Fri 11 Oct 2024, 19:30
Friday 11 October 2024, KO 19:30 What’s going on?
Not only am I dropped following the rest week but only Jamie Meadon is the surviving member from the heroic Jurassic Pack away to Wellington. Admittedly we were beat at the end and the home crowd’s raucous laughter at the sight me hobbling on was a bit humiliating, but we never took a step back and smashed it up front.
If I am honest though the sense of relief to be stood the right side of the barrier watching this week is immense and the team do look a sight better than two weeks ago. Its been an interesting two weeks and following the shattering game at Wellington I hopped on a plane for a week mountain biking with me mate Prince. A fantastic week exploring the lessor known trails of Mallorca and the Serra De Tramuntana with more than adequate refreshment and fine dinning in the evening.
Sorry, back to script and Friday we welcome Bridgwater & Albion 2nds sitting unbeaten at the top of the table to the Rec. With the reorganised pack and changes to the backs it does seem that the United are offering more this week. Good to see the young Ollie Marshall retained in the squad along with Ethan Horn. There’s disappointment for others dropped but it’s a rugby club fielding three senior sides and lads we need to deal with the disappointments and support the boys that are in the spot you want, whether that’s the 1st team above you or finding yourself in the Athletic for a week. It’s all experience and develops your character and desire to fight for the position, everything is fluid. That being said, it’s tough when your training and others aren’t and it has been said before but match day success is born out hard Tuesday and Thursday evenings and your own personal fitness.
Everyone likes a Friday night fixture and this is the first for the United this season and an excited crowd is starting to build. Yes I had a fantastic week away but this isn’t the vehicle for that so if you want to know more have a private word with me at the bar.
KO and Bridgwater hit the ground running and immediate pressure results in a score out wide with no extras, 3 mins.
United 0 - 5 Bridgwater
United respond well, a couple of nice breaks but Bridgwater are very much in control and we’re camped in our own half. Against the run of play Sam Garrett makes a fine break before being dragged down, high tackle, penalty, tap and go and ar Mark Walker in over the whitewash to level the scores, 11 mins. Garrett collects the extras and the United are in the lead.
United 7 - 5 Bridgwater
From the restart Bridgwater resume control but United are defending well with Garrett again carrying strongly and there’s a willingness in the backs to try and run some moves. Don't ask me what they are, I am a prop (still don't need to say was) and the only reason we have backs is to run the ball BACK to the forwards.
Disaster has now struck and Jamie Meadon is down with a dislocated shoulder, ouch he’s pulling some funny gurning faces, or he’s really excited. I know for sure his mum’s not going to be impressed and there’s no point asking his brother to drive him to the hospital. I’m volunteered but the Donny’s truck is blocking me in, well done Donny your job now, as I push Jamie into the front seat.
Apologies for the distraction but on returning to the game Bridgwater have scored a couple of tries, 38 mins.
United 7 - 19 Bridgwater
Rob Blackborow has replaced Meadon and Walker is off for Jake Whatley with changes to the front and back row.
Half Time United 7 - 19 Bridgwater & Albion
Promising start here and both sides are now appearing equally matched. I’ve been enjoying myself sharing pictures of my cycling holiday and telling everyone what a great time I had, not sure if I’ve mentioned it, here’s a few of my favourite pictures. Wonderful trails through pine forests with cliff top sea views and Hoopoes flitting between the trees. What I like at the end of the ride is a long cool vodka, lime and soda, quick swim, application of Sudocrem and ready for the evening.
Right a few more changes, Josh Cook and Nick Hawken off and Ethan Horn and Ollie Marhsall on circa 60mins. United are still running back moves, miss passes and a looping 10, even Bridgwater have noticed and it actually looks like an attack at times. Still plenty of handling errors letting us down but this can be put right, you know what’s needed fellas
Weston are putting the pressure on now, couple of terrific clearing kicks from Huw Matthews, I may be a bit bias, Ollie Marshall looking for work and the United are winning penalty advantage but failing to find touch. Bridgwater run the ball back hard each time maintaining the pressure.
Bridgwater kick deep, a fumbled collection from the United but its gone backwards and Rowan Bird has ball in hand deep in his own half. Rowan glides and jinks, shreds the field and runs in under the posts for an outstanding individual try looking smooth. It instantly reminds me of a fine smooth blush I enjoyed in Mallorca and a crazy hill climb switching back and forth.
Sorry, I’m off task again, Garrett collects the extras, circa 75 mins and we might be looking at W with the United’s hackles up and fighting for it.
United 14 - 19 Bridgwater
Penalty advantage again doesn't find touch Bridgwater bring the ball back in to the United half and there’s a poor decision at the breakdown, Bridgwater penalty and its in range. Bridgwater on target 80mins and its full time
Finally Score United 14 - 22 Bridgwater & Albion 2nds
A terrific game at the Rec, Bridgwater denied a bonus point for the first time and a much improved United performance. Congratulations to Bridgwater we look forward to the reverse home fixture and great to see the ever young Roger Drabble, both Bridgwater and Weston player.
More heads at training is the answer fellas, it’s the same tune every week but it’s clear the sides we are losing to, train together.
It’s cheers from me and Prince and the little wooden train to Soller, yes we are very close, no we didn’t get married, Yvonne wouldn't let us and if you lot can start winning I’ll stop writing about me, possibly.
Also the lovely Yvonne has missed her supper again and she’s so disappointed with another L, there’s no consoling her not even with the offer of one of Benny’s cheese and onion pasties.
Backs Rowan Bird, Huw Matthews, Trueman Currie, Sam Garrett, Darren Burns, Nick Hawken, Josh Cook
Forwards Tom Wheatly, Tom Burge, Harry Nash, Jamie Meadon, Vinnie Jones, Jacob Simpson, Mark Walker, Callum Bliss-Climo
Reps (all used) Jake Whatley, Rob Blackborow, Rich Frost, Ollie Marshall, Ethan Horn
Mark Mongo Matthew
