Old Albanians 4th XV 32 Harlow 4th XV 14

Friendly

Saturday 3rd October 2009

The 4th team travelled across to St. Albans to play the OAs 5th  team in a friendly, for a change it was not hot and sunny.  The pitches are in better condition than ours with plenty of grass and we all made it there without getting lost.

Everyone was going to get at least half a game, the opposition explained that the ref had cried off with an injury and that the skipper was prepared to ref half if we could provide someone to do the other.  Up stepped Aunty who went and collected his whistle, this meant that we would get a game.  As it transpired, a referee was procured and he explained how he was going to run the game. 

We got started and Oas were immediately on the back foot when a series of penalties saw us close to the try line, Freddy seized an opportunity to show of his skills and he popped the ball to James who hit the gap and scored.  Crabby stepped up and converted.  Our next score was close behind when Danny Fitz crashed over, not sure where he started this move and how many opposition he a) sidestepped and b) were hanging off him when he scored, but it was a lot.  14-0 nil thanks to a second conversion was not exactly what Oas were expecting so they made a few tactical substitutions.  Anyone who looked over 25 was pretty much replaced with a new set of under 25 players (not sure that the Colts manager would have been too happy when one was comprehensively destroyed).

The game continued in a physical way and Oas kicked a penalty, scored and converted a try, the backs were very quickly up on their opposite numbers which made it difficult to unleash our quicker backs as we usually do.

The second half saw some interesting developments, Swampy was on the receiving end of a well planned and delivered elbow smash to the nose(Opinion was divided as to whether or not he could have avoided it) after a couple of seconds with blood pouring out, Swampy realised what had happened and popped up with a view to a kill.  Fortunately he was persuaded to let the ref do his job, off the “young man” went for a 4^th team rest.  We were unable to capitalise on the extra man and, moments after Swampy, Rob the winger received an elbow smash to the head (a small egg-like protrusion immediately popped up), this went unnoticed by the ref, but punishment was immediately delivered by Big Dan. Once some of the younger players were replaced by other young players we were in trouble.  Oas scored 4 more tries and converted 1.

To end the game there was another fracas, unfortunately for me I could see the fight developing behind the scrum, and did not bother to take the pass from Justin.

Everyone that played had a great game, the scrum was its usual state, we did not move them off the ball but won all of our own, even when Danny had to retire injured and was replaced by Neal at prop with Banksy coming in at hooker.  Barney, Wingco, Big Andy, Big Dan, Aunty, Kev and Swampy caused havoc all afternoon.  James, Mumbles Hammer, both Robs myself, Justin and Crabby all played well, we just didn’t enjoy the youth and speed of our opposite numbers.  Tracey the physio was kept nice and busy as numerous players were injured.

Humorous moments-Harlow penalty, we kicked into touch and the opposition took the throw in.

The OAs winger calling Swampy a “pussy” as he knelt on the floor bleeding- I suggested that he was asked to shut up or replaced (for his own safety) which he was.  He was moaning as he had not played for ages and had only just got back with the Colts.

The referee letting Swampy know that the “transgressor” was returning to the field of play.

Looking up to see that all the grey-haired players, had been replaced with younger ones.

An extra tall, young, OAs player being told to shut up when he explained he was unfamiliar with the line-out calls.

Discovering that the OAs 2^nd and  4^th team were not playing(that was really funny)

COTM- This goes to the guy who nailed Swampys nose and the unknown assailant who hit Rob in the head not long after.  The OAs hooker also deserves this award as he should just play for his own team, which I very much doubt is the 5ths.

MOTM-This went to Kev, blind side flanker for his support play and tackling.

This was an  excellent warm-up for the Black Horse game which is always close. It’s always a privilege to lose to a team that needs to pack itself with ringers and youngsters.

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