9:42 - "I thought the game was next Friday, I didn't know it was tonight"
10:12 - "I'm not feeling 100%... I'll still try to come to watch the game. Apologies for the late notice"
10:13 - "I really didn't want to send this message; but how problematic is it if i drop from the bench to supporter? I'm sick".
16:37 - "I have a feeling I'm going to be stuck so might make playing hard but I'll see you down there"

Despite the best efforts of : The clubs all-time top scoring Kiwi*; The clubs most attractive Frenchman; Former 1st XV Captain; Former Club Captain and Coach - Jurassic Park managed to field a starting XV befitting the name Vets.
Whilst a few dubious commentators and side-line hecklers were questioning whether those in red and white had similar age credentials... the game kicked off regardless.

Hands you'd expect from a team that was made up primarily of players who'd not played this side of their last Covid-19 vaccination led to a fairly scrappy opening half... (30 minutes).
Lots of substitutions later and a few words questioning why they'd come later the second half commenced.
Scrappy hands continued. Morse, Salva, Aaron, Neels all contributing to dominant scrummaging walking Finchley around a bit. Agent Joe Heekin helping out the Fins by clearly teaching younger Brother Ronan everything he knows about the art.

John Startin did what he's done for a decade - ran really fast and scored 2 tries.
Ed Morden did what he's done for a decade - and fluffed 50% of his kicks.

Full-Time : Finchley 17 - 12 Fins Vets.

A reasonable opening gambit and the dawning of a new era of rugby in green and gold. Roll on the next one.

Tries : Startin (2) / Cons : Morden (1)

MOM : Startin / DOD : Hugo Murray (knocking after attempting a quick tap penalty)
Debut : James Sullivan

* - Frazer did actually play, despite the early morning day confusion. Left above for dramatic effect.