Starting line-up

1 Sam Vail 2 Martin Doughty 3 Rik Relph

4 Matt Price 5 Tom Wykes

6 Ren Pesci (capt) 7 Chris Milne 8 Barnaby Perks

9 Graham Beckford 10 Daray Horn 15 Springbok Willie

11 Chris Beddow 12 Will Cleare 13 Jay Hall 14 Harry ???

16 Carl Goodey 17 Nick Nicholson

Match report by Sam Vail

The Renegades started this friendly game with 17 available players, a good feeling to have substitutes available.

The first 25 minutes were marked by sloppy play, turnovers and a lack of commitment in the ruck. Nevertheless, the first score came after about 10 minutes when the ball was spun wide from a Renegades ruck, passing through quick hands. New boy Springbok Wille found himself with one player to beat. Selflessly, he passed again to the unmarked player on his wing who happened to be a prop. Thanks to an unbroken run of 23 weeks of Touch Rugby over the summer, Sam Vail was able to gather and sprint the 6 or 7 yards to score the first Renegade try of the match. Sam was thus temporarily the leading Renegades points scorer for the season and fulfilling his seasons ambition of scoring a try!

The last 15 minutes of the first half was played with much more spirit and commitment by the Renegades after pep talks from Barnaby Perks and stand-in scrum half, Graham 'Beaky' Beckford. Further unanswered tries were scored by the Renegades resulting in a first-half lead of 24-0.

The second half started in a similar vein to the first. Characterized by loose and sloppy play. The Renegades scrum remained solid throughout the match, competing well and winning a few balls against the head. The line-out could still use some work. More trys were scored during the second half thanks to some fine individual play and good support. Wendons proved again to be a spirited and tough side. The final score line in no way represents the nature of the game.

Special mentions must go to Tom Wykes for his excellent defensive work and tracking back to foil a Wendens kick-though. Also superb attacking runs from Jay Hall, rewarding him with a try. Daray was unlucky with some conversion attempts, fighting against a blustery wind. Also good work by Rik Relph who played the entire game, propping and lifting, with a broken
hand. That's Renegades commitment!

Special congratulations should go to Carl Goodey who came on as a substitute and scored 2 tries, despite the fact he was crippling himself
with brand new boots.

Scorers

Try

Sam Vail 1
Daray Horn 2
Carl Goodey 2
Barnaby Perks 1
Ren Pesci 1

Penalty

-

Conversion

Daray Horn 2 (from 6)

Nick Nicholson 0 (from 1)

Nominations

Pratt of the match was awarded to Chris Milne for dropping his pint in the pub.

Starting line-up

!!!Match video!!!

1 Rik Relph 2 Ren Pesci 3 Tom Wykes

4 Matt Price 5 Sam Vail

6 Carl Goodey 7 Chris Milne 8 Ritz Steytler

9 Darvey Horn 10 Daray Horn 15 Willie Odendaal

11 Jay Hall 12 Chris Beddow 13 Corlius Van Vuaren 14

Picture this: Wendens 1Wendens 3Wendens 4Wendens 5

Match report (1) by Sam Vail

Cottenham Renegades started the game one player short, thanks to Nick having to referee. Wendens were already two players short, making for a significant Renegades advantage. Unfortunately, springbok Cornelius had to retire from the Renegades, mid-way through the first half with a nasty shoulder injury. Thus the sides were playing with 13 players each.

The first half was characterized by some swift running by the backs, notching up some early tries. The Renegades pack remained solid, although shuffled around to cover absences. Ren even 'claiming' six hooks against the head. Ren even managed to hook Matt in the face, knocking free half a tooth! (Dentist bill is in the post, Ren). Lineouts improved from the last game. Chris Milne winning the majority of Renegades ball.

The second half was more of the same with little second phase ball. The game became scrappy as tired legs took over, with the forwards simply standing and watching the backs run in the tries. Superb first try of the season for Flora. A summer of surfing hasn't slowed our own 'man love', as he sprinted down the wing to score.

Special mention for Chris Milne and Carl Goodey. Both flankers chased down every loose ball. Also special mention goes to Will Cleare who was unable to play because of a knee problem, but came and supported the Renegades and took some great photos. Overall a solid performance against a side unlucky to lose by such a margin.

Match report (2) by Will Cleare

8 Tries, 6 against the head, 4 Trains and a real ‘mountain’ to climb in the 2^nd half!

The sides lined up 13 vs 14 in our favour so the opportunity for gaps to open up and be exploited was always likely.

However Renegades set about the task with gay abandon and were duly rewarded when with a matter of minutes on the board the ball was touched down by Ritz. This touchdown resulting from the backs first opportunity stretch their legs and Ritz being where a good back-rower should be – in support of the backs. Daray missed the 2-points – but this was to prove the only exception from an otherwise faultless kicking display from him.

At least 7 minutes elapsed before Willie used speed and guile to break Wendens defences to spot down. The occasion clearly got to him as he attempted to drop the conversion – this “attempt” will not receive mention in this or any other report!

