Old Wheats (NOT ENOUGH) - (LESS THAN US) AEI Rugby
A mixed Wheatleyans side played host to visitors AEI Rugby on a miserable Saturday lunchtime.
With several unavailabilities due to holidays / trips to the other HQ (Twickenham) / hangovers etc it was pleasing that we could still boast a 25+ squad. The Adonis was once again legendary and offered to play for AEI who were a man short.
The front was an all new line up with the Silver Fox, Tony Harris and Carl Dennis, DH came into the 2nd row to partner Simon Mason, 2nd rowers Haddo & Ross switched to backrow (such versatility!), they would have been alongside Gillam but he and Drury were at Boots buying new hair straightners so turned up 30mins late, therefore Casper switched to 8. The club were pleased to welcome 2 new players along, Mini started at 9 and Rory on the wing. Beast wore 10, Brad wore 13 & played at 12, Mr X (who it was an absolute pleasure to see back in his true colours) wore 12 but played at 13. Long Man started on the wing whist Peodo Rubes was on day release & played 15. All in all a sturdy side with a great Bench of Browny, Drury, Gillam, Dean, Benno and some others.
With everyone turning up late, there was no time to warm up, sort lineouts, moves etc etc but tactics were agreed – run everything and score 100+ points.
Fatal ….. as with recent friendlies it was a somewhat quiet pitch, not even Mr X’s superb break from his own half to score 5 could lift spirits!
AEI was up for it throughout the game, they offered some good defence and a lot of passion.
Brad and Mr X look pretty formidable in the middle together. The forwards did just enough to supply reasonable ball to give the backs a run and Brad soon also notched one up.
The scrum was solid and the lineout was doing ok – the Adonis was also getting some ball on the AEI side but didn’t fancy his chances to much against Rory.
The side tried to re-group at half time but again it never really got going, the weather certainly didn’t help.
Browny did some lovely show boating slipping 1 round his back to feed Mr X who went into the corner for his 2nd – probably the highlight of the day! Brad evened this with another good try.
Beno, in the back row, did what many others have failed to do this season and stole opposition lineout ball at 4!
Drury tried an outrageous drop goal from the half way line only to be denied by a useless kick.
It ended 4 tries to 1 after 55mins of rugby.
Whilst players got a run out, future friendlies need to be approached in a slightly different manner – more players available, turn up on time, focus a bit more etc etc. If we take friendlies a bit more seriously we will get more enjoyment out of them!!
Thanks again to Mini & Rory – the club colours suit you and we hope to see you as regular players in the coming weeks!
MOTM: Mini & Rory were both busy, committed and involved (they’ll soon learn!) However, Brad vs Mr X – winner Brad (as he is always there or thereabouts but never gets given the nod!)
DOTD: Brian Ashton for dropping the legend that is JW? It hurts but Gillam knocked on over the try line again and was v. late so can add this to his previous 25 awards.
This Saturday – Easter Saturday, there is no arranged fixture at present, but one can be easily sorted – player power will dictate if we have a game – if you want to play or think we should play then get in touch with Dean, Jamie or Neil by Wednesday lunchtime. Thanks all!
Saturday after (29th March) – the Big One vs Covents away.
Player Ratings:
Front Row: 7/10 – none put a foot wrong, scrummage was good and the silver fox still looks dangerous!
2nd Row: 7/10 – Simon was excellent at the re-starts and DH is an animal!
Back row: 7/10 – Steady
Half-Backs: 7/10 – Distribution faultless and Mini looked to break whenever possible. The Beast made a few delicious old school breaks as well.
Centre partnership: 7.5/10 – loads of breaks and good D – compared to Guscott & Carling by some.
Back 3: 7/10 – Long man as reliable as ever, Rory stand out player of the 3, Rubes looks like he has put weight on?
Subs: 7/10 – all came on a did a job.
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