Wetherby 12-24 Sheffield Oaks 

So went another hectic pre-match organisation. With two bodies pulling out we went to Wetherby with 14 men not sure what to expect.  But on arrival Chatters stepped up to the plate which warmed us all and gave us hope.  Despite being 50yrs old and never having played a game of rugby we knew his years of watching the Oaks would guide him through.

 

Unfortunately with so much going on in this game it is quite hard to remember the exact sequence of events but I will try!!

 

With a stiff breeze blowing we were fortunate enough play with the breeze in the first half.  Soon after kick off it was apparent that we had the advantage in the forwards and that the referee wasn't going to be talked to at all when Bonzo was sent off for a relatively minor verbal infringement - Fortunately Wetherby weren't able to capitalise.  After a bit of tooing and frowing a lovely push down the right wing the ball was eventually fed to Frets and so ensued an 'African moment' .  Like a scene out of a wild life documentary with an Elephant fighting off a pride lions clawing at his back.  Frets stormed over close to the posts and Rusty converted.  With the wind in our sails we immediately pushed back to their line.  With only a matter of time and persistence to stop us going over Bonzo's patience wore thin. With a chip and chase followed by a penalty Wetherby exploited our weakened flanks and ran the length of the pitch to put one over. On the restart Wetherby kicked back into action.  Oaks and wetherby both showed some flashes of brilliance with Rusty making a number of great runs but neither team could convert it into points.

 

The second half was amazing as there was some terrible and fantastic displays of rugby.  It was saw some great last ditch defence by Dave Mitch, Rusty, Stumpy and Chatters to Keep us in the game.  Some great 50 meter driving mauls and spearing runs from Rusty, Tom and Frets.   Despite having the upper hand Wetherby were the first to score and then continued to look good.  For a while pushing us back with well placed kicks.  At one point Wetherby made a great break.  But when all looked lost Dave broke up the attack down the wing and Rusty and Stumpy tidied up before the rest of the team, in disbelief, got back and secured the line.  A number of push attempts at the line were held up until, fortunately, the pack all of a sudden switched on and really started to work together.  With a series of driving mauls we worked up the pitch and pressed their line. Eventually our persistence and ball control was rewarded when after a try was held up the pack worked hard and controlled the scrum for a pushed over try.  An amazing conversion saw the ball bounce off the post and the crossbeam to put us 2 ahead.

 

Not giving up Wetherby again countered through broken play got back in our half and got a penalty.  With hearts in mouth they missed and then lost a player to the sin bin.  Not wanting to be out done we nominated Andy Selkirk to go in the sin bin too when we were only inches from their line.  No too phased Oaks pressed at their line through the forwards and scored again to put us 7 points in front with fading light then again we were pressing the line.  Bonzo not content with one chip and chase when we were about to score then did it again!!  Wetherby capitalised on broken play again.  Fortunately this time Chatters fearsome frame and wealth of experience was there to put their second row off enough to cause him to throw a bum pass and a certain under the posts try.  From here Oaks didn't make another mistake and with some impressive work from the forwards and backs worked for two more impressive tries through Dave Mitch and Frets (and Bully) to win the game!!

 

M.O.M - Chatters for his try saving tackle and stepping up to the plate when so many others "couldn't" (wouldn't)......

Golden Moment - When at half time during the team talk the entire team told Pete Selkirk in unison to "SHUT UP".

D.O.D - Bonzo. For giving the ball away attempting to chip over on the try line, leading to a try....... for Wetherby.

Super D.O.D - Bonzo. Not learning from the first time and repeating the trick in the second half.

Quote of the Day - Stumpy's famous last words (while chucking a ball around prior to kickoff) 'I might practice some of those little kicks Bonzo does. He's good at them.'

A Special Thanks - To Danksy for making the effort to drive up from Birmingham to play.

You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks - Chats, being pulled off water bottle duties to make his debut despite having never before laced up his boots in anger.

PLEASE READ BONZO'S RANT TO CLARIFY SOME POINTS IN THE REPORT......