Boro 150 Vets 40 – Teesside Barbarians Vets 20

What an evening at Acklam park. Over 35 , over 35’s donned the commemorative 150 strip to play an epic match on Friday night. The side played three 20 minute sessions against a strong Teesside invitational side.

Boro’s starting line up contained many well known names including Chris and Benn Horton, Cato, Marty Featherstone, Si Moore, disco Dean Gardiner, Micklewright and Peter Wright. The visitors scored first with Stockton’s Ross Doherty appearing on the overlap. However, the home side quickly responded with Tom Bivens using some deft footballing skills to score.  Boro’s second score came when Lee “Chop” Richardson burst through. Boro’s Mike Wood was the team’s specialist conversion taker and he dutifully slotted the conversion.

The first period over Boro made 15 changes, amongst them chairman Tilson, former 1st captains Richie Horton & Brad and a sprightly 70 year old Stu Richardson. Boro scored two more tries in this period through Danny Poole and that man Horton.
The BaBa’s responded with Darlington’s  Anthony “Del” Lewis scoring.

Onto the final 20, and another handful of changes, including Eddie Scott, Tom Corrigill , Wilf , Matty John and Liam Goodall.  From a trademark Goodall break, his former colts captain Tom Rhattigan scored under the posts. The final try for the home team came from Chris Snaith who picked a great line from a penalty to score. Mike Wood slotted his fifth conversion. The BaBa’s responded with 2 more scores, one from the flying Shepherd from Billingham, and the final whistle was blown.

An amazing night on the field was followed by an amazing night in the bar. Joe Bradford’s band was in fine form as were the players singing voices. Big thanks to everyone involved, especially the BaBa’s who contributed hugely to the night. A special mention too, to Philly Addo and his company Paragon for sponsoring the evening.

UTB – one club