Internal Rugby 27th October 2012

27/10/2012

Penpushers v Workers

A slightly disappointing 10-a-side run out last Saturday for the Penpushers v Workers match, with a few late call offs and a few no-shows taking the numbers down. However, the conditions were better than expected and those who layered up were soon stripping off trying to cover whole pitch with restricted numbers.

As you would expect there was plenty of gaps to run into with neither side having a back row to cover around the scrums and lineouts, and with only limited backs tackling had to be spot on or players ran through. Once through despite some valiant cover and chasing back from several players, tries inevitably followed.

The Penpushers had an extra man to start with and soon built up a healthy lead as the workers - with several players playing out of position - struggled to gain any defensive alignment or communication. The Workers did keep the deficit respectable and at half time were only 6 tries to 2 down and holding on to the belief that once Ben Scott got there “things would change”.

Possession was the key though and the team who were able to hold on to the ball and go through a couple of phases, keep the ball moving and avoid unnecessary contact were always going to benefit in this abbreviated game.

The Penpushers were still a man down at the start of the second half, but after a couple of early tries Trevor Spence switched sides to try and level things up. Naturally as soon as the switch was made Ben Scott turned up and made it 11 vs 9. But the damage was done – the Workers had used their energy chasing the Penpushers around the paddock and had little left in their legs with which toattack. Rambo did show some steel towards the end as he barrelled over Mathew Lynch and head slapped Glen Mclellan aside as he rampaged his way to the line.

Final Score 14 tries to 8 for the Penpushers.

The match was played in the right spirit though and I think all who attended enjoyed the run out. There was also some very good banter: "No wonder the Penpushers have so much energy, they sit on their backsides all week drinking tea!" – Temple; "You would have thought that the Workers would have been a bit fitter since they work 'SO' hard!" – Mclellan; "No wonder Penpushers won, xxxxing ref's a Penpusher!" – Unknown. So no sour grapes, or sense of rubbing it in there then!!!

Workers squad: Trevor Johnston, Roy Temple, Heddle Drever, Derek Nicolson, Brian Inkster, Ben Scott, Al Watson, Edward Russell, Robert Wilson, Kyle Robb.

Penpushers: Neil McCartney, Mathew Lynch, Murray Inkster, Calum Rendall, Kevin Groundwater, Glen Mclellan, Gary Farquhar, Trevor Spence, Alan Pirie, Dale Watt.

This weekends’ match is the second leg of the Isles Challenge Shield, out in Westray. Mainland players are asked to meet at the Orkney Ferries slip at 7am, returning from Westray at 7.30pm. KO 12pm. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Erland Drever 07912747177, Alan Pirie 07810211625, or me on 07881 505765 and make yourself available.

Match Report: Knighter

More photos from the match can be found here.