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07 January 2008
Boxing Day Match
Congratulations to Jaffa, coaches John Helmore and Grant Robson for managing to organise a superb Boxing Day Past v Present game at such short notice after Risca called off.
Looking at the teams assembled it was always going to be a close result, and so it turned out with the past winning 15 - 12. From the start all the past players supporters were confident that any ball on the ground was theirs as John Hillman and Shaun Rendall won the lions share by fair means or foul, (mainly foul).
In the backs they also had some big tacklers in Paul Finn, Trigger, and Ollie so the first XV were always going to have to work hard for their points.
The past took an early lead with a Kevin Price try which they extended to 10 points after Dickie Gray dived over in the corner. With the first team trying to play 100 MPH free flowing rugby the old heads on the past just waited for the ball to be dropped, then in they pounced. The tactics they then used were simple, make the opposition turn and run back. Then as they tried to run out of defence make the tackles count and wait for mistake's, of which on a Boxing Day there were going to be plenty.
Adding to the 1st XV woe was coach John Helmore who ran around all the game selling dummies as if he was working in Mother Care, to make things worse the first side were all buying them. Along side him Steve Bowen was being complemented for his fitness until it was noticed that he was coming off for a rest every 10 minutes. Then there was genuine concern for right wing Nigel Meaders, who's white shorts were that big, it was felt a strong wind may inflate them and lift him like a hot air balloon into mountain side.
Tron at full back took unfair advantage of the past team when he donned a Father Christmas hat and beard and ran 60 metres without being tackled, he knew none of the past wanted their children to see them hurting Father Christmas. He may well have scored but for a gust of wind which removed the expenditure and Paul Finn unceremoniously dumped him. The firsts took heart when Byron Williams darted over to score and this was quickly followed by a Matthew Whitecombe try converted by Ashley Reed. A quiet word in the ref's ear by Past captain Jaffa, along with a brown envelope, as they jogged back for the restart saw the game end at the next breakdown giving the past another fine win. Well done to everyone who took part and a sincere thank you from the committee and supporters of Ynysddu RFC for a very entertaining match. See you next year.
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