Fri 13 Dec 2024, 19:30
Friday 13 December 2024, KO 19:30
Storm Darragh smashed all hopes of rugby last weekend with the festive coach trip to Chard and Yeovil for the Athletic postponed. This week we move to the second half of the season, which seems strange before the Christmas break and welcome North Petherton to the Rec. Our away f ixture at the start of the season didn’t end well and although we were in the fight at half time North Petherton put 50+ points on us by the final whistle. North Petherton are now sitting 3rd in the league but the United have been much improved and have started to record a few wins.
No debuts this week which I think is a first and hopefully a further reflection on the consistency the United are starting to enjoy. Therefore a good opportunity to spot light one of our regular players and lets start with Trueman Currie. Trueman discovered rugby late preferring aqua jazz and the international pogo sticking but has enjoyed several seasons with the Athletic before progressing to the United. It is unclear when he had his debut but the winger, sometimes centre is a definite back and hails from a family of amateur boxers and professional hairdressers which makes perfect sense. In is spare time he enjoys CrossFit, that’s weight training done wrong, and likes to relax with a weak lemon squash and iced gems. Truman aspires a to one day receive a pass from Sam Garrett.
It’s a cold and windless evening at the Rec with the senior coaching team on ground eager to get to know the United and see the players in action. There’s a reasonable crowd building everyone likes a flood lit game.
First minute of the game and we have terrific forward play from Vinnie Jones and Sam Light, with the young Ollie Marshall benefiting from the field position to score out wide. No extras unfortunately but exciting stuff from the kick off.
United 5-0 North Petherton, 1 min
Its been an excellent start from the United and further pressure provide a penalty opportunity in front of the sticks but even with the lack of wind Sam Garrett’s punt falls short. The forwards however react well, regain possession but are held up over the line.
It’s North Petherton’s turn on the ball and braking from the run of play pressure the United but can’t cross the try line, finally settling for a penalty kick at goal and get onto the score board.
United 5-3 NP, 9 mins
United are not getting to rub of the green missed clearing kicks and poor line out allow the pressure to remain on the United. These are however silly mistakes and nothing greater commitment to training couldn’t put right very quickly. Although playing well there are further handling errors and it’s obvious the effect the lack of training is having on the game as structure is missing and there’s confusion in regard the options to take. NP take advantage although positively the defence from the United remains solid but another penalty gives the lead to NP.
United 5-6 NP, 19 mins
It’s the same story again, more great defence from the United, our try line isn’t getting crossed but another penalty given and NP extend their lead once more.
United 5-9 NP, 27 mins
We see our first substitution, Ryan Donegan on for dad Steve Donegan and the United are playing in the NP half once again as we approach half time. 5m scrum and United applying the pressure but NP prevail at the scrum, but we are making them play in their own half.
Unitedrob line out ball and are in attack again, keeping the ball in hand within the forwards driving to the line. Great attacking position and then injury stops play, Vinnie Jones off and Ethan Westlake on, 44 mins in injury time. The momentum is lost and the half time whistle blows.
Half time United 5-9 NP
The half time team talk is boosted by the input of Jon Bamsey, keen to give the United direction and further encouragement is captured by both Simon Hudson and Gavin Simpson. There’s some substitutions as well with Nick Hawken making way for Ollie Martin and Tom Blyth on to the wing with Rowan Bird moving to 9 and Darren Burns making way.
The half time talk seems to have done the trick as Sam Light comes alive and after sustained pressure Sam drags three defenders over the line with himself to put the United back in front although the extras are not forthcoming. United 10-9 NP, 53 mins It’s a yellow for NP on 58 mins and the resulting penalty for the United in front of the posts is slotted by Sam Garrett and the lead extends with a man advantage for the United,
United 13-9 NP, 61 mins
United have the initiative and forwards are starting to link better with the line out starting to function and balls secured. Keeping the ball in hand and putting pressure on NP. The United scrum has been in control all evening and the next score again comes from Sam Light as the United win a scrum against the head Sam charges over the line for his second. Garrett collects the extras and United are looking at bonus point.
United 20-9 NP, 70 mins
Forwards are getting ahead of themselves and Po is spotted tipping a pass which is intercepted when the big fella is built for route one even with a dodgy dummy hip swerve. There’s more defence but the last hurrah is for NP who cross the United line finally closing the gap to make it interesting.
United 20-16 NP, 79 mins
There’s some extra time to play for injures and NP are throwing everything at the United working their way to the United 5 m line before conceding a penalty. United opt for a scrum, secure the ball, and Rowan Bird kicks to touch to close the game.
Final Score United 20-16 North Petherton
A thank you to our guests North Petherton for an entertaining game and good luck for the remainder of the season. This has been a great result for the United and very encouraging to see how far we have come. Talking with you as players there is a definite feeling that the squad is developing in terms of selection consistency and this is being reflected in the recent results. The other issue and all of you recognise it is training, clearly the skills are present but to make them work and get the most from ourselves we need to train.
The new coaching team are desperate to see you on Tuesday and Thursdays, have a structure to the game that is developing with the 1st XV and is transferable to the United and Athletic. Clearly the coaching mandate is to secure the 1st XV, avoid any chance of relegation but with this structure and game plan it starts to open up your ability as an individual to play up and slot in, push yourselves, aspire and it will happen.
Backs Darren Angry Burns, Huw Dad Bod Matthews, Trueman Bad Reps Currie, Sam Squeak Garrett, Nick Good Reps Hawken, Rowan Whizzy Rig Bird, Ollie Who’s Dom Marshall
Forwards Charlie Yes They’re With Me Owens, Harry Pride Bar Play List Nash, Ryan Pasties & Pies Donegan, Vinnie WhatsApp Jones, Sam Isn’t Bright, Tom Not Related Burge, Mark You Know The Answer Walker, Gavin Millhouse Simpson(c)
Reps (all used) Steve No Body Is Listening Donegan, Ethan Splinter Arse Westlake, Simon Po Hudson, Ollie Shit Shoes Martin, Tom Hand Shake Blyth
You are welcome, Mark Mongo Matthews
