A fairly good turn out of supporters/critics to watch the latest league game with the opposition travelling north from the Warwickshire town of Shipston on Stour.
As is often the way we operate we started slowly, allowing the opposition to establish a lead or at least a degree of confidence. Shipston took advantage of our slumbering to kick three goals early on in the game and we managed a try and conversion, which is possibly a little too close for comfort. However, the home pack gradually increased the pressure on the visitors with the set pieces offering them very little possession. with our half backs showing their skills by scoring two tries each, the very useful bonus point had been our reward. With Shipston running out of steam as well as ideas, a final score of 33-9 was probably just about right. I wonder what it would be like if we started playing from the first whistle.
Development XV
Luke travelled west to Bridgnorth with a squad of 14 players to play one of the stronger teams on the fixture list. My reporter suggests that morale had dropped a little but once the game got underway it was possible that with better preparation that the game was there to have been won. A final score of 7-17 suggests that it was not the landslide that one or two expected. Boys, we were not playing in Tokyo, Rio or Outer Space, get your loyalties in order as rugby is a team game.
Vandals
The visiting Bridgnorth supporters gave the impression that their team, known as The Marauders, so I was told, had not come to us expecting anything other than a victory. Early indications suggested they might be correct. Just like our first team, we started slowly whereas our visitors showed pace and skill running the ball wide and finding holes in our defence and fully deserved their three tries. Again, just like the first team, the forwards started to control the game with the home pack winning all the set piece ball and most of the loose ball. Although not a teenager anymore, Lee Coates still has pace and is a very elusive runner and the Marauders couldn't really handle him. The final score in favour of the Vandals was 55-15. John Lonie, that quiet and modest second row, asked me to mention his try. Seen about as often as Halley's Comet, John it was worth the entrance fee. Well done mate.
Thanks to Bridgnorth for an open and enjoyable game. You caught us on a good day. My regards to John Madden and any of his sons who are playing at your club, most likely as tight head forwards.
Minis and Juniors
Sunday morning and the car park is full and that's without a football match although a group of Aussie Rules players turned up for some reason or another. Our stars of the future were playing Old Saltleians at various age levels. I have not got a clue as to who won or who scored or anything else but the young players enjoyed it and so did the parents and they look far too young in my opinion. Almost perfect but one thing that needs sorting, 'Make sure that we have enough bacon in the kitchen'.
Social
Jan Collins, thank you and well done. Another comedy night enjoyed by more than enough people to have made it worthwhile. Thanks also to all who helped in one way or another. Mark took some stick but he has broad shoulders. Rob was fairly vocal and seemed to enjoy himself.
Good to see
Steve Rabone popped in but couldn't stop for long. It was good to see Mark (Mogi) back in action soon we hope. I recall a game at Eds when we were lacking in real back row players. So, the shortest back row in history, myself, Mogi and Ed the Duck, an amazing trio. We know where Mogi has been but where is Ed (The Duck)?
Fixtures this weekend
Saturday
First XV v Southam away League, kick off 2.15
Dev XV v Old Halesonians home Merit League, kick off 2.15
Vandals XV v Old Halesonians away Merit League kick off 2.15
Hornets, your game has been cancelled but please contact Shannon or Chicken to confirm which team you have been re-directed to.
Sunday
Under 7,8,9,10 are all playing at home v Woodrush. kick off 11.00
Under 11/12 have a game arranged, please contact your team manager for details