Having lost 16 players in total (I know that was careless of me), the 14 who did turn up manned the helm brilliantly.

As ever a huge thanks to Adam Roberts (Ashton) who couldn’t make it –he was on 1st team duty at Ashton Reasonable excuse), though he sent 3 able bodied replacements who were brill. Not forgetting Macca who as usual sorted some bodies for me at short notice.

Having used all of my charm on the teenage young lady Tasha to Ref, the 28 of us took to the field. One or two interesting points – Uncontested scrums with Number 8 pick up allowed to make the best of it. thanks also to Greg for volunteering!

At kick off I looked at the opposition and thought ‘we’ll easily beat this bunch of old farts – then I looked at us- and immediately realised that a draw would be a good result. We hadn’t reckoned on the ex RL Mike Tyson lookalike in their back row,. They had some big lads!!

We started well – ish, but weren't really ‘together’, and sure enough went a try down after 10 mins. We managed to pull one back Jon Kerr nipping over after a good back move (obviously started by the forwards!), We scored another, Dezdazdozy, with a port moment chip and catch, to score under the posts, both converted by Gibbo. I was beginning to enjoy it, until they cut us apart and scored under the sticks. Half time 14-12 up.

2nd half, down hill with the wind, should be ok but we would need to work hard. and work we did.

The forwards ably led by Julian LBTV against a much bigger (and their aren’t many bigger than Julian) and heavier (and there aren’t many heavier than Julian) pack held their own and better. And in the line our new specialist No 2 jumper Wales nil did much to spoil their lineout ball – trouble is he did much to spoil ours as well! Young Alun (Howard) Melvin Man of the Match and Darragh both played blinders in the back row. Hooking Scrum half Jim Finnegan was everywhere though everyone deserves a mention. Special thanks to Rob Zel, playing with a damaged hand – (it must have seemed a long 10 Minutes) and Zippy just turning up in the hopes of a game, got stuck in and we’d have been lost without him, cheers Paul.

Well marshalled by Gibbo the backs living of good controlled ball strung wave after wave of moves together scoring freely (am I sure that I was at the same game??). – It was like rugby – only slower!

Seriously it was a joy to play in. One move went through every set of backs hands and the final burst from 2 players who’s age totalled 117 years literally flew down the wing to the rapturous chees of the fans – well Greg and Scobie. The trouble was that one of us needed the ball!! Ah well Que Sera. Jonny (Wilko) was everywhere pity really he should have stayed at full back. Geoff Ritchie played the best I’ve ever seen him play (the 1 other occasion was........).

A team is nothing without it’s waterboys, unfortunately we have Jamesy and Banksy, the opposition look at them in fear and trepidation – until they realise that they are not players Though Banksy has promised to get his eyes sorted, and Jamest his knees – I’d settle for them both sorting their hands out!. As ever thanks to the Whippet, helping the organisation, scoring a cracker, and forcing a double pint into me, 2 of which I am grateful for!

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable day, and a few welcome scoops. The crowning glory – Scobie bought a round! it must have been a good match, though not many of you would have known about it – as he waited until nearly everyone had gone. Thanks to Him and Greg for supporting, and especially for bringing along their girls.

Anyway I’m off to A&E think the ACL needs some attention, the pain kicked in after the alcohol wore off.

See you all soon.
Art

Ps Those of you who couldn’t make it hopefully you will next time.
PPS Those who changed your minds and those who don’t respond to emails –you could have been part of this.
PPPS Those of you who didn’t show – shame on you.