The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

As this strangest of seasons kicks off, we open with the tale of the year's first foray - a trip to Old Grammarians for some gentle touching - or not so gentle, as the case may be...

Rich Roberts reports

Arriving at the charming Old Grammarians club a timely half an hour beforehand, the tension in the air was palpable. There were concerned looks when the referees informed The Fins that the match would be played on a full size pitch. However the team were reassured by the laws being tweaked to mirror a more conventional game of touch (chicken scratches replacing juggling), save the first tackle ruling - which did take some time for both teams to adapt to.

The Fins conducted a highly efficient 10 minute warm up before taking to the field. The “OG’s” had a somewhat more youthful look than the visiting team, interspersed with some seasoned operators to bring their average age north of 15.

The first quarter was a tale of missed opportunities and overplaying, some eclectic play from Roberts (wearing the fabled 10 jersey) led to a well worked score in the corner. The “OG’s” hit back and scored with a sterling effort of their own. The Fins struggled to adapt to the double tackle ruling in the first quarter with the “OG’s” two wingers enjoying some success down the touchline, utilising their searing pace. The score at the break was somewhere in the region of 5-4 in favour of the Fins.

Coach Rohan's use of rolling subs proved helpful in the second quarter with the changes coming thick and fast. This injected the Fins with some spark as the demands of employing the now legendary “double sweeper system” was taking its toll on the backs. As the Fins' defense improved, their attack slightly faltered, lacking the fluidity we had seen glimpses of in the first quarter. A low scoring quarter ensued but the Fins were starting to break down their opposition as they became adept at playing to the referees calls.

The Third quarter was when the Fins really came alive and attacking prowess married defensive solidarity. There was deft offloading and some great running lines exhibited in chief by Max de Podesta, Will Thomas and Pete O’Neill in the forwards. This was capitalised on by the outside backs, particularly Freddie Barton who was the beneficiary of some great build up play and ran in three tries as a result. Subtle footballing skills were exhibited when Fred Bromley put in a well weighted grubber kick in behind the defence resulting in another try for the Fins.

In the final quarter the game ran out of steam somewhat towards the very end but not without some enjoyable rugby from the Fins at the outset. The incident that marred the final quarter was a disturbing, violent interaction between Nick Tewson and a 14 year old child. Nick took umbrage to the fact that the child had been perhaps slightly more physical than the rules allowed for. A tussle ensued which ultimately culminated in Nick receiving the “Dick of the day” award for his efforts.

In summary it was an enjoyable afternoon for both teams and some great rugby was played once everyone had become accustomed to the rule variations. Five debutants wore the hoops for the first time and there were some very encouraging performances from not only this group but also those within the established playing group.