Sat 21 Sep 2024, 15:00
September is the month of harvest and what better way to celebrate the bounty of the land than an educational trip to Lands End Farm, Mudgley and instruction on the art of cider marking from Roger of Wilkins Cider. Well that’s the story we told our better half’s this Friday as we headed off following a fine fried breakfast at The Ship, Uphill. What has this got to do with the United v Tor on Saturday? Absolutely nothing, none of the players were involved but I wanted you know that the weekend started very well for me and several other fine men even if the rugby didn’t give us what we wanted.
Of course trips to cider farms and the consumption of the cloudy orchard wine can notoriously end in trouble. Did this trip end in such way, there was certainly lively conversation, some more articulate than others and there was definitely physical contact, we all love rugby, but honestly, I don't know, I can’t remember getting home but was relieved on Saturday to find I had at least settled my tab.
Quote of the day Prince “Mingo stop being a PRICK”, Mingo “Well don’t take me to a Cider Farm” never a truer word spoken.
At the Rec and all was looking good for the United, skies had cleared and the pitch was in great condition. The selected team is interesting, welcoming back some old heads in Ben Craddock, Matt and Darren Burns as well as Ollie Martin and Sean Toman. We also welcome back Ethan Horn, could tell you what he does but would then have to kill you.
We’re just lacking Donny senior at this stage, with reports that he’s nipped home for a pre-match snooze. Clearly ramping the pressure up on Donny junior.
Warm up was going well until Nick Hawkin pulled up with a boshed thumb and calls for the ice bucket with Huw Matthews slipping on to the bench, one guy crook replacing another guy crook.Finally just for clarity, the attractive petit woman in and out of the changing room Ollie is the United Manager and Club Secretary, no she doesn't shout and holler but she makes sure everything is in place on Saturday so that the team can run out, she also sorts the wine gums and likes a pint of Guinness, introduce yourself.
15:00, KO and early pressure sees Tor defending hard, but silly mistakes in the red zone and United fail to capitalise.As Tor get some early possession running out of their own half Ollie Martin smashes he’s opposite 12 as he introduces himself for the first time.
Tor build and the United are under pressure but its our own handling errors that is keeping us pinned in our half. Tor are spreading it wide and the 15 looks dangerous until Tom Blyth puts in a cracking tackle. These were lacking last year but to his credit the firm hand shaking youngster is putting it about bit. There’s still time for calamity though.
Craddock collects a ball in open play, composes himself, strides forward and with nobody near him hits the deck, the Weston sniper strikes again. Weston remain under pressure and finally concede a try out wide on 17 minutes.
United 0 - 5 Tor
Great pressure from the re-start and Darren Burns whips over through a gap created by the forwards, 21 minutes played. This is exactly the response required and confidence should build. We lose Rich Frost and Ethan Westlake is on and in the boiler with Craddock.
United 5 - 5 Tor
Jamie Meadan improving with each game and working hard along side the Mark Walker who delights and frustrates in equal measure. Great turnover and penalty to the United on their try line but we shouldn’t be here. Walker winning the turn over and continuing to compete.
Donny junior makes way for Donny senior and some running repairs to his thumb are required, really not sure why I’m running on with a medical bag which only seems to contain rubber gloves. I’m not unhappy giving a rectal examination but not sure it’s the time or place and Donny doesn't look up for it either convinced it’s just a hurty thumb.
United remain under pressure but as we approach half time it looks like even scores until 41 minute Tor take the advantage out wide again and score their second.
HT United 5 - 10 Tor
Second half kicks off, Matt Burns who had been shocked by a crunching tackle just before the whistle has recovered and then Sean Toman pulls up with a hamstring and Huw Matthews moves into the centres.
Penalty to Tor on the half way and Meadan receives a yellow for not retreating. Disappointing but again silly mistakes are giving Tor the advantage who are developing some rhythm to their game. With Weston a man down two tries are conceded.
United 5 - 24 Tor
Meadan returns to the field of play, Craddock makes way for Simon Hudson and Charlie Beal relieves Adam Lee. A good start from Beal sees him into early contact but then disaster as he makes a late challenge and the yellow card sees daylight again.
United continue to defend well despite being a man down until Vinnie Jones hits the turf and stays down. Quick (not so quick) check over by medical expert Walker, “I’m pretty sure his necks ok Mark, he’s doing River Dance with his feet”, and Vinnie is off, Craddock can’t believe his luck, he’s back on.
Pressure finally tells and Tor are in for a final score. United 5 - 34 Tor
With the game almost done, nothing left on the clock, credit to the team who’s heads haven’t dropped, they rally for a final attack. Darren Burns in for a second try to match his first and full time.
United 10 - 34 Tor Congratulations to Tor, well done and every success.Another defeat for the United but some promising signs and a developing squad. Training is the only answer as we’re playing organised first teams most weeks. We lasted and competed well to half time but some poor decision making, basic handling and lack of direction to finish in the red zone were our downfall.
Keep fighting lads and thanks to Nick Hawkin for running around all afternoon and Seth Richards for running touch.
Backs Ethan Horn, Matt Burns, Tom Blyth, Adam Lee ,Ollie Martin, Darren Burns, Sean Toman Forwards Ryan Donegan, Jake Whatley, Harry Nash, Rich Frost, Ben Craddock, Jamie Meadan, Mark Walker, Vinnie Jones Reps (all used) Ethan Westlake, Charlie Beal, Huw Matthews. Simon Hudson, Steve Donegan
Mark Mongo Matthews
