Wilmslow 5 - 84 Manchester

We had agreed in advance to play 3x20 minutes such that all the boys would get a good run out with almost everyone playing 40 minutes.

Having changed in the clubhouse on Kings Road in a changing room with a very strange smell (even before we went in there - honest!) we set off on an orienteering challenge through the woods to the Jim Evison playing fields. I tried to find out who Jim Evison was and why he has fields named after him but failed; the only thing I could find is that Jim Evison is an anagram of Jive Mi Son and so we obliged by dancing around the Wilmslow team who have run us close in years gone by. Indeed some of the throng of supporters were dancing before kick off trying to avoid the thousands of flies that had descended to devour bare flesh for breakfast - oh how Cannabis Tim wished he’d had a hat.

The first 20 minutes showed the developing strength in depth of the squad with a number of players trying out new positions for only the first or second time. I also have to sadly report the demise of two old friends (Humpy junior was forced to sacrifice his super grip gloves before the game - I understand there will be a service at the local crematorium shortly) He went on to have a great time at 9 and there were also some telling performances from Karate Kid and Noisy in the back row. Sutty turned on the gas a few times particularly when encouraged by paternal noises from the side lines, although I’m not sure whether that was words of support for Sam or just the groans of pain as Yorkie Mike recovers from another bout of pretending that he’s still young enough to play on a Saturday. The first third saw us score six tries and it was a real pleasure to see some of the running rugby that epitomises the style that we are trying to play.

Some changes for the second third saw the most competitive of the sessions as Manchester edged it three tries to one. The Wilmslow try was scored by Ross Hook, I think, who managed to get the Manchester back line to buy more dummies than Top Man - another little bit of learning for the guys in that regard. Whilst being the most competitive it also featured the try of the game from the sidle lines perspective. Wilmslow stole the ball in contact and after a couple of passes kicked the ball over the advancing Manchester defence. Humpy junior sprinted back at a pace that Cannabis Tim could only dream of, brilliantly catching the ball GLOVELESS as it came over his shoulder. Deft footwork followed (Mother must be a dancer!) and a side step that even sent the crowd the wrong way resulted in a pass to Wolfy who only had three men to beat to touch down.

The final third saw the Manchester Massive ram home their advantage against a tiring Wilmslow side. Hats off to their boys for keeping going in the face of adversity and in particular with the prospect of some classroom bragging rights which will be exercised this week I would think. In the end we scored five further tries and with 7 conversions the abacus was out and Kylie’s dad (wearing a very suspicious hat) was able to calculate the score.

An interesting moment noted by the scribbler in the second third when the Karate Kid decided to take his top off and show the away crowd a six pack to be proud of! The coaches who have a keg each turned away embarrassed, a young lady watching football smiled profusely and decided that maybe egg chasing would be preferable to Wendy Ball, whilst Mrs Karate told young Tom to put it away in no uncertain terms!

It was great to see the back line functioning well again in the final third with Mazzer bossing the forwards about, Marcus with a smile on his face, Jonesy with some good penetrating runs and Mr O almost scoring at will. Luke, Dave, Hanno and Ferg all more than playing their part and we are lucky to have such an embarrassment of riches to choose from. All of the forwards did their bit today and created a lot of ball for the Jessica’s to play with, the coaches also thought that the pick and go from the forwards worked well. Can’t mention everyone individually but I must comment on the run away Sheap moment when the suspiciously tanned prop embarrassed the back row and the back line to be on Jonesy’s shoulder after the Prof’s 40 yard run - fancy everyone being shown up by a runaway Prop.

Thanks again to all the Manchester players for putting the effort in and thanks to the Wilmslow lads for sticking at it - with the good coaching they are getting they will become a better side than this score line reflects and we look forward to future encounters with them.

Thanks also due to the ever expanding support on the sidelines; parents, siblings (well done Dan for good running on with the tee - busy day!), grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins and also the ever growing canine contingent. Your support for the team is really appreciated.

Editors note;

Scribblers son has been used as a proof reader for this and has lodged a formal complaint that he hasn’t even received a mention for not receiving a mention this week - untidy room and no darjeeling - need I say more.