On a sunny Saturday afternoon, Redcar welcomed Hartlepool Rovers to Mackinlay Park. After a much-needed win against Yarm the previous week, confidence was high and the lads were eager to get the game underway.

Following a morning of back-and-forth discussions, the decision was finally made that the pitches were playable and the match could go ahead. With a change to the usual routine, Redcar attacked the clubhouse end in the first half and used the low sun to their advantage. The backs controlled the game superbly, pinning Hartlepool Rovers deep in their own half and forcing errors.

The opening try came from a lineout, where a well-worked set piece put the ball into James Toward’s hands. Some fancy—if slightly fortunate—footwork saw the centre beat three defenders before sliding over the line. Buoyed by the score, Redcar ramped up the pressure once again, dominating territory through strong set piece and defensive work.

The second try followed from powerful running through the middle of the park, drawing in defenders before the ball was worked wide to Daniel Addison, who finished well in the corner. However, from the resulting kick-off Hartlepool came to life. Redcar slipped into old habits, and strong carries combined with quick ball allowed the visitors to respond with two tries of their own before half-time.

12–14

The second half was a nervy affair, with neither side willing to make costly mistakes. Much of the play was confined between the 22s, as both teams put in huge defensive efforts but struggled with final passes and execution.

The first points of the second half came with just five minutes remaining, as Hartlepool opted to take three points in front of the posts to extend their lead to 12–17. Redcar threw everything at the visitors in the closing stages, working their way up the pitch before Brad Smith powered over from two metres out to level the scores at 17–17. The conversion narrowly drifted wide, and from the restart Redcar kicked the ball off the park to secure the draw.
This was a well-deserved two points. The lads battled hard all afternoon in tough conditions against an opposition who had beaten them convincingly earlier in the season.

A massive thank you goes to all the volunteers and players who arrived early to ensure the game went ahead—from gritting the car park to sweeping the pitch. Another huge thank you to the supporters who braved the conditions to cheer the lads on. The effort and support shown towards our 1XV has been noticed and is massively appreciated.

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