Sat 15 Feb 2025, 14:30
Saturday 15 February 2025,
KO 14:30 There’s a lack of pitch side updates this week and I can only apologise as I speed north for a family gathering, on my wife’s side I might add, my family know how important Saturdays are in the season and wouldn’t think of celebrating a 60th birthday until May at the earliest provided there wasn’t a tour.
On the plus side I did enjoy an excellent fish pie Friday evening and four bottles of vin rouge with my brother-in-law in Cheltenham.
13:30 arrive at The Levers Club Port Sunlight, Birkenhead, strap yourself in for the ride. Port Sunlight is a Grade 1 listed development of mill workers houses, shops, public house and bowls club. Built by the soap magnet Lever the area remains unspoilt and charming, often the back drop to period dramas. The train station is fantastic and reminds me of the stations on the Barnstaple to Lynton line in North Devon, Woody Bay and Blackmoor Gate, (for Gunner he’ll get the reference).
Pre-party drinks as cousins say hi and aunts and uncles embrace nieces and nephews not seen for many years. As for the United, we had a disappointing fixture away to Crewkerne and I am hoping the boys put that right this afternoon.
Kick off and the narrowed eyed Hungarian Harry Nash is over for the first score. United 5 - 0 Crewkerne, 7 mins
My mind is wandering to the buffet and I hope its up to scratch.
Rhodri makes a great strip tackle just inside the United half, off loads to Hawken who is away for the second try, Darren Burns collecting the extras. United 12 - 0 Crewkerne, 20mins
United 12 - 10 Crewkerne, apologies not sure when these were scored but I am notching in Crewkerne’s two tries now putting the United under pressure. No pressure here as I am pleased to report the buffet is a fine spread of the standard cocktail sausages and halved pork pies yet displays some wonderful hand made fresh cut sandwiches and a range of great quiches. When did they become quiches and stopped being flans?
Vocal Nash recieved a yellow card on 35mins.
Half time United 12 -10 Crewkerne First substitution is made and Hawken is off, with Jack Bridgman joining the fun.
10 minutes later and Gavin Simpson makes way for Mark Walker and Blaine Tottle is off with Adam Fisher replacing him, 50 mins
Walker is next to score and ease the pressure, Im enjoying a fine slice of lemon meringue pie. United 17 - 10 Crewkerne, 53 mins
Ollie Marshall makes way for Tom Blyth, 55 mins
I’m feeling well fed and satisfied and if I honest 40 minks wouldn't go a mis at this stage. Sorry almost missed it Steve Donegan the try monster is over the white wash. United 22 - 10 Crewkerne, 70 mins
Definitely need a nap, but hang on Donny’s at it again, try Donegan, and Dillon Way collects the extras. United 29 - 10 Crewkerne, 75 mins
Full Time United 29 - 10 Crewkerne
Well done to all involved a great home result for the United. Thank you to our guests Crewkerne and good luck for the final fixtures of the season, we look forward to seeing you in 2025/26.
More apologies from me as the journey back from the north sees me catching a flight to Alps tomorrow, roll on the Apres Ski.
Backs Dillon Way, Huw Matthews, Max Paterson, Nick Hawken, Darren Burns, Rowan Bird, Ollie Marshall
Forwards Charlie Owens, Harry Nash, Steve Donegan, Ross Chesher, Vinnie Jones, Rhodri Williams, Blaine Tottle, Gavin Simpson Burge
Reps (all used) Adam Fisher, Mark Walker, Tom Blyth, Jack Bridgman, M Hakunavanhu
The pleasure is all yours,
Mark Mongo Matthews