A little more than 20 minutes on the clock that had seen total territorial and possession advantage from Renegades with the Forwards providing a solid platform for waves of attacks. Two of which coughed up a brace for Jay in the space of a couple of minutes using his superior speed to whip in and touchdown. Daray obliged on both occasions and mid-way through Renegades were 24 points to the good! At this point Corlius had tried bravely to carry on 50% light on functioning shoulders but could stand no more so left the fray to even the sides up 13 a piece.

This rate of scoring promised a cricket score but the realisation that we had been playing down the black run in the first half lead to calls to keep the hammer down for the remainder. Willie popped up with a couple of minutes to play with try number 2 for him and Renegades 5^th score whilst Dawie from scrum-half got in on the action bang on the stroke of half-time. With the precision of a metronome the conversions continued to come.

Half-time: Wendens 0 Renegades 38

A tale of two halves began with the realisation that the 2^nd would mean scaling the hill if any attacks were to be mounted. This could be the reason for the poor start to the half with passes misplaced and spilled.

It was 15-minutes in before we worked a route to the summit when the boy wonder opened his account for the season, showing his pace, Flora dotted down and again Daray slotted home the conversion.

Wendens were getting more competitive all the time now playing downhill. Errors continued to come from the backs and the forwards worked hard to maintain a foundation. Against a full and more experienced backline we could and should have been punished. However despite some goings on in our own 22 as rewarded rightfully post-match (!!) we kept them out, the finest example of this came when the now famous 5metre scrum ruined their scrum and yet another went against the head (Ren-fans now turn to the end of match report).

There was just enough time for the Springbok element to run amock to see Dawie touch down again and for Daray to narrowly miss out in the corner.

Overall solid performance but difficult to gauge any progress. More of an idea will come from the challenge of fresh opponents, that being said many thanks to Wendens for their hospitality and we await the return of the return in a few weeks.

FINAL SCORE: 52-0

Scorers

Try

Darvey Horn 2

Springbok Willie 2

Jason Hall 2

Ritz Steytler 1

Chris Beddows 1

Penalty

Conversion

Springbok Willie 0 from 1

Daray Horn 6 from 7

Drop

Nominations and special mentions

Nick for an excellent afternoons performance avec whistle.

Ren striking at 2 and securing 6 (SIX) against the head aided and abetted by Rik and Tom.

Cornelius – damaged shoulder with some tough early tackling and impact running…update on how you’re feelin?

PINTWATCH: Chris Milne did not drop his pint this week.

Renegades 'Pair of plumbs' award was given to Ren and Daray for their awesome miscommunicated pass.

Starting line-up

1 2 3

4 5

6 7 8

9 10 15

11 12 13 14

Match report by Nick Nicholson with some embellishments by the Ed

Cantabs2/3 17 - Renegades 5

Traveling light (ie seriously lacking in players) to the Heart of Darkness (well, middle of Cambridge actually), we enjoyed a pleasant Saturday afternoon's light entertainment.

A spirited game was played by both teams in this narrow victory, but was let down by the inconsistency of the foreign referee (he was Welsh. Watch it. If he's Welsh (bless him), he's right. Ed (Also Welsh)) We were constantly blown up for coming in from the side or just being South African.

The only try to be scored by Renegades was put down into the corner by 'which way do I run' Jonty forest gump Jones in the last play of the game.

>Picture this: >Cantabs 1> >Cantabs 2> >Cantabs 4

Scorer

Try: Jonty Jones

Nominations and special mentions

1. Player of the match, Chris the body swerve Milne, graced the crowd with some demon runs and 'get down shep' tackling, but became a target for the opposition's open side, who seemed to always be late with his knees or fists. This was later put to right when he ran into a brick wall or should I say big Riks forearm. After coming back on after first aid, the flanker played a more quiet game.

2. The special moment of the game must go to Cornelius, who, coming on for the last 15 minutes still with a sore shoulder managed to launch himself at the oppositions scrum half, with the devastation of an exocet missile and nearly cut the poor unfortunate in half, completely legal the resulting ooof was heard around the playing fields, even the people watching the 1st team were heard to gasp. After this tackle his mother ran on the pitch to offer some badly needed TLC.

3. Finally we will not mention the yellow carding of a certain M Doughty for ungentlemanly conduct, or just lying on the ball after coming in from the side. Tut tut Martin. You should know better (than to get caught).

Starting line-up

1 Rik Relph, 2 Ren Pesci, 3 Tom Wykes

4 Matt Price, 5 Sam Vail

6 Ian Lock, 7 Chris Milne, 8 Ritz Steytler

9 Jay Nicholson, 10 Darey Horn, 15 Lewis Walker

16 Graham Beckford, 17 Big Brian, 18 Mark Holdsworth, 19 John Bateson, 20 Nick Nicholson

As the Renegades had 22 players available, we generously loaned Jack Hiscock and Paul Lawrence to Wendens, hoping we wouldn't live to regret that decision. (As it turned out, it was Jack who slung a generous pass into the path of Beaky for an awesome interception which led to a try). Thanks Jack, good luck at Uni.

