirt. Boro were starting to show signs of tiredness and were killing the ball illegally giving Brewis a chance to slot a long penalty to bring us within two points. With ten minutes left Ker broke the gain line yet again and set Sanderson making his debut away. He went right to the half way before being tackled and all was lost. No he rolled onto his back and popped the ball to Brewis who sprinted in and converted to give us a five point lead. Boro pressed hard for the final ten minutes and the Lions lived up to their name defending resolutely. Daley made a try saving stop and it looks as though his wrist is broken as he spent the night in North Tees Hospital operating theatre. The crowd of Lions supporters (Sando, Wesall and Hammond the elders) almost went wild as the final whistle br ought about another Lions victory and a superb performance all round.
Boro Wasps 19 – Billingham Lions 24.
Scorers
Tries Ker 1, Woodhouse 1, Brewis 1
Kicks Brewis Conversions 3, Penalty 1. 100% 4 from 4