Veterans Rugby

Cobham All Stars 19 - Sandown & Shanklin Vets 5
25th Nov 2006

The Allstars took to the field on Saturday a little thin on the ground due to a morbid interest by a few wanting to watch England go down at Twickenham. Chris Melton did us proud by filling the gaps with a few 2nds and 3rds including himself to make the numbers up. A big thank you to all those who helped out.

The opposition Sandown and Shanklin were straight off the coach from the Isle of Wight and onto the pitch. They were a proper vets outfit making Cobham look like a bunch of Wippersnappers. They were straight on the offensive and only some brave defence by Cobham kept them out.

The match was a welcome return for the lad Stallion who had just recovered from the opening game of the season. However he was rested and ready for action and made some searing breaks cutting lose on the oppos defence and even chipping the full back, gathering on the full and with the line beckoning fell flat on his face. In spite all he managed to offload the ball through some hands in good support and into the grateful hands of young Jason Kerr who showed good strength to get over the line.

The second game in the return of Lee saw him mount some powerful runs. After 15 minutes he cut inside making a bee-line for their oldest player. The look of fear on his face was something to behold as Lee close in.  Lee hit the floor like a rhino felled by an elephant gun reminisant of days gone by when the Cobham sniper hiding in the woods used to seek out Dickie Henson and his dodgy hamstring.  The Sandown vet triumphantly claimed his prize whereas an action reply would suggest that he didn't get within 5 metres of Lee and his torn Achilles was to blame. Get well soon Lee.

Down to 14 another try was scored. It may have been Pat Stallion or  Seb Copus but the hung over Allstars Captain can't remember. A quick restart by Sandown saw Cobham clear their lines. Sandown took a quick lineout straight to the ever present Andy Le Petit who ran 40 metres to score in the corner. Sandown tried to convince the ref that the line was either not straight or taken from the wrong place until they realised it was actually their lineout.

Another injury in the 2nd half saw Cobham further reduced to 13 and but stout defence saw them concede only one try and hang on for a well earned victory. Hanging Judge Johnners stepped it at the last minute to deliberate with whistle instead of wig and gavel. He reffed in a similar vein as he has always played the game, ignorant of the laws and with a determination not to waste energy by running around keeping up with play. Despite this there was nothing wrong with his eyesight as his telescopic vision was able to disallow the authors only try of the season from 30 metres away. In all seriousness-Well done Johners much appreciated.

Well done Allstars another sound W. Man of the Match Jason 'Mines a yard of ale' Kerr.

Yatesy