Billingham Hippos travelled the short distance to Middlesbrough to play in a friendly.

A short turnaround from the County Cup game against Sedgefield meant a few Hippos were unavailable including the influential Paul Burgum and the Foster brothers.

However with ones not available others come to the fore with the return Mark Coull, Rob Hamer, Dave Hyndman and Andy Dixon. An ever youthful 9 in Mark Armstrong returned to the field for the first time in a number of years as well as ‘new’ Vet Dan Robinson who played his first game in 6 years.

As always on the day there is always a cry off here and there, as always Chris Ker rallies around to get last minute replacements.

Winner of ‘Dick of the day’ before the game kicked off is Craig Shepherd. Craig cried off from the game due to a verruca, yes you read right, a VERRUCA!!!!!

Anyhow back to the game…. HIPPOS arrived as a herd with one or 2 stragglers coming from work. The mood in the herd was good. Nice and relaxed. News that Pete ‘the ref’ was coming added to the excitement as we had a back with pace!

HIPPOS shuffled out of the changing room to be greeted by a team who seemed on appearance that they were yet to reach puberty never mind 35….

The game kicked off…. The pace of the game was as expected slow… with Middlesbrough having the better of the refs early whistles by winning numerous penalties, mostly for not rolling away! A line out was chosen by Middlesbrough… a catch and drive a pull down Hamer was called. A cheeky ball heeled kick and catch from Middlesbrough 10 set the tone of the game. Billingham questioned the leg movement from said player as no way has he had 20+years playing and can still bend his knees the way he did….

Billingham were soon on the ascendancy and it was the man on the wing who wasn’t due to play but sacrificed his school reunion to play (CRAIG!) to get Billingham on the scoreboard. It was after good work from Coull, Hamer, Surtees and Buckley who gave Billingham the go forward.

From the returning kick off Billingham were soon on the attack. With the 2 Armstrongs at half back pulling the string the HIPPOS were om the attack. Pete ‘the ref’ was showcasing his stepping skills but couldn’t find a gap. Billingham relied on the heavy weights. Robinsons carried, Brown carried, Coull carried all to fall short. It was the slightly lighter but heavy headed Hamer that barrelled his way over the line to give the HIPPOS the lead. Dave Armstrong willingly took his time over the conversion to then kick the HIPPOS a further 2 points head.

Half time was a welcome sight with many bent double and some checking their verrucas.

Water was needed to hydrate the HIPPOS but instead the offered drink was a warmly Port….. Not a 100% sure the reason behind the origins of Port at half time but it was a welcome idea as it took away any aches that were starting to creep in.

Middlesbrough kicked off the second half. The game was a slower starter than the first half with both sides packs tiring with only a few managing to pick up the pace of the game. A scrum was held on the 15 metre line. The HIPPOS had held their own all game. A swift pass from the base found Dave Armstrong who Jonny esk (not sure if pre planned) sent a kick cross field which found Pete ‘the ref’ flying doen the wing to collect and score in the corner. A magnificent but of skill that had the HIPPOS cheering. They weren’t cheering for the score, they were just happy they got another break longer than a scrum. Dave couldn’t add the extras, By this point Dave had used all his energy for the Crossfield….

Middlesbrough weren’t ones to lie down and made their way up the pitch, They managed to exploit a fledgling HIPPOS defence by scoring out wide despite the efforts of Gav Lumley who was sterling at the back with his defence all game.

Subs were made, Hyndman, Revill and Dixon on… the game tightened up. HIPPOS still on the attack. Middlesbrough started to tire more and more and eventually the refs patience ran out and blew for a penalty. A shrewd call for a Vets game or a stroke of genius….. Either way it allowed Billingham to take a 2 score lead and it was a much needed break for the HIPPO herd.

The minutes ticked by the defibs were ready for the end of the game. And with the whistle at his lips the ref called time. The HIPPOS were the winners…. Bodies battered but pride in tact!

There was nothing but pride felt and some men were willing to put their verruca’s to one side and play for the love of the game.

Middlesbrough 14- HIPPOS 22
#OSIOS