3rd XV Match Report

Date: Saturday 23rd January 2010

The Verulamians 3rd XV finally got a game this week what with the weather, Christmas and teams cancelling it seems a long time since our previous fixture. We were due to play Hitchin 4th but they had pulled out earlier in the week (was it because we beat them 88 - 0 earlier this year!) So we took a friendly against Chess Valley 2nd Team who are mid table two leagues above us. Unfortunately for us our first XV were very short so we had to give them 4 players, young Casey Lynch, (17), Sam Crown (18) and Tom Maile (18) all making starts for the first team for the first time and the legendary Paul McGoohan getting a recall making appearances now for four decades. Without our sons to do the running around we all had to step up a gear. Old timers Lines and Thraves recalled to steady the ship. The game was well matched and we went in at half time 10 - 3 up after a Ross Osborne try and Phil Newberry conversion and penalty. Then a very proud moment in the clubs history our first ever graduate from our mini and junior section took to the field Young Dan Monaghan who gave a good account of himself. It was extra special as Rob Lines our Juniors chairman was also on the pitch. The team worked hard up the slope all second half it was a pleasure to play with such a bunch of guys no tackles missed and commitment unfaltering. With Osborne injured we rearranged the backs Stuart Grey coming into the centre and Brendon Selkirk closing everything down at fullback. To single out a few guys Phil Newberry playing his first game at 10 made me look good in my first game at 9. Chris Hemingway on the pitch for 90 mins! But the old war horse Tony Maile was everywhere playing at 7. I don't know where he gets his fitness from but every breakdown he was on the floor up to his usual skulduggery then you turn round and he's out in the backs charging around like a demented wilder beast causing havoc everywhere, what a guy, what a legend.