The Renegades were having to get used to another rearrangement of players in the pack, and started slowly. Wendens were able to get some good shoves going in the opening 15 minutes which unsettled the Cottenham pack. The Wendens scrum-half feeding the ball straight into the second row may have had something to do with it. The wind was playing havoc with the line-outs, making a throw to the front the only option. This resulted in a keen contest in the line-out, both teams won and lost an equal amount of their own ball.

The first try was scored by Darey Horn, from some quick open play by the backs. Darey converted his own try to give the Renegades a 7-0 start. The second try was run in by Corlius Van Vuaren after a strong period of play from the forwards. The first half finished 12-0 to the Renegades.

After a refreshing half-time break, thanks to the new Renegades water bottles, it was time for some replacements for Cottenham. A change of ends gave Cottenham the advantage of the wind but it was Wendens who scored their first try after a series of kick aheads. However, this seemed to be the kick-in-the-arse that the Renegades needed and we were able to run in 2 more tries. The first from an excellent interception by Beaky who was able to get the ball out to Chris Milne to score his first try of the season. The second a fine individual run from Dawie Horn following a great scrummage and quick pass out by new scrum-half Jay Nicholson. Dawie converted his own try with a drop kick.

The second half also saw John Bateson get his first run out of the season following off-season surgery which brought a tear to the eye of your 'tough as nails' reporter. Let's hope he doesn't rival Mr Wilkinson when it comes to 'breaking down'.

Special mention goes to Tom Wykes for some excellent defensive work, Jay Nicholson who did a great job at scrum-half on debut and Big Brian who made some excellent penetrating runs. Rolando Pesci and Mark Holdsworth made some good runs and Ian Lock fought hard in the line-outs, still hampered by his injured ankle.

Wendens had some new faces and were tough opponents in loose play. They were unlucky to lose by such a margin.

Final score: Renegades 24 Wendens Ambo 7

(3 games so far against Wendens have yielded 115 points against 7 in reply)

Scorers:

Darey Horn
Corlius Van Vuaren
Chris Milne
Dawie Horn

Try

1
1
1
1

Penalty

Conversion

1


1

PINTWATCH: As far as I could see, Chris Milne kept a secure pint (Was he in the pub?) However, club Captain Nick Nicholson dropped a clanger by selecting the pure vodka shot instead of the prepared water shot, thus claiming the 'Should have checked it' twunt of the day award!

Many thanks to all our South African colleagues for their efforts this season. We wish you all good luck for the future and hope to see you again. (To those coming back, we will miss you, hurry back!)

Starting line-up

1 2 3

4 5

6 7 8

9 10 15

11 12 13 14

Match report by Ian Lock

Renegades travelled to Haverhill on Saturday and were met with the largest pitch this side of Twickenham.
As soon as the game started it became apparent that it was going to be a hard fought match, which could go either way.

The quality of the play was high, and hard fought rucks were the mainstay for much of the first half. Against the run of play Haverhill broke through when one of their backs made an express train charge for the line, with only the full back to beat. In full flight he was stopped dead in his tracks with a JPR Williams style tackle from John Bone Crusher Bateson. The ball went flying from the tackle, which was then extremely luckily caught by a drifting Haverhill player who went ahead and scored.

Play resumed, and Renegades attacked even harder, with the Pesci brothers leading the way. Because of this gritty determination from all, prop Tom Wykes unfortunately dislocated his knee, a recurring injury from his Morris Dancing days. Having to be physically restrained from going back onto the pitch, he then directed the game from the touch line.
After this, Renegades camped out on the Haverhill line for what seemed an eternity, and were rewarded when Graham Beckford managed the remarkable feat of scoring a Try and kneeing an opponent in the face at the same time. The try was duly converted when Nick "I don't need one of those new fangled kicking tee things" Nicholson launched the ball over the bar, with millimeters to spare.

With the score now level, the game carried on at the same hard and fast tempo. Haverhill seemed to object to the hard hits from Renegades, and a full on Bill Mclaren Argy Bargy session occurred. After Haverhill had put their handbags away, it was half time.

Having been refreshed from the new, color coded water bottles, and with Matt Price providing the vocal encouragement, the play re-started at the same fast pace.

Carl Goodey, returning from injury, possibly a bit too early after major ankle reconstruction work, last Tuesday, showed no match rustiness, neither did Will Cleare, who had been sidelined as well, and they made their presence felt early on in the second half, taking no prisoners in open play.

Early on in the second half the referee dropped his glasses for a split second, and failed to notice that a Haverhill player was a full twenty meters offside when he intercepted a pass, and then had a free run to score.

Renegades piled on the pressure again, and the backs skillfully made several long probing runs. Play had to be stopped when one of the Haverhill players cracked under the strain and tried to start a boxing match, only calming down when told 'that was a hand off, it's what you do in rugby. Donkey'.
Haverhill managed to squeeze another try, in the last quarter.

