The RLC Vets took on Kingsclere RFC at Kingsclere with a massed squad of 30+ players, albeit not all were over the age of 35 it was great to see so many old, bold and infirmed together for what turned out to be a fantastic game.
Why so many?
Could it be the new drive and enthusiasm from Ollie the newly selected Vets manager – no he wasn’t even there!
Could it be down to the stand in manager Jase Lowe?
No!
Most of the players had either played in Larkhill or Brize Norton and were infact on their way back to Abingdon, Aldershot or Marchwood. That said it was great to see Jase Lowe running around with his notebook and pen scribbling down names and preparing positions as well as filling water bottles and trying to account for kit as the bodies swarmed into the changing rooms.
Kingsclere RFC play in the Berkshire league and have ties with the military following a successful H4H Charity game back in September. Due to both teams having vast amounts of players it was decided that 4 quarters was the way ahead. Having named the starting 15 the vets started at a furious pace with centre Tom Tom racing almost the full length of the field to score under the posts, the legend that is Steve G converted. 7-0 and only 1 minute gone. Kingsclere rallied and through the rather large No 10 pinned the Vets down in their own 22, a good forward drive consisting of nearly the whole team saw Kingsclere score their first try, 7-5. The remainder of the first quarter was an equal balance of forwards power and strong defence with most of play taking place in the middle of the park.
With grunts and groans the Vets changed the rather slim fitting shirts and the 2nd quarter started with almost a completely changed team, only the Germinator and Mickey ‘the only hooker’ Poland remained unchanged. Due to both teams having made so many changes the game became fractured as players tried to gel together, the Vets continued to produce quality ball and began to exploit gaps in the Kingsclere defence, a score was imminent and Dax proved the try with a strong run crashing through tackles to score under the posts. A third try followed shortly as debutant Vet Shep caught the ball on the 10 metre line and dodged, ducked, dug, dived & dogged his way to the line for a superb solo effort, unfortunately this effort went unconverted. The second quarter was cut short due to an unfortunate injury to one of the Kingsclere players.
With another change of players the Vets started the 3rd quarter at a canter, Dan Ratu had taken over at No10 his side step and turn of pace got the Vets in behind the Kingsclere defence, only resolute tackling prevented an early score. The forwards were rampant and the next score came as team manager Jase Lowe caught a high ball in his own 22, stepped 3 would be tacklers and set off at pace towards the opposition try line, not one but three fierce hand offs repelled the Kingsclere back line, with the try line open he touched down to score – No sorry Jase that was wrong, he was infact pushed over the line from 1 yard out to score what was clearly the easiest try of his career. End of the quarter 24-5.
The 4th quarter started with both teams fielding their strongest 15, a fierce 20 minutes with very little quarter given by either side, lineouts, scrums and tackling remained savage up until the final whistle, both teams scored a try in the final session, the Vets being a great run by the backs with Tom Tom going over for his second try of the game. Final score Vets 29 – Kingsclere 10.
A special thanks must go to Kingsclere who’s after match hosting of a BBQ and some much needed liquid refreshment was well received by all.
A final mention must go to Wayne Morris who throughout his time on the park never missed a tackle, dropped a ball, missed touch a superb effort for the full 60 seconds he was on the pitch.
Not sure who or when the next Vets game is but lets hope it’s a good a turnout as this one!!
