Earlsdon 7’s May 10 2008
Summer Loving …..
After a disappointing end to the league season the club were looking forward to a good day out at Earsldon 7s.
JK had a tough time selecting squad for the day … several were left disappointed not to be included. The elite squad was made up of Loachy, Trussy, Greevy, Weaver, Aitkins, Easty, Browny, Chatwin, Will O, Superior & Birchy …. Birchy!! – failure to show punishment = one yard of the teams choice next time you are in the club!!
There was some initial hanging around before the 1st game, which was used wisely to stroke each others new kit for the day – an impressive outfit worn with style by all. Thanks to Browny for sorting the kit and a big thank-you to the clubs sponsors for the day – Club Heat & Subcon Laser.
First up was a lively & talented Earlsdon Colts side, who registered the 1st score. After this, the Wheats woke up a little as the initial toxins sweated out under a fierce midday sun. The side went on to score 28 unanswered points to end victorious – Will Owen doing a lot of the hard work in the opening game. All looked absolutely knackered afterwards. Whilst a good win, the performance was not great and even worse Trussy had managed to injure himself in the 1st minute whilst (apparently) covering for Greevy who had missed a tackle? The knee injury was to rule him out of the rest of the tournament, which turned out to be just enough time to barbeque a chicken breast.
Next up were Earlsdon 1st team, a very strong looking outfit who went 3 tries to 1 up by half time – a quick regroup & vast amounts of water woke the team up. Chatwin took matters into his own hands & from a 22 drop out expertly recovered and did a beautiful length to get things going. Weaver registered a score on the final whistle to make it 17-17, conversion just wide. Extra Time – just what the 14 players on the pitch wanted! Next try wins – up step Superior – after some good 7s play Superior went in from the half way line to seal the comeback victory and a semi-final place.
After consulting the extremely useful fixtures guide, and the equally useful blokes in the “organisers” van (who had just about managed to organise themselves a few beers), it was eventually determined that Wheats would face off against Old Leamingtonians, whilst in the other semi Broad Street played Barkers. Again, the side started slow and allowed Old Leams to take an early lead and again were 3 tries to 1 down at half time. But Wheats being Wheats never take the easy route and again really picked themselves up in the 2nd half. The Beast scored a lovely trademark try, as did the skinless wonder, Weaver & Superior to take the lead 5 tries to 3. Old Leams got a consolation score on the full time whistle but another great 2nd half performance full of ability & guts had secured what had seemed at half time an unlikely win. But again, injuries were causing concern and Casper had to pull out of the squad finally giving in to a month old thumb injury that has been causing him some grief.
Onto the final, could the side recapture the trophy? They lined up against a Broad Street side the oozed quality and aggression. Street had good possession early on but the “D” line was now functioning at 100% and the Street could find no way through until a kick three quarters of the length of the field led to the 1st try. Unfortunately, further injury during the half was causing some disruption, Brett hobbled off with Hamstring problems & Brad left the field with a suspected broken thumb. During this time Street scored 2 more tries in the 1st half to make it 3-0 at half time. Aitkins manned up & re-entered the fray for the 2nd half. From the off Loachy fly hacked & scorched on to the ball to beat & take down 2 or 3 opposition players. During this a Street player was unfortunate to sustain a shoulder injury & the Wheats wish the player a full & speedy recovery. Whilst the medics attended the game was moved on to another pitch. The Wheats started firing with all remaining 7 going for it, a score was registered by someone (those on the side had enjoyed the festivities too much by now to remember scorers). 3-1 – game on? Quite possibly as the Wheats scored again to take it to 3-2. Unfortunately, the Street proved too strong in the remaining couple of minutes and scored another well worked try to give a final score of 4 tries to 2.
The side and club can certainly hold their heads high after the day’s performances! All watching were very proud to be part of the Wheats! Well done all players! A deserved runners up spot to a side 5 leagues higher, beating much higher placed opposition on the way!
Post tournament the players & supporters made their way to HQ to continue the celebrations long into the night ….. another great club night, with all left smiling at the end.
All the players were superb & showed their class.
Big thanks to JK for organising the squad.
Man of the Tournament: Greevy & Loachy did the hard work; Weaver scored some good tries; Will O was superb all day; Brad & Easty both showed their game; Brett & Browny worked extremely hard both attacking & defending; Trussy … got inured; Superior was probably the stand out player … great passion from the quarters onwards and surprised a few with his pace (where did that come from?)
DOTD: Few knock-ons etc but nothing spectacular; so award goes to Ryan Birch for the aforesaid!!
The first comment made to us on arrival at the 7’s was “How many ringers have you got this year?” a question repeated a few times during the afternoon – whilst we are thick skinned, the record should be set straight – everybody donning a Wheats shirt 2 years ago when we were champions was / could claim to be a Wheats player, every player in last year’s competition when we were losing semi finalists was a Wheats player …. This year was no different. Slight jealousy from other clubs perhaps on the skill level within the club? The other question that was asked of us several times during the day … “what are you doing in the league you are in?” … the answer simple – we perhaps don’t take the playing side as seriously as we should – this could all be about to change over the coming season ????!!!!
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