Starting line-up

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Manager: Nick ‘Tweety Pie’ Nicholson

Match report by John Bateson

The dream ....... went like this.

"We were involved in a tight competitive game against a team who really should have been miles ahead after hogging possession like Simon Cowell hogs X-Factor winners. They weren't. Our defence had been strong as we held on to a precious, but fragile lead. Would we have the will to hold out against the forces of darkness...? It was the last play. Scrum to them (uncontested) 10m out from our try line. They pick up and drive but are stopped short yet again. They recyle and for only the second time in the match, our defence is in disarray. They ping the ball out to their right where they have 3 onto our 1. Cold sweat. Fight against the clawing sheets.... must get over to cover .... lungs bursting, legs aching ... "

Loosing props Shannon and Richard on the morning of the game (with Messrs Vail, Relph et al also unavailable) meant uncontested scrums from the off. As a consequence, this gave the game a slightly surreal feel - and probably worked to our advantage. Despite a strong breeze and slope in 'Gades favour, the first 20 minutes were all Exiles. But capitalize on possession they did not. With Renegades finally warmed up, the scorer was finally woken from his stupor as Carl Z-Z went over from short range. Darey converted, then slotted another penalty to take 'Gades into a 10 point half time lead. Deserved? Ask the neutrals on the touchline and they'd say yes.

The second half was a one-side affair. Renegades might have reached their 22m once or twice, but never looked remotely like scoring.. For the rest though, this was a stunning display of defensive rugby. Our defensive shape was lost 2/3 the way through the half after continuous pressure. Unconverted try, so 5-10.

Then ...." lungs bursting, legs aching ... Their winger sees the pass coming. He's a big heavy fella, but virtually unstoppable from 5m. Maybe he's already in the bar talking about his try. Perhaps he has half an eye on the defence desparately trying to cover.... Either way, the poor sod spills the pass. Whistle goes, game over. We win 5-10 ....."

Wake up. Strange, can't wake up beacuse ... not asleep and it wasn't a dream. A happy win, but I'm still wondering why, how...?

It's probably unfair to single out anybody but once again the pack and half-backs were outstanding. And then there's Glove. I can't imagine what this guy's body feels like on a Sunday morning. An immense display.

Final thoughts go back to seeing C Z-Z and Matty P sitting stunned in the changing room afterwards. They looked puke-green with cold, effort and fatigue. But they both had little smirks on their faces. I think they were dreaming...... 5-10 to Renegades.

Sam has his mandatory mention, though sadly this is only once (not bad considering he wasn't playing)!

Hopefully will see you all on Thursday for the last of Richard's excellent training/circuits session (9 pm, Cottenham VC old gym).

Otherwise, have a fine Christmas and Happy New Year. See you all on the 17th Jan or after.

Nadolig llawen!

John

"Whatever JB is on should be made illegal!"

"He was however talking about the game I braved; Siberian gales to watch. It was a fantastic display, with everyone putting in monumental performances. Every Gade played out of there skin; thanks to Mark, Barnaby and Burkey, without whom we'd have been short; and welcome and fantastically well done to the New Gade on the Block, Chris who had a storming debut. Great game, great team, great result."

"Well done boys, now to put it up Wendons!" Flora

Try

Carl (ZigZag) Goodey 1

Penalty

Daray 1

Conversion

Daray 1

Drop Goal

Injury Chart