As the game kicked off the heavens opened and at one point, five minutes in, a small dingy was spotted coming about in the dead ball area under the fir trees. Players were calling for dry shirts at half time, like that’s ever going to happen and during all this Gordano were giving everything and on 4 mins knocked over a penalty and scored a try on 14 mins 0-8 and all was going to plan for the visitors.

The United however were soaking up the pressure and despite the lack of ball were pushing back at the larger opponents. The re-organised back row of Steele, Cox and Po were going well as was the giraffe like Collins who turned up and trained in the week.

On 18 mins the out of position Buzzard, put foot to ball and drew the United back 3-8. With Buzzard looking a bit sorry for himself on the wing having had a great game the week before at 13 Middlemas had the jersey on this week.

A direct result of player circulation from the first team bench the cartoon character was next on the score sheet as the United put the visitors on the back foot taking the lead 10-8, 27mins, and the score standing at half time.

The sun as got his hat on and is coming out to play, it had stopped raining. The better conditions would hopefully allow the game to develop but it was to remain tight. United brought on the Middle Earth Lomax for What (happened to my hair, I have a head ach and can’t train) Gibbs although Gordano were next to score with a second penalty and try to leave the United chasing once more 10-16.

Gnash was looking sore however Middlemas was to leave the field first following a minute waltz from Gordano 22, a happy slap from Shrek and a lesson in how not to tackle with the boat race.
Aaahhhhh, there you go Blizz back into the centre, smiles all round, Gibbs back on.

Down next on for the Hungarian and a great game developing. Bennett and Young were linking well and Caton was also leaving his mark on the game coming in off the wing and running the ball back at the visitors.

Whately and the solid Donegan were fronting up to a much heavier pack and the set piece was working well. Whately in fact is developing each week and has become a key player in the United with better things to come.

The combined forward pressure resulted in a number of missed penalty opportunities before Blizz pulled one back on 62 mins 13-16. The increase pressure saw the United drive close on a number of occasions before Po finally crossed the line only to be deigned by the referee.

In fairness although our Antipodean Official could see a wonderful jig from the supporting Clayton and Ollie (what’s wrong with scoring for the United) he could not see the try grounded and correctly no matter how unfortunate gave an attacking scrum.

Gordano broke back before finally possession returned to the United and infringements from the visitor provide one final penalty opportunity and Blizz stepped up to put it between the uprights, 16 -16 final score. Kirk, the duke box can stay, “Kung Foo Fighting”,(those kids were fast as lightening) next week please.

A big thank you to our visitors who leave with an unbeaten record but not I guess quite in the way they would have wanted. A really well done to the United, we had our chances and could have won but we will take the draw.

Players : P Burns, O Caton, L Blizzard (3*pens, 1*con), K Middlemas (1*try), C Young (Capt), R Bennett, G Gibbs, J Whatley, H Nash, S Donegan, A Collins, E Hunt, D Steele, B Cox, S Hudson
Reps Used : D Lomax, M Down

Match report from Mark Matthews, and photos HERE courtesy of Andrew Collins