It is a cliché, but the final score of 24-7 did not reflect the run of play, or closeness of the game.

Starting line-up

1 Rik Relph, 2 Ren Pesci, 3 Tom Wykes

4 Matt Price, 5 Ian Lock

6 Karl Redpath, 7 Chris Milne, 8 Carl Goodey

9 Rolando Pesci, 10 Graeme Beckford, 15 Nick Nicholson

16 Sam Vail

Kibworth won the toss and elected to start with the advantage of Sun and Wind at their backs. With both Tom and Sam carrying knee injuries, it was decided they would play half a game each. This cunning plan was blown out of the water within the first 2 minutes of play when Tom over-extended his knee and was forced to leave the pitch, forcing a quick shuffle in the front row. Kibworth were prepared for this game and made big pushed into the Renegades lines. Their first score, a converted try, came at about the 10 minute mark. They were to score again 10 minutes later, forcing a tough team talk from Beaky. The Renegades seemed to pick up the pace, rucking well despite the Kibworth dirty tactics of laying on the ball and multiple hands scooping away at the ball. A solid Renegades scrum and some good passing from the backs let Jay in for a score in the corner. Unfortunately, Carl was unable to convert. Kibworth won the put-in to a scrum under the Renegades posts. A big push from Kibworth resulted in their third try, despite wheeling the Renegades pack into the actual post. First half finished 21-5 for Kibworth.

After a refreshing break and a solid team-talk, the Renegades picked up their game and some good probing runs resulted in a try for Rolando. Nick put the ball between the posts to make the score 12-21. Debut boy 'Kiwi' Karl put in some excellent ground work, even when the Kibworth Tight-head was dragging him around by his hair. The 'Social' nature of the Renegades meant they were blowing hard 20 minutes into the second half, and Kibworth's superior fitness was telling. However, some excellent probing runs from Beaky, and a thundering run from Rik started to batter into the Kibworth defence. It was Kibworth who made the final score, leaving a final result of 12-28 in Kibworths favour.

Special mention for Jay's crunching tackle on Kibworths No. 8 which resulted in him retiring injured. Awesome! Also to Nick Nicholson, who managed to get his body between the ref and the ball on a Kibworth kick-through. The ref was thus unsighted and unable to give the Kibworth try.

Scorers:

Jay Hall

Rolando Pesci

Carl Goodey
Nick Nicholson

Try

1
1

Penalty

Conversion

0 (Missed Conversion)
1

PINTWATCH: Chris Milne extends his purple patch by holding on to as many as three pints in a row without dropping a single one. Nice one 'The Glove'.

Starting line-up

1 Sam Vail, 2 Martin Doughty, 3 Rik Relph

4 Matt Price, 5 Ian Lock

6 Carl Redpath, 7 Chris Milne, 8 Rolando Pesci

9 Jay Nichols, 10 Alfie Atkinson, 15 John Bateson

16 Carl Goodey, 17 Lewis Walker

The Renegades started this friendly game with 17 available players. Renegades also won the toss and started with the wind and Sun at their backs. For once, the Renegades started brightly with a hunger for the ball. Quick to the breakdown and feeding the backs a big supply of early ball. Graham 'Beaky' Beckford put in some crashing line-breaking runs, one of which led to the Renegades try. Nice one Beaky. The conversion was missed by JB. The Renegades pack was having to work extra hard, just to maintain position as the well-drilled Sharnbrook pack were getting the edge in most of the encounters. Unfortunately, it seemed to be a day of scrumaging as the swirling wind and low sun made knock-ons and handling errors common. The Renegades pack put in some hard work and kept the opposition from putting any points on the board.

Alfie had been marshalling the backs well and was a bad loss at half time through his recuring knee injury. However, Lewis Walker is a fantastic sub and the Renegades were blessed by the pool of talent available. After a refreshing break and some substitutions and changes, the second half started with the Renegades defending concerted Sharnbrook attacks. Good defense and some gutsy tackling kept the opposition from scoring any points. Fresh substitute, Carl 'Zig-zag' Goodey made several penetrating runs, supported by the rest of the Renegades pack. An excellent penalty was planted between the posts by JB, making the lead 8-0. The last 10 minutes of the match saw the Renegades blowing hard as their lack of fitness took hold. Still time for a last minute penetrating run from Sam, who picked up from the base of a ruck and made about 10 yards through the middle of the opposition pack. It was a shame the rest of the team were so surprised by this uncharacteristic run, they stood watching instead of supporting. Or it could have been the fact that the Pack were taking the opportunity to gulp in some air. The game finished with a score of Renegades 8, Sharnbrook & Colworth 0. This hard fought victory by the Renegades ended the S&C 10 match unbeaten run.

Special mentions must go to Chris 'Flora'Beddow or his scything run through the backs like a 47 month old stallion rather than a near half century sex pest in a bar full of women! Happy birthday Flora! Also to 'JB' John Bateson who, towards the end of the game proceeded to give the forwards near heart attacks by deciding to run from a dangerous deep position, instead of kicking it. Not once, but twice!

