The Mighty Twos get back to winning ways!
UCS 2nd XV 19 vs 40 Verulamians 2nd XV
The reporter (Simon French) would like to preface this account with the fact that so much went on that this may bear no resemblance to what actually happened. But here we go:
Vee’s 2nds travelled into London for Saturday’s fixture against UCS Old Boys 2nds. The team that took to the field was a throw back to years gone by, a couple of first team keen for a game but played out of position, individuals chomping at the bit to force their way into the 1st XV, more vets than an episode of All Creatures Great and Small (google it kids) and even one playing their first ever game of rugby.
With these Gladiators, Vee’s started the game playing down hill with the wind and started like a freight train, shocking their opponents with strong runs, quick rucks and a willingness to get the ball wide.
Hamish and Ben M in the 9/10 axis mixed play nicely and the ever willing Woz and Ethan caused mayhem in the defence. An early foray into UCS 22 led to Woz continuing his try a game record dotting down under the posts, and even slotting the conversion. Vee’s carried on in this vain, with the back row of Darren, Jack and Kristie swarming effectively as a unit. Ben M capitalised on one quick ruck to jink over again near the posts. Conv missed, 12-0 Vees.
UCS started to get back into the game with a strong scrum, big ball carriers and the world’s tallest fly half. Vee’s defence matched their attack and from one turn over, Gab at centre raced off down field. Beating a number of defenders he cleverly offloaded to the supporting Hamish who shrugged off two defenders for a cracking score. Spratty converted.
Vee’s injury jinx then struck with the physical Kristie landing awkwardly and leaving the field with what proved to be a dislocated collar bone. The medical bag was also required for three finger breaks/dislocations and two ankle injuries.
Travelling supporters in quick succession managed to find kit and Oakley, Chris J and Ciaran made various appearances through the rest of the match. In between all this, Gab managed to open his Vee’s account with a scything angled run from the opposition 22 yard line. He blamed his slightly embarrassing celebration on his Gallic roots.
26-0 at half time and Vee’s knew how they would win the game and confidently started the 2nd half. UCS had other ideas as they crashed over from short range and then their giraffe of a 10 picked up a loose ball and galloped from his own 10 yard line, outstripping Vees valiant defence. With Vee’s A & E working overtime to keep players on the pitch, they found themselves down to 14 with Ben M retaliating to foul play against him with a flurry of punches in front of the ref, who had no option but to brandish a red card. This caused further problems and UCS scored again, leaving the score at 26-19 with 20 mins left.
Vee’s under Darren’s experienced leadership regrouped and started to knock their opponents down and shift momentum. The front row of Liam, Tom and Woz held firm and enabled ball to be shipped to calm head Tom Spratt whose huge boot kept play in the UCS half.
With time running out for UCS, James Manley at fullback eluded the defence to cross the line. The fact he’d earlier fallen in dog mess may have accounted for the defence given him a wide berth and then with almost the last play of the game, Vees matched their effective start to the game recycling ball close to the line and Hamish bulldozed his way over with Tom landing the final sublime conversion. Final score 40-19.
A great game by the squad, mention to Ben Goodwin playing his first ever game and thanks especially to those who came to support, but turned out even though injured. MOTM was Jack Liversidge, back after a six week injury absence he was all over the park, linked the forwards and backs and forced at least 5 turnovers in the second half when Vees were up against it. Welcome back Jack.
