In a rugby club on the Wirral there lived a hobbit. He and his trusted, yet dim witted sidekick Samwise Bramgee, were going on an adventure.

Firstly, special mention to those Ducks who were called up to take part in a fine 1st team victory. Showing the depth and character of the club, we had a host of Mavericks raise their hands to fill the gaps left. And that they did. And then some.

With a whole host of unavailability, including the immortal Mother Duck Neil Redfern, it was shaping up to be a gruelling day in the cold. A professional warmup led by Gilbo, some words of wisdom from Captain Matt Austin and we were away.

The first 25 minutes were trench warfare played mostly in Kendal's half and their intent was clear. They had some strong runners and a few key line breaks pushed us back. Despite coming close on a number of occasions, Annies came away with 3 points kicked by Ian Williams.

We go again. The pack looked strong in the set piece turning over scrums and the line out working expertly. However, a key line break left their No. 8 one on one with Sam Cotty at 15, 5 metres out. An absolute cannon of a shot from Sam Cotty cut the 8 down and was the first of many. Despite that, a sinbin and a penalty shortly after led to Kendal rolling over for the first try of the game. 7-3.

A huge rallying cry at the posts from Matt and the lads kicked off again. Instantly turning the ball over and breaking the line, key runs from Boundy, Martin Harvey, Joe Spencer and Martyn Brown breaking lines and making ground before Matt Austin crashed straight over. Instant response. 8-7.

The rest of the half was pure effort from the Annies side in stopping a strong Kendal running game who, at times, came close on the break only to be stopped by a tremendous tackling game from the centres and the back 3. One of the breaks crashed through just before the end of the half and Kendal went over. 8-14.

The overwhelming feeling at half time was positive, the effort was there and so was the heart and determination. However, with a lot of the players not having played with each other before the communication and organisation was lacking particularly in defence. Another Matt Austin rallying cry, who throughout the game inspired with some well timed insight or just leading by example and putting his body on the line.

The second half started with promise as the Ducks came out firing. Huge running game from the forwards and some exquisite backs moves gained ground and a dancing break from the halfway put us within touching distance from the line. Here come the Mavs. Ricky Evans dived over the line in the corner and finished off a brilliant backline performance courtesy of Tom Campbell, Sam Cotty and Joe Spencer. 13-14.

Just minutes later, another line break from halfway leaves us two on one with the Kendal 15. Chris Ford with his first touch of the game runs it in under the posts. 18-14.

The Ducks have a bit between their teeth now and the running game was overwhelming. Defence had improved tenfold since the first half. More strong running lines from everyone, the pack solid at the breakdown, and some well timed turnovers from Martin Harvey. The hard work paid off. And it what was probably the story of the day, every dad's dream, a pair of dad and lad tries as Gabe Ford finishes off a great backline break in the corner. 23-14.

More forward pressure turned into backline breaks, an explosive bosh from birthday boy Martyn Brown and Joe Spencer ran over for the last of the game and finishing off a dominating game from the prodigal son returning to Malone Field at 12. 30-14.

Finally, Kendal broke through determined to get something on the board before the end. Stopped by some impressive tackling once again 5 metres short. In what was my favourite moment of the game, their prop looking up at the guard in the form of Martin Harvey. He lined Martin up, smiled and ran it straight. Martin absolutely pole-axed him and turned it over.

A great Ducks performance both individually and as a team. Standout performances are tough because you would be mentioning everyone. A tough man of the match selection but Sam Cotty had a sterling performance in both attack and defence. Special thanks to the Mavs who stepped up and beat Kendal 2s 15-14.

Kicking off the Christmas season with a gift for the crowd and making their treasured Mother Duck proud. With tries from Ricky, Fordy and Gabe, it's said Tim Woodward's heart grew three sizes that day. Having your mates' backs is worth more than luck. Up the mighty Annies. Up the mighty Ducks.