CCSRFC II 10 TEWKESBURY II 55
Service 2s left the field with pride intact after an early battering from the visitors at Tewkesbury Road. Fielding a line-up consisting of 2 props in the Row and another at 8; a second row on one wing, one more at 12; flankers at 14 and 15; and feisty wee Justin Thackray filling in (sorry, directing the game) at 10, there was always going to be a sporting chance that Tewkesbury’s backs would bag some points when they got the ball on a pristine early-season surface.
After 30 minutes, the visitors were 6 tries ahead, despite some good phase play from Service, who were nevertheless unable to keep the play tight enough to stop the Tewkesbury onslaught. However, as skipper Arron Hudson began to shuffle the pack with positional changes and substitutions, Service came to dominate large phases of the game. The final 50 minutes thus saw Service narrowly lose 3 tries to 2 with proper old-fashioned scores from Coner Towle and Francis Cole each bundling over from close range.
Debutants Rob Robert Evans and Lee Towle (each making their first senior appearance in any rugby team) gave a fine account of themselves; returning Mike Overthrow filled in effectively at 12; whilst potty-mouth Jason King and wily old bird Andy Meade constantly drew in defenders.
Service competed well in the lineout and dominated the scrum, and first-up tackling and rucking was solid. MoM Fran Francis Cole threw, scrummaged, tackled and carried with great aplomb, whilst Gareth Hockin sniped effectively throughout, despite his DoD kick straight to the opposition’s best open-field runner who then scored from 80 metres.
Lots of positives from a tough, competitive fixture and 2 great quotes to treasure:
David Trigg “Stroke my beard, it feels like a fanny”
Fiona Brunt (ref) “Gentlemen, I left my handbag in the changing rooms but it seems you have brought yours out with you”