Match Report

ACT Vets v Canberra Wests Old Boys - Sunday 18 April 2010

On a magnificent autumn day more suitable for swimming than rugby (on second thoughts, probably not), the Vets gathered to take on Wests as part of a fund raising exercise for their junior team's annual visit to NZ.

The usual comments on how the water must be different in Belconnen as these blokes looked fantastic for 35 or older were heard, but as usual we regrouped our aging, sagging bodies to prepare for battle.

The Vets Kiwi connection (Jason, Richard and co) assisted in bolstering Wests numbers, and played with the usual vigour expected. Wests started the game at a hectic pace, probably assisted by the fact that a lot of our boys were backing up from a torrid game v  Navy only a week before. Luckily for us we had plenty of sideline backup and could rotate effectively.

Glen Croker was running the backs beautifully and Will, Chris and Samma were seeing plenty of ball. Pudge was playing his usual game, spoiling at will, backing up superbly in the middle, and encouraging the ref to look closely at Wests indiscretions. In fact, Jack was ably assisted by some 30 assistants throughout the game, usually all at the same time; luckily for us he maintained his sense of humour……

Wests were playing well, and seemed to have ample ball to send along their backline at their leisure. The Vets backline defended well (albeit occasionally high!), which saw the game evenly poised with little side giving much away. Craig Wilkes scored a great try in the corner after some excellent play by Vets, unfortunately he decided that he liked the feeling of scoring and thought he would have another go but the defence pounced, and resulted in a rib cartilage injury! It just goes to show that try scoring should be shared around and two tries in one day is seen as gluttony!

A good blow out for all involved was followed by some well earned cold fluids, some meaningless banter, and Croker drumming up candidates for the Pan Pacifics in November on the Gold Coast.

Hopefully we assisted Wests in their fundraising and look forward to possibly adding another regular game to the ever increasing Vets calendar! 30 games per year is certainly achievable (luckily we have xmas off!).

Ray McInnes

 

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