DRAGONS 56 - 5 WATH XV
It had been noted by myself and The Enigma that all had not been well with the Dragons during our enforced nonattendance over the last three weeks. The DRFC Veterans had managed to lose all their matches in this time. The contests had apparently been very close with the Dragons being defeated by the solitary score each time. So it was with a sense of obligation and duty that I managed to coerce my fellow scribe from his sick bed and persuaded the Missus into driving us to Castle Park last week to help boost morale and stop the rot.
For the match, sponsored at the last minute by Preparation H (who have witnessed an unexpected hike in profits recently), we positioning ourselves on the comfiest chairs available on the balcony and settled down with pints in hand to witness the Dragons reverse their recent run of poor form. The outcome of the match was never in doubt as the veterans put in a classy display of free running and deft handling to run in 10 tries against a very young and enthusiastic Wath XV. The final score of 56 – 5 was a pretty fair reflection of the gulf between the sides and proved that despite being slower and heavier than their opponents, if the basics are done well then the rest will fall into place.
Playing with the wind behind and down towards the recently named Camp End the Dragons opened the scoring very early on; Conway touched down after only 3 minutes for the first of his brace. Throughout the match the forwards did the hard graft to provide Phil Mills at scrum half with quality first phase ball. Despite him lobbing the ball in much the same manner as a kid throwing a grenade, Ellis shipped possession wide on countless occasions. Left wing Tony Jones was the main beneficiary; scoring three tries in total. To be fair, the Wath boys were not helped by suffering a couple of early injuries, the second of which saw the return of the Japanese sniper resident (for the last 40 years) in Sandal Beat Wood; a cracking shot from distance rendering the visitors full back helpless and in agony clutching his hamstring, nobody within 20 yards.
Apparently after the match hat-trick man Tony Jones had to get straight off home so didn’t get the opportunity to buy his team mates the customary jug of beer. It transpires that this was not true as he was spotted later in the evening maxing out his credit card in Connoisseur’s Corner at Pleasures Adult Shop. Such a break in tradition and poor etiquette will no doubt be noted by the Captain when it comes to selection for this Saturday’s home game against Roundhegians.
As usual the light hearted banter of the touchline was equal, if not better, to the quality of rugby on display. I would encourage everyone to make the effort to try and take in at least one of the Dragons matches this season.
At this point I would like to assure you all that contrary to recent reports on the web site The Enigma has not been in hospital having his Chalfont’s reduced. He has confirmed that although he has had a long running (and now well publicised) battle with Farmer Giles, his wife’s selfless application of topical lotions and creams has persuaded Farmer Giles to return to the potting shed with a cup of tea - and a cushion.
Weasel
