25/08/2007

 Vs

Team Damo Vs Team Cooney

Given the horrendous state of the weather recently there was much hope for a nice cool day perhaps with a spattering of rain to soften the pitch. However, meteorologists the world over were astounded when a mini heat wave hit Wimbledon on Saturday - they clearly failed to take into account in their computer models that the Quintin trials game is always a scorcher ensuring maximum punishment for all.

Team Damo took an early advantage in bagging the proper kit with team Cooney left with the odds and ends, although it was the odds and ends that started the brighter and within ten minutes debutant KP, taking a break from being a soap-dodging, free-loading student, scored the first try of the day.

The advantage was short lived. Team Damo hit back almost immediately as Smith offered up an attempted box-kick that resulted in the worst slice since Bertie attempted some home bakery. Team Damo gained possession outside the 22 and swift handling by the backs against poor cover defence left Bryce to finish well in the corner.

The game continued in much the same vein with both teams scoring and conceding. A few notable events were angry Man managing to touch down (after settling down with his latest lover there was talk of him losing the ability to score). Geary also notched some points despite his inability to run in a straight line all day. Ryan did his best John Sanger impression to add another try.

The level of play was high all day, with the exception of front row stalwarts Dyke and Vines and their creative law interpretations. One incident involved Vines doing his best Clarke Kent impression was surprisingly missed by the referee, who performed well during the first two sessions and then oddly declined in the third. Post match comments suggested a free-thinking approach to the rules: it would seem that Robo Guyver has been away from the coal face for longer than expected!

With the breakdown becoming more open, Team Damo took advantage in the last period with the semblance of competition only returning in the last minute with a converted try from Andy.

Following Damo's back-to-back defeats of Stu, there was only one man to do the job when Pookie announced the expected arrival of his second child in January and consequently his resignation. With Stu duly appointed and following a somewhat bizarre port snorting ritual, everyone piled onto the no-expense-spared luxury coach for travel to the pub. Even with Noonan now retired its nice to know that the club's purchasing decisions are still hitting the spot, with the former captain pointing out for the cost of this we could have had a cab each! It did, however, allow the opportunity to neck three cases of beer before even getting to the pub for a night that would have knock-on effects for Lee's BBQ the next day. Apparently he lacks the ability to understand Turkish though his keenness to ready himself by arising at 5.30 am must be admired.

The night continued into the Redback until it was duly halted following a cuddle between Ciaran and Stu…. You'll have to ask them...