Starting line-up

1 Rik Relph 2 Graham Beckford 3 Richard Cowley

4 Matt Price 5 Ken Pearce (Rocka)

6 Chris Milne 7 Ren Pesci 8 Carl Goodey

9 Ritz Steytler 10 Daray Horn 15 John Bateson

11 Alfie A 12 Will Clear 13 Chris Beddow 14 Ben Sutton

16 Antony Brown 17 Shawnton Defour 18 Alexis Moreau19 Jack Cowley 20 Harry Cowley 21 Matt Turner 22 Lewis Walker

23 Sam Vail 24 BillBob Murphy 25 Martin Doughty 24 Garry Craggs

Manager: Nick ‘Tweety Pie’ Nicholson

Match report by John Bateson

Earplugs anyone?.

Must be an age thing and I'm becoming more sensitive to Noise on the Pitch. We have a trade account with Greenham Trading, so anybody wanting ear protection see me. Renegades intent was there from the off, and I don't mean shouting louder than the opposition - and all the more impressive against a team, historically that we have struggled against. And before any Staggering readers (Martin Doughty) complain, yes, I know you were under strength and had some youngsters and some of ours (Eddie, Sam and first time out Garry Craggs) playing for you.

The vocal atmosphere seemed to have an adverse effect on Mr Ref as well who penalised Renegades 6 times in the first 10 minutes or so for diving over, mouthing and generally being a pain in the arse. And the interpretation of all this? A balance between field position lost on one hand and the feeling that a side with some hwyl (Welsh for passion) is better than one without on the other.

A lineout move saw Ritz (I think) nearly go over. After that, the game settled down with the Renegades back row trio (Milne, Goodey and Pesci) keeping to the job in hand of snuffing out anything resembling an attack from Stags (especially from the ocassional Renegade and dangerous Paul Lawrence). The breakthough came midway through the first half with the ball moving left then right for Alfie A to cross in the corner.

Renegades took a while to further capitalise on possession until John B collected from a Ritz break to score under the posts.

Stags cut Renegades lead with a penalty. 12-3.

Shortly before the break Renegades put a nice gloss to the scoreboard with Ritz going over from short range.

The increasing strength in depth of the side, especially in the backs was clear as Renegades rung in several changes at or just after halftime. Out when John B, Darey & Chris B (and some others who I apologise for not remembering) to be replaced by Jack C at scrum half, brother Harry up front, along with Shawnton, Matt, Antony and Alexis in the backs. Christ? Who let these backs off their leads? Shawnton only had a couple of runs, but caused havoc, Matt jinxed as only he can, Ant was straight and unstoppable and Alex added his interptretation of a 'flying winger' with his first (of two) tries as he went airborne to score. And both of these on his debut.

In between Staggerers reminded all concerned that they were still not to be written off with a deserved try to reduce the defecit to 17-8. Too little and too late.

Finally, some thoughts from (full) back and the side line.

1. Just been through the e-mailing list and notice the quality of pllayers who weren't out (Mark H, Owain, Colin, Jason ...) Competition for places? Bring it on.

2. Awards to all who kept Paul L quiet

3. Awards to the gentlemen up front just for doing it, and especially to:

4. Will Cleare, my MOTM. Will - without being sycophantic shit, I thought you played a great game.

5. Earplugs ca £1 a pair.

John B

plus the Sunday morning reflections:

"Several years ago a group of old farts got together, wanting to play rugby either again or away from their current settings. They were joined by one or two younger scallywags and the Renegades were born. Over the next few years many came and went, but some who seemed to understand the Renegade way stayed. To play Staggerers yesterday was a milestone; some of us have played for them, some against, and the desire to prove we had done the right thing those years ago was strong. I personally had my arm broken by some hairy-arsed Stag when playing for Vanguards thirteen years ago, I was self-employed and didn?t play rugby again or at least until I had a job that would pay me if injured but more importantly until I found a club that went to work on a Monday morning. "

"Yesterdays result was a great result! It was the new old kids on the block showing there was another way. Everybody who was there contributed; even Bill-Bob-Eddy playing for the opposition, and he had a bloody good game. There was no lack of commitment, people who are still learning the game showed progression. When we clicked it was phenomenal; we also seem to click more often. The wingers yesterday got more ball than I?ve seen in many games at club level; that shows possession, retention, passing and movement. So well done forwards and backs. "

"Five years ago we?d have been pleased to get a side out. Three years ago we?d have convinced ourselves a loss was a moral victory. Today we should be over the moon about what we achieved. Yes we?ve raised the bar, but if we stand still we?ll stagnate. You?ve only got to look at local clubs who are rapidly declining to see that. Thanks to everybody for making the commitment and making an old man very happy. "

"Its Mildenhall next week, all games are important, but for me it doesn?t have the same significance as I?ve played them recently and there?s no history. I?ll be there, kit on, but happy to stand on the sideline and give the new whippersnappers a chance and perhaps some bad advice. "

"Cheers boys it was a privilege. " Chris B

"Well said,we have now a great following and a good pool of players,I endever to play everyone who turns up,with some 27 names on paper,it has to be harsh decisions made.I am pleased that some players come up to me and offer to miss a game or offer to play a half,that helps me no end,for those who wonder why am I getting only part of a game,bear with it,you're part of a great set up,with great mates. "

"Over the next coming 19 games or so,there will be injuries,babysiting duties,operations and even surfing,so that will leave some shortages,I did ask players, before the season started,to contemplate what positions they could adapt to,other than their prefered one,to help in case of emergencies,so please think hard. "

"Reflecting on sirs comments,well done to sam and martin aswell, for playing for the opposition,staggerers captain was well chuffed that you showed 'The Spirit' of a decent club to help them out.Having played against them numerous times,that comes as a great compliment. I'll confirm during the week,for Mildenhalls game, "

"Don'tshootmeI'monlythepianoplayergettinggrieffromthesidelinelove. " Nick

Try

Alfie 1
John B 1
Ritz 1
Alexis 2

Penalty

Conversion

Daray 1

Drop Goal

Nominations