Thanks to Sharnbrook & Colworth for a tough but fun game.

Scorers:

Graham Beckford
John Bateson

Try

1

Penalty

1

Conversion

Starting line-up

1 Sam Vail, 2 Martin Doughty, 3 Rik Relph

4 Matt Price, 5 Ian Lock

6 Carl Redpath, 7 Chris Milne, 8 Rolando Pesci

9 Jay Nichols, 10 Daray Horn, 15 Chris Beddow

Ren Pesci, Jack Hiscock and Carl Redpath started for Wendens

The Renegades started this friendly game with 17 available players, so leant 3 to the extremely short Wendens side. The pitch was extremely wet under foot cutting up quickly to leave a mud bath.

The first half started at a cracking pace with both teams eager to gain control. The front rows were getting to grips with the new engagement procedures. Opinion is split as to weather they are an improvement or not. The Renegades pack showed some good early control in the scrum. Chris 'The Glove' Milne chased down every loose ball and was rewarded when he snuck over the line to score the first of his hat-trick of tries. The Glove was also working hard in the line-outs, the Renegades winning a high proportion of the throw-ins on the day. Chris scored again, followed by a try from the hard working Daray.

The second half was characterised by the Renegades defence as Ren Pesci, on loan to Wendens, made several probing runs, only to be denied. The Wendens forwards were using lots of spoiling tactics to slow down the Renegades game, they new that as soon as they ball was out to the backs that they were in trouble. Wendens have a well organised and tough pack, but their backs could do with some work. Ritz was forced to retire hurt with a damaged knee, evening up the sides. The Glove stole in for his third try, following his good support play. Mark Holdsworth finished the points tally with an excellent running try, Cantabs loss is definitely Renegades gain.

Special mention to Jack, who was again playing for the opposition. It's about time you had a game FOR the Renegades. Also to Rik Relph, who managed to get a photo of the Jolly Millers barmaid, despite protestation. Were is the photo?

All in, a great game to start the New Year.

Scorers:

Chris Milne
Mark Holdsworth
Daray Horn

Try

3

1

Penalty

Conversion

1

Starting line-up

1 Sam Vail, 2 Martin Doughty, 3 Rik Relph

4 Matt Price, 5 Ian Lock

6 Carl Goodey, 7 Chris Milne, 8

9 Duncan Simmonds, 10 Daray Horn, 15 John Betson

Bathed in sunshine the queue of people waiting for the doors to open at the jumble sale, where they were treated to the site of Tom Wykes propping up trestle tables and Ren Pesci foraging in the loose piles of clothes, could not have known there was a game which was to mirror their afternoon of bargain hunting.

New shirts were handed out and pulled on in anticipation of another physical game against March, always a physical side who always bring their handbags with them. Renegades with only fourteen players and the sun in their eyes kicked off towards March, who could only field thirteen.

The initial encounters were scrappy, after a three week layoff, with Renegades pinning March back into their twenty-two with series of high kicks putting pressure on the March fullback, who didn't appear too happy. Two penalties went unpunished by Renegades with the ball failing to be put over. The Renegades forwards however were having the best of the physical part of the game in the rucks and mauls supplying an abundance of ball to the backs, who felt it was only a matter of time before they would break through. Eventually after a period of further pressure the March fullback failed to hold a hanging Flora kick, the ball was kicked ahead and the referee awarded the try quoting law 22.4b (The goal posts and padding surrounding them are part of the goal line, which is part of in-goal. If an attacking player is first to ground the ball against a goal post or padding, a try is scored.). The conversion safely added by Daray Horn.

From the kick off Renegades camped in the March half again until after several probing attacks by the backs and some good recycling of the ball by the pack the ball was moved quickly to the right through the backs hands for Karl "The Kiwi" Redpath to score.

The second half arrived and Renegades were determined to punish March further, however due to their own ineptitude this was not as easy as they had hoped. The backs became less penetrative due to their lateral running, John Bateson's hands were still treating the ball like a ball of soap, Jonty's runs now consisted of piggy-backing the opposition towards the Renegades half and the supply of ball was drying up. March however were unable to capitalise, rarely getting out of their own half. The turning point of the game was the intervention of Jonty "the acrobat" Spitari at the lineout, once everybody had finished laughing, Renegades again began regain control of the ball through the pack and the backs began to fire. Having been in the March twenty-two for so long it was only a matter of time until Renegades crossed the line again. This time it was through Daray Horn directing his entire team left and then going left to score. Carl "Zig Zag" Goodey narrowly missed the conversion.

Overall it was an enjoyable afternoon, the search for the line was harder than it needed to be but the reward of beating March is always worthwhile. Lets hope that the jumble sale was as satisfying for Ren and Tom.

