The morning run up there was questions about the weather... Will the rain ever stop?

Yes it did however the damp surface, wet ball made for a game of dropped balls, slipped tackles and scrummages.

In what has been an annual pre season game against Rovers, coached by former 1st XV prop Ste Smith meant another run out for those looking to push for a 1st XV place.

Rovers looked the business in their new kit and a certain Mr Josh Bragman in the centres. They took the game to Billingham in the opening 10 minutes which saw winger Leon Turnbull replaced by reinvigorated Luke Armstrong, who was unable to stop Rovers taking the lead.

Billingham continually tried to up the temp however a wayward pass, a dropped ball put Billingham on the back foot. Rovers kept on picking up the scraps and making yards.

It was newly signed John Padley who has had an impressive pre season so far that got Billingham on the scoreboard. A storming run dodging tackles and a sliding dive was beautiful sight on dull day. Luke Fez kicked the conversion.

Rovers again came back at Billingham pouncing on individual errors. Some good forward play saw the ball fall to Bragman who sent a nice grubber through for the winger to win a kick and chase to score. Conversion kicked. 7-10. GAME ON!

Unfortunately that was the last time Rovers saw the whitewash. A quick talking to from head coach Pete Evans saw Billingham pick up the pice. James Burns and Will Scott making big runs through the middle. Quick recycling, further carries from Graham and Shaw saw skipper Sam Wilson dive over from 5 yards for Billingham to retake the lead. Luke Fez kicking the points 14-12

Half time...

Not sure what was said at half time by the coaches but im sure some expletives may have been used... subs were made. The weather had dried up which meant a faster flowing game beckoned.

A returning Josh Armstrong at 10 showed some nice touches but it was the menace at 7 John Padley that got the first try of the second half. Armstrong nudging over the extras.21-12.

Another returning player was Josh Wilson. Fresh out of the Navy, some much spent time with the family he look fresh (the same cant be said after the game) He was quick, strong and managed to score the next try again converted nicely by Armstrong 28-12.

By now Rovers looked tired. Influential players and both former Billingham players Liam Armstrong and Josh Bragman had left the field. In doing so meant more and more gaps appeared especially around the fringes. It was again a quick thinking Sam Wilson who darted over for his 2nd of the day. Josh Armstrong knocking over his third kick of the day 35-12

Further replacements were made. More game time for Ethan Hall and Joe Spoors, experienced Dave Reay and newly promoted Colt Kieran Scollay. It was Kieran that was able to notch up his first senior try for Billingham in what was an impressive cameo. 40-12

Rovers continued to fade off and a dropped ball was picked up by Matt Kirby who looked like a rugged George Best in his kick chase to finish off a nice solo effort. 45-12

With only 2 minutes on the clock, Billingham were still hungry. Lewis Mallam now on at 10 in place place of Josh through a nice missed pass to Pete Youll who drew and offloaded to Lewis Bollands who powered over the line. Lewis Mallam finished the scoring with 2 points making the game 52-12.

The score was generous to Billingham and credit must be given to Rovers. Missing a few players but they looked impressive and im sure they will have a strong season ahead.

To Billingham, a poor first half not helped by the conditions. Second half was much better with some good rugby being played. John Padley again looked impressive at 7, Will Scott was in the mix with some bull dozing runs...along with James Burns. A day for the forwards!

Next week sees a development squad travel to Pocklington whilst 3TM mixed squad host Sunderland.

#wegoagain #OSIOS