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Preview: Billingham HIPPOS vs Darlington DINOSAURS 13/03/2020
Mike Brown12 Mar 2020 - 11:47
#vetsrugby
Billingham Hippos are in action once again this coming Friday against Darlington Dinosaurs in the Semi Final of the Vets County Cup.
The physios and backroom staff have been working hard to ensure the defibs are working, the stretchers are prepped and the cupboards stocked with copious amounts of deep heat.
The Hippos have announced their availability ready to hit the plains of Billinghams artificial grass. Headed by chief Hippo Chris Ker he has again recruited players from the past and dug up some names from yesteryear who have not seen a rugby pitch in 10+ years!!
Hippos will be confident going into the semi final following their victory over Houghton in the last round.
However the Darlington Dinosaurs have built up a reputation on the vets circuit. A team that has clearly come out of extinction and ready to roam the earth once more. They will once again be looking to stamp their authority on the game and get their teeth on that County Cup.
Here are some facts about the HIPPOs
1) Hippos are large semi-aquatic mammals, with a large barrel-shaped body, short legs, a short tail and an enormous head! They have greyish to muddy-brown skin, which fades to a pale pink colour underneath.
2) They are considered the second largest land animal on Earth (first place goes to the elephant!). Males measure around 3.5m long and 1.5m tall, and can weigh up 3,200kg. That’s as much as three small cars!
3) To stay cool in the blistering Billingham heat, hippos spend most of their day in rivers and lakes. Their eyes, nose and ears are located on the top of their head, which means they can see and breathe whilst submerged in the water. What’s more, these super-cool creatures sweat an oily red liquid which helps protect their skin from drying out – and acts as a sunblock, too! Cool, huh?
4) These magnificent mammals were once found throughout all sub-saharan Billingham. Sadly, populations have declined due to habitat loss and hunting. Today, they are largely confined to protected areas in the clubhouse.
5) Hippos are most active at night, when they forage for food. They WERE herbivores, and ate mostly grass – and boy did they eat grass! In just one night, they can guzzle down up to 35kg of their favourite grub! Now they can be seen to guzzle copious amounts of San Miguel!
6) Despite their enormous size, hippos are great runners and can hold their pace for up to 100 yard.
7) Hippos usually live in groups (or “herds”) of around ten to 20 individuals, led by one large dominant male. The other members are females, their young and a few young non-breeding males.
8) Dominant males are very protective over their group. To warn off rival males, they open their huge mouths and display their long, curved canines! They also make loud grunts and aggressive arm movements.
9) In the wild hippos live for around 40 years. In captivity, they tend to live longer and may reach up to 80 years old (this is dependant on previous injuries received)
Support is needed to get these wild animals through the game. A cheer, a whoop and a giggle will help them achieve their goal of becoming County champs!!
#OSIOS
The physios and backroom staff have been working hard to ensure the defibs are working, the stretchers are prepped and the cupboards stocked with copious amounts of deep heat.
The Hippos have announced their availability ready to hit the plains of Billinghams artificial grass. Headed by chief Hippo Chris Ker he has again recruited players from the past and dug up some names from yesteryear who have not seen a rugby pitch in 10+ years!!
Hippos will be confident going into the semi final following their victory over Houghton in the last round.
However the Darlington Dinosaurs have built up a reputation on the vets circuit. A team that has clearly come out of extinction and ready to roam the earth once more. They will once again be looking to stamp their authority on the game and get their teeth on that County Cup.
Here are some facts about the HIPPOs
1) Hippos are large semi-aquatic mammals, with a large barrel-shaped body, short legs, a short tail and an enormous head! They have greyish to muddy-brown skin, which fades to a pale pink colour underneath.
2) They are considered the second largest land animal on Earth (first place goes to the elephant!). Males measure around 3.5m long and 1.5m tall, and can weigh up 3,200kg. That’s as much as three small cars!
3) To stay cool in the blistering Billingham heat, hippos spend most of their day in rivers and lakes. Their eyes, nose and ears are located on the top of their head, which means they can see and breathe whilst submerged in the water. What’s more, these super-cool creatures sweat an oily red liquid which helps protect their skin from drying out – and acts as a sunblock, too! Cool, huh?
4) These magnificent mammals were once found throughout all sub-saharan Billingham. Sadly, populations have declined due to habitat loss and hunting. Today, they are largely confined to protected areas in the clubhouse.
5) Hippos are most active at night, when they forage for food. They WERE herbivores, and ate mostly grass – and boy did they eat grass! In just one night, they can guzzle down up to 35kg of their favourite grub! Now they can be seen to guzzle copious amounts of San Miguel!
6) Despite their enormous size, hippos are great runners and can hold their pace for up to 100 yard.
7) Hippos usually live in groups (or “herds”) of around ten to 20 individuals, led by one large dominant male. The other members are females, their young and a few young non-breeding males.
8) Dominant males are very protective over their group. To warn off rival males, they open their huge mouths and display their long, curved canines! They also make loud grunts and aggressive arm movements.
9) In the wild hippos live for around 40 years. In captivity, they tend to live longer and may reach up to 80 years old (this is dependant on previous injuries received)
Support is needed to get these wild animals through the game. A cheer, a whoop and a giggle will help them achieve their goal of becoming County champs!!
#OSIOS
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