Anselmians Mavericks v Mold RFC

Anselmians Mavericks v Mold 3rd XV – Saturday 8th Sept 2012

As is typical in these days of climate change, the first game of the 2012/13 season for the re-branded ‘Anselmians Mavericks’, was a scorcher. Not only was the weather a heady 22 degrees in the shade, but the style of rugby on show was blistering. The pre-match heat rub gave way to the factor 20 for those who were folically challenged.
Following a pre-season ‘gathering’ & then after last weeks late cancellation by Northwich, which led to another ‘gathering’, the Mavericks were chomping at the bit to get into some real game time.
Mold RFC provided the opposition, a club & team that we have shared honours with over many years, so the outcome was far from certain.
With a mixture of Mavericks stalwarts, a smattering of young raw talent & the addition of a few blasts from the past, the team took to the pitch. Nick Weston, club legend, also made a guest appearance in the 2nd half.
From the outset, the game was played at a high tempo, with plenty of free-flowing rugby, and that was just the forwards! When the ball was sent out to the backs, it was a delight to see them exploiting space & running hard with the ball. It was clear that the effort put in during the ‘gatherings’ was paying dividends.
Tries from Andy Smith, Nev Pickard, Craig Brookes, Del Alderson, Phil McGunigall & Jamie Finch, as well as a brace for Dave Edge & Matt Brookes (including 5 conversion), meant the score line finished at 60-5 in favour of the Mavericks.
A special mention must go to the Mavericks players who were gratious enough to play for Mold, so that the fixture could take place: Mike Potter, Joe Thomas, Matt Moscrop, and also to Damian McDonald for refereeing the game.