Yards overcome Woodrush by 7 tries to 2We felt very honoured to have been invited by Woodrush to take part in their annual pre-season Memorial Day. It is similar to our presidents day but it takes part at the start of the season rather than the end. A large home crowd assembled on a rare sunny afternoon to watch a game that would be far from easy. The hosts are playing in a league one division lower than the Yards and they have always been difficult opponents.
However, we were not there to act as fodder. We were there to help prepare for the coming season for which we want to be ready from day one. Still missing some key players it was clear from the start that we were up for it. Although the set scrums were a mess we dominated the line out, were well on top in winning loose ball and whenever the home team tried to run the ball they were cut down with a much better sharpness than previously seen. The most impressive part of our game though was the speed and handling displayed by our backs. Superbly orchestrated by Jake who brought his outside colleagues into play with a range of moves that the opposition had no answer to. A final try count of 7 to 2 is a fairly accurate indication of how the game went. The important thing now is to ensure that we remain as effective for the approaching games.
As Bill Collins, in his post-match summary emphasised, 'one swallow does not make a summer'. Pricey woke up when he heard those words but when Bill continued with 'many hands make light work' we thought it was time to move on
It was good to bump into a few familiar faces at Woodrush, One time Tommies rugby and football student, Kristian Duce, the home side full back caught well under pressure but got little support from team mates when trying to run it back. Another Tommies celebrity, Jon Anderson, was at the match but is not certain which club he hopes to play for this coming season. One more to mention is former Yards player Marvin Wallace, brother of Enoch and Ainsley. He was not there as a player, but as a watchful parent.