Talk in the pub afterwards was of how well our illustrious leader had refereed, about socks in bags, fines, tour, the beauty of the barmaid and what a generous fellow Rik is! John Bateson was awarded the Manlove trophy, a fine salami, and managed not to drop it. Martin Doughty did the crossword, which was the only word and is therefore going to be issued with an ASBO (AntiSocial Bastard Order), beware the taxman sees all.

Scorers:

Karl Redpath
Chris Beddow
Daray Horn

Try

1
1
1

Penalty

Conversion

1

Starting line-up

1 Sam Vail, 2 Martin Doughty, 3 Rik Relph

4 Matt Price, 5 Ian Lock

6 Chris Milne, 7 Carl Goodey, 8 Barnaby

9 Duncan Simmonds, 10 Daray Horn, 15

Having battled their way up the A428 Renegades started off in impressive fashion, showing their intent right from the warm up completing an awesome 15 headers and volleys as their Cambourne counterparts looked on in awe. Cambourne tried to battle back from this effective start with some grunting and an odd Haka involving them all standing in a line interlocking arms and lifting one leg. Once the teams had finished sizing each other up Renegades were to kick off with their backs to the sun, however the quick as ever Martin Doughty, obviously benefiting from his pub time Soduku, did the quick Math and noticed Cambourne were trying to field 22 players.

Cambourne came at Cottenham hard and were competitive at the break down, committing bodies to the ruck and securing some good ball, the Renegades defence stood up well forcing them from side to side without making much headway. Cambourne employed some strange tactics in the scrum trying to bury under Big Rik and lift him off his feet, and Rik carrying a knock to the Ribs had to retire. Cambourne now with a numerical advantage attacked Cottenham out wide with their fullback making headway with some jinking runs, and on surfacing from a ruck 'Burkey' found a large hole in his knee which was haemorrhaging blood all over the pitch, he became the first of three to end up at Hichinbrooke.

With an advantage of two, Cambourne still did not want to loan a player until eventually one of their kind subs decided he wanted a game. Cambourne still attacked wide and the referee deciding age was not a factor in rolling away out of the tackle decided that 3 nano-seconds was still not quick enough, leading to four penalties and an eventual penalty try.

Cambourne regrouped and attacked again with Cottenham's defence still holding out until the unfortunate Cambourne number 8 broke his leg. Cottenham took this as an advantage to again to intimidate the Cambourne men with another impressive headers and volleys display, as Tom Cruise appeared from nowhere to gee-up his adopted rugby team.

After what seemed like half an hour the game was moved to a neighbouring football pitch to allow ambulance access, and the teams now dropped to 12 a side, as Cottenham's resident medic Geoff was tending to the unfortunate leg.

The game started well for Rengades who were recycling the ball at pace from the break down and spreading it wide, allowing Darey to provide a superb miss pass, Kiwi Karl drawing his man, taking the hit and deftly offloading to Ren Pesci to outstrip the cover defence and score under the posts.

Cambourne hit back effectively and after a good break again by the full back, the covering tackles were made, but not enough men at the breakdown allowed the Cambourne player to steal over for a try.

A pep talk from History ace Zig Zag proved to be in vain, as only a few minutes later the game was abandoned, as Chris ' The Glove' Milne snapped his neck back in a tackle and the referee abandoned the game for further Ambulance access.

The pub was the next stop where some other rugby game took place that really wasn't of interest to anyone.

Scorers:

Try

Penalty

Conversion

Starting line-up

1 Sam Vail, 2 Martin Doughty, 3 Rik Relph

4 Matt Price, 5 Carl Goodey

6 Karl Redpath, 7 Chris Milne, 8 Ren Pesci

9 Duncan Simmonds, 10 Daray Horn, 15 Jeff

The Renegades turned up, expecting a tough game against the Newmarket second team. What they actually got was an extremely tough game against the seconds including half of their first team and most of their Colts.

The first half started well for the Renegades as we managed to frustrate the Newmarket players into making a few early handling mistakes. The scrum was holding well, despite the difference in experience and the Renegades lack of training. Match fitness began to show as the Renegades started to slow down after 20 minutes, allowing some tries from the youthful Newmarket backs. Chief amongst the scorers was CJ, a South African provincial player. Newmarket also benefited from a good place kicker who only missed 1 conversion (from about 8).

The second half opened with Newmarket having substituted most of their experienced pack for a very well drilled Youth development pack. The Renegades started to go backwards in the scrum due to the sheer power, weight, fitness and training of the Colts. With Kiwi Carl coming into the front row, it meant resorting to some dirty tactics in order to halt the better Newmarket pack. (Face grinding, gut pushing, nerve pinching) All of which served to make the youngster 'get the hump'.

A penalty was awarded close to the Newmarket line and with the wit and guile of an old fox Duncan took it quickly and speedily shipped the ball to the enigmatic former Newmarket player Ren. An avenue was spotted, and whilst crowded with tough tackling Adonis-esque defenders Ren exploded through it in Linford Christie style to break a tackle over every one of the seven hard yards he travelled. The crowd was stunned into silence contemplating how the metaphoric dagger had been plunged into them by one of their own and the second half onslaught began. A second try soon followed with CJ scoring twice against his own club.

