The Teesside Barbarians Tsunami Appeal match was a splendid success yesterday afternoon in front of a large crowd at the Friarage, Hartlepool.
They enjoyed a 56-29 win over a weaker - but nevertheless entertaining - District side, chosen from eight Hartlepool clubs.
It was 'game on' from the very first minute as promised by skipper Alan Brown with Iain Robinson (Mowden Park) claiming the first points for the Barbarians soon followed by Frankie Coulson (Darlington).
Ian Dixon (Mowden) was next over ,quickly followed by Boro's Peter Wright.
It was fast-flowing and adventurous stuff, with drop goals replacing place kicks for conversions.
With 20 points on the board after 22 minutes, Hartlepool went up a gear and Gareth Foreman (Rovers) went over for a try and the day's first conversion.
A dazzling run and conversion from the same Rovers man saw another seven points on the board, which almost shut down the BaaBaas machine until half-time.
But, right on 40 minutes, Yarm's Mark Gilchrist struck back for the Barbarians with Moore converting to make it 27-14 at the break.
Second half Barbarians tries came from Ian Dixon, Lee Davies (Darlington), Craig Shepherd (Billingham), Alan Brown (Stockton) and Neil Baggett (Middlesbrough). Dixon and Davies converted.
Paul Bruce (Horden), Michael Charlton and Gareth Foreman (both Rovers) collected a try apiece for the Hartlepool clubs.
