Eton Manor 3s V Campion 2s

Manor welcomed their old rivals Campion 2s to the New Wilderness. For the last 2 seasons Manor have had numerous interesting encounters. In all these encounters Campion have played a fast paced wide game and struggled with the tight. Manor Picked a strong team despite being depleated by injuries and call ups to the 2s and were looking forward to tiring the Campion team with some big scrums.

As the boys got themselves ready a horrible, horrible rumour emerged that Campion did not have any props. Upon hearing this Pete Thomas and Frosty looked like little babies whose toys had been taken away. The rumour proved to be true and after lengthy discussions from Eton Manor referee and old boy aficionados Bill Dolby, Derek Edwards and Allan Seleck the decision was made to play the game and see what the league said after as 30 people wanted to play some rugby. Sadly for Frosty and Pete Thomas the thought of no scrumming resigned these two front row Behemoths to sit on the bench and not play.

After a good warm up by Jeff Bradley Manor got on with the game and our fears about Campion playing 8 backrow forwards in the scrum proved to be true. Manor worked hard however Campion scored a decent try after some slack tackling. Manor continued to play well but found themselves guilty of playing into campions game and not manors. At half time the score line was Campion 11 manor 3 (I think!) after a Jake Taylor penalty.

In the second half manor continued to work hard. Campion showed their fitness (and also their lack of energy used in the scrum) to good effect keeping the manor defence working. Humerous incidents included the nosebleed club of myself, George Cast and Aiden who all somehow suffered thumps to the nose. George Cast won the disjointed nose award and was heard to ask “is my nose broken?” to which the reply was “has it always been wonky?”

After good work in a maul Manor scored their first try. Mad Sean was the man to be found with the ball one everyone had got up but Bobby claimed the try. Shortly after Aiden Robinson appeared on the pitch after claiming in the morning that he could barely stand up. Aiden’s first action was to win a penalty after good work in the ruck. Aiden topped that shortly after by barging over the try line from short range to score a good try.

Final score Manor 3s 19- 34 Campion 2s.

A good performance from Manor however the game was changed when Campion declined to have a front row. Manor played well with many of the colts playing like seasoned vets. The hard running trio of Ralph, Keeny and Mad Sean all caused problems in attack. Also worthy of a mention was the flying wingers in David Ridewood and Ginger Billy.

Man of the match went to the Ancient Ralph Nocaro who threw back the years with his usual charging runs. Also special mentions to Aiden, Luc, Jake T, Ant and Anthony the Hooker.

Makowski moment was a close run thing after Mad sean tried to stitch up his skipper but was picked up by Adam Reay. Honourable mentions go to Anthony (because people wanted t see him down several pints), Aiden (I don’t rmemeber why) and Alfie (one of the colts thought it was a good idea to vote for Alfie…They may regret that!)

Next week Manor Take on Maldon 2s away.