The Renegades managed to win the second half with 3 tries to 2, therefore a moral victory to us.

Special mention to JB John Bateson, who had a fine game but damaged his shoulder and had to retire. Also to Zig Zag who took the field with a groin strain (skiing with young girls will do that to you), he then managed to injure his groin further as well as getting a dead leg and a head knock. Get well soon ZZ.

Scorers:

Ren Pesci
CJ
Daray Horn

Try

1
2

Penalty

Conversion

1

Starting line-up

1 Sam Vail, 2 Nick Nicholson, 3 Rik Relph

4 Matt Price, 5 Ian Lock

6 Ben Sutton, 7 Chris Milne, 8 Ren Pesci

9 Duncan Simmonds, 10 Daray Horn, 15 Willie Odendaal

A good player turnout for the Renegades, despite injury, resulted in a full 15 players taking the pitch.
The Sawston pack were light and inexperienced and were constantly boring and pulling down the front row. A quick position swap of the Renegades props, Sam and Rik, sorted out the problems the Renegades were having.
This change resulted in some penalty decisions against Sawston for not binding correctly and the Renegades pack getting some good shoves. Unfortunately, the Renegades tackling game had been left behind in the tropical changing rooms.
Sawston were able to pass the ball around and score a couple of quick tries. Jay Hall seemed to be the only threatening tackler, making some good hits, one of which resulted in knock to the nose.
The Renegades lineout could have been better. Too many lost balls on our own throw. Duncan Simmonds, playing at scrum-half for the Renegades, finished a good maul/ruck move by scoring a try. Sawston may have scored again, I wasn't keeping count.

The second half was more of the same. The only positives for the Renegades being the scrummaging. Duncan scored a second try, but it was too little, too late as the Renegades slipped to a 33-10 defeat. Sam managed to get kicked in the mouth, Will damaged his ribs, Ren his elbow and Daray his neck.

For some reason, the Renegades didn't turn up to play. Let's let Chris 'Braveheart' Milne explain:

Men, today was an anti-climax, we didn't get going at all and everybody was a bit disappointed. We have 3 games left of our season, so lets get our partners dressed up in their nurses uniforms and put our bodies on the line to end the season on a high.
These three games were the toughest games we played in 2006 end everybody needs to put their hands up. Everybody has put in at least one big tackle this season, so we know we can do this, lets do it in all of these games. Remember, we have no right to compete with these teams, they train twice a week, do weights and have a player base of 40-50 players to choose from. But we DO compete!! That says it all about this club - we have only been beaten twice at home this season, once to Ely firsts where we led for most of the game and one to Kibworth where we made silly mistakes. Lets keep it this way.
This is the most enjoyable season of rugby I have played!
Chris 'Braveheart' Milne

Special mention to Ben Sutton who played for the first time as a flanker and had a great game. Both lifting in the line-out and foraging for loose ball.

Scorers:

Duncan Simmonds

Try

2

Penalty

Conversion

If there's one thing that can be guaranteed, it's the fact that something interesting will happen at Kibby.

The Christmas port-drinking session a few years back. Thank God that was after the game not before. Split ear two seasons ago. Then last year Ritz chose to read the map upside down so navigated to the Cotswolds or somewhere, taking a car load of players with him. We manfully played on with a team made up of Kibby juniors only to loose Ren after about 23 seconds with a dead leg. Result? Well there was one, but we didn't concern the scorer too much.

Then there was this game. Another opposition back row who came within a nanosecond of getting a handbag (he had been yellow carded 5 times already this season), two sendings-off (apparently; see below) and a cracked head.

Kibworth (apologies, but I can't bring myself to call them by their newfangled name) play one way and one way only. In your face, down the middle, through the pack with only rare use of the backs. You just know that's how it's going to be. And so it was.

The first half went almost exactly to script, with Kibworth in control and threatening to swamp Renegades, especially after their first try on about 15 minutes. The fact that they didn't is 100% down to the front 8 and scummy Duncan who showed total committment to the cause and were instrumental in pulling Renegades back into the game. They shalt not pass!
I should also add Ren who seemed to be drawn to nearly every ruck and maul as if by magic! The appearance of HRH Barnaby (at no 8) along with the Renegades regulars certainly gave the side the hwyl (that's Welsh for passion sort of thing) not to roll over. In fact it was the Staggerers duo who were instrumental in evening-up the score with Duncan (I think) crossing right by the corner. er.... well, when I say right in the corner I mean sort of right near one corner and fairly near the other one as well. Sort of midway really. I mean nearly between the post.
Still the kick was really difficult. Terrible breeze. So 5-5 it stayed then.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first - Kibworth always looked as if they might break through but didn't thanks to solid defensive work.
At this point I took a knock and can't remember anything more. You'll have to imagine the remaining 20 minutes or so.............
Apparently they scored two more tries giving a 15-5 final score to Kibbworth. Jonty and their no. 4 (not no. 6) we sent off for fighting.

