Micro match report

In complete contrast to the epic stories of Manchester under 13's endeavours written by Statto, this weeks effort will be cobbled together by myself. Bit like comparing Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape with Blue Nun, and I am not talking about the nun in the news this week in Italy who thought she had stomach ache, did not know she was pregnant and then gave birth to a baby boy and called him Francis, after the Pope. I wonder whether he is consulting papal legal advisors?

Anyhow, the rain this winter has made most dry land resemble primeval swamps so we all made our way across marshes not unlike those seen in WW1. A few people were lost en route and some only made it over in time for the end of the game!!! Suzanne will need to do a roll call next week to see if we need to send search parties back to Bowden. Actually, Statto may still be there rediscovering his lost adolescence as he was waxing lyrical about some strenuous pursuits in the vicinity of the clubhouse. I don't think he meant in the Hale health club either!

Although I have Statto's comprehensive notes to consult, I don't expect this report to resemble anything like a decent analysis of the game. Just think of it as a bit like 'match of the day' when the fellas ( known as pundits I believe) get together and have a bit of a chat about what they thought of the game. Well here is my bit of a chat.....

Pitch was very muddy which was making me wonder whether I would be needing the pre-wash cycle on the washing machine and it was definitely a day for biological soap powder for those stubborn stains. Muscle rub was also going to be needed as I could foresee many a slip and stumble happening in the slimy conditions.

Looking at the lads on the pitch, I was struck by the wide spread of hormone dispersion given that the boys ranged in size from what looked like over 6ft ( I am only 5ft 2 myself so a lot of things look big from where I stand!) to more my height of 5ft and under. Not sure I could imagine myself taking on some of the bigger boys. Mind you... I have some practice from home.

The first half started with Manchester kicking off. My impression was that initially Bowden seemed to have the ball a lot but manchester were tenacious in their defence and this paid off in the first try being to manchester. This was converted. Straight back into the game and again well contested rugby but a couple of missed tackles meant Bowden scored near the post but this was a difficult angle and not converted.

The second half started well for Manchester and a great passage of play resulted in a try in the corner which was not converted despite a lovely angle on the kick. It could have been a young Leigh Halfpenny kicking. Bowden kept the pressure on and managed to get another try in which was converted. So the scores were equal.

The game continued in the same vein. Both sides played some great rugby. The conditions made things tricky, with slippy balls and difficulty getting any speed up or getting about easily. There were some cracking tackles made which were needed against a side that had some fast players and who eventually a managed a breakaway try. This was also converted. Manchester did not give up and managed to get back near the try line only to keep getting pushed into touch three times right at the end of the game. As time had run over, once Bowden got the ball, it was kicked out for time. So near.......

The full time score was Bowden 19 and Manchester 12.

The teams then played another 15 minutes which were again evenly matched but in which Bowden also came out on top.

Back to the nice warm clubhouse for showers which did not seem to reach the parts most showers reach, as a lot of the lads emerged with mud still in their ears, necks etc etc. despite claiming to have had a shower.

It was good to see the boys working as a team again after Christmas. They put up a spirited effort against a good side. Thanks to Bowden for their hospitality.

And I was right. Needed pre-wash and biological powder! (Hid the muscle rub in case my other half got any ideas).