John B

On a personal note, thanks to you all for looking after me. I haven't a sodding clue what when on. Like I can't remember coming back to the clubhouse, showering .... Weird. Normality - if there is such a thing - returned in the changing rooms when I was just about dressed. mmmm

Scorers:

Duncan Simmonds

Try

1

Penalty

Conversion

Let’s not fanny around – we won this one easily. Were it not for the odd handling error (more on these to come) this could and should have been a larger winning margin, and had the video ref have been on his mettle a legitimate try would have been awarded mid way through the first half (more on that later too!). However this comfortable scoreline is testament to some superb team play in defence, and the occasional flash of brilliance in attack.

Renegades had been bracing themselves for more from the menu served up at the away leg when a certain oppo no.6 had opted for streetfighting rather than rugby. As it turned out a group of tyros arrived minus the usual suspects and looked like they may give our backs the run-around.

1st Half:

With the wind in our favour Renegades set about the job with relish right from the kick off and from the early exchanges came out on top when with less than 10 minutes on the clock Jay off-loaded to Chris the Glove who struck from 5 yards out. 5-0 Renegades.

It was shortly after this that Renegades having worked a position inside Haverhill’s 22 the forwards worked a steady platform from which Ren (playing at No.9) spun the pass out for me and cutting in to receive and (actually) catch the ball and with the line beckoning spotted the ball ON the line – cruelly the decision was not given and so my search for tries continues!

Anyway Renegades continued to take advantage of the conditions and following a short spell of Haverhill pressure their No.10 spilled the ball forwards in the tackle and Darey took full advantage as the ball went through the hands to JB who with 30 yards to go cut in from the wing and completely stood-up the Haverhill full-back to score directly under the posts. We’ll say nothing of the conversion attempt and leave things at 10-0.

From the restart Renegades realised that to have 2 Carl’s can cause confusion especially when they are stood next to each other and both call “Carl”. Anyway Haverhillre-grouped and started to apply some pressure and as Renegades attempted to play the ball out of their 22 and on into opposition territory the handling errors started to creep up. Haverhill regained the ball and moved into Renegades 22 and with a gaping blindside managed to muscle the ball over the line despite some despairing last ditch tackles. 10-5.

This stung Renegades to life and with half-time approaching again found us in opposition territory. Again handling errors frustrated (although one knock-on was clearly a grubber played cunningly off the knee!) until a moment of “magic” (qu.Ren!) as Ren evaded the attentions of their no.9 to make the perfectly weighted chip on into Haverhill’s 22, with the try line beckoning and a kind bounce it was simply for Mr Milne to take and score again. However with all the stiffness of a man for whom the end of the season can’t come soon enough to rest some weary aches and pains Chris was unable to gather and knocked-on.

Some time soon after this, Renegades again deep in opposition country were able to get the ball out to Flora to skilfully take advantage of an overlap and score. This was converted by Darey so Renegades went in at the interval 17-5 to the good.

2nd Half:

Haverhill spent half-time talking of the Renegades as old men who would run out of steam, when this was relayed to the home side we thought the motivation was there. However we took our eye off the ball, figuratively as well as actually. I couldn’t catch a cold in the second half and the virus seemed to be spreading with the backs dropping the ball if not at first attempt then at the second. Alfie’s filming of the game was proving somewhat of a distraction particularly to Ren who at one stage with the ball still in play was heard calling to Alfie to see if he had managed to capture a particular piece of skill.

Life in the backline was becoming more like a tea party as jokes and jibes were shared amongst ourselves and at times with the opposition backline. Conversations in the scrum were becoming increasingly jovial. All the while Haverhill had pretty much camped in Renegades half. Midway through the half they were to take a quick penalty and bundled the ball over, with the kicker taking his time it was to prove time well spent as he slotted over and all of sudden Renegades were in a tense 5 pointer – 17-12.

This was enough to trigger a rear guard action for much of the rest of the half with some immense work by the forwards, who would not be distracted by increasingly desperate appeals to the referee for foul-play.

The restart can’t go unmentioned for one failed piece of clairvoyancy on the part of The Glove. With a high hanging kick put up Chris decided it was open season and without so much as ball in sight flattened an unsuspecting flanker. If you are bringing spectators to next weeks game warn them to stand well back from the touchline, otherwise Chris cannot be held responsible for any injuries caused!!

Things threatened to boil over a couple of times with Darey flying into one particular maul after Renegades had already been awarded the penalty.

More handling errors (FROM EVERYONE!) ensued until late on when Carl G collected the ball and from 22 yards out ziggedy-zaggedy-bo the ball was down for try number 4 and scoreline finished 22-12 to Renegades.

Comment: In previous matches when teams have come back at us in the 2nd Half we have wavered and lacked self-belief on occasion. Not so on Saturday, there was a collective belief that this was Renegades day from start to finish and if we show the same kind of attitude this weekend (and have 15 players, more would be better!) then Cantabs will be in a game!

Well-played to all who pitched up on Saturday – it was a very satisfying team display!