A good old fashioned friendly

After the tumultuous events of the previous week it was a pleasure to welcome our friends from over the border to Malone Field. Both Flint and Mold turned up with numbers to consolidate the Mavs twelve players and an exciting and welcoming afternoon of rugby was set. Flint have a resurgent and very promising new second team with some strong ball carriers particularly the free running second row and the illusive back three. But from 1-15 a good strong team who promise to provide stern opposition for any team who may face them. The Mavs took to the field with some welcome additions. Mold provided their excellent back row with the man monster affectionately known as BJ playing a destructive role from 8, Billy at open side and Rich playing alongside Stocky in the row. Lloyd and Andy provided options for the second half as our finishers from the bench. In addition to our oversees signings we had the familiar faces of Eddie, Huw and Pat in the front row two hookers and the anchor ensured that our scrum was rock solid from minute 1 to minute 80. Finally in the pack at 6 we saw Ben Evans playing his familiar blind side role, unfortunately as he is now relocating to the ‘Gay Capital’ o the U.K. we may not see him in a Mavs shirt for some time. Ben has told us he’ll be back frequently and when he is he’ll make himself available. So best of luck in the new job, you’ll be missed mate but we’ll see you soon.
Onto the backs, and the glorious return of the worst Mcgowan I’ve ever seen, however he is the best Hancock I’ve ever seen (the film was pants). Jack Hancock made a welcome return to The Mavs,and long may it continue, at 15. Scoring one and tackling everything that came near him, his running and support play were excellent, it really does show that after several years away from the game it’s just like riding a bike, you never lose it. Chris Wells had his usual imperious game at 10 and demonstrated particular skill with the supreme off load to the aforementioned Jack to set up the try. Andy and Chris in the centres ensured that the Ball was constantly moving and with aggressive running created opportunities and ensured the Flint defensive line remained constantly on edge. As a final note the surprise package of the afternoon had to go to Ed Byrne at 9 who epitomised the principle of “Yes you can teach an old dog new tricks” as he bossed the nine position during the first half as though he’d been playing it all his life. Good hands and great tackling ensures that very few options were available for Flint from the base of the scrum. As I’ve mentioned alll players it would be remiss if me to fail to highlight the influence of the ever improving Kev at 11 who shows that with the right mental approach, and the skills to boot then securing a regular starting position is achievable. Kev in his first season back in senior rugby after many years away has been the epitome of what you need to do to develop as a player. Train hard and regularly, play as often as you can, take the good with the bad and listen to advice, well done Kev and we look forward to many more games with you alongside us. Thanks also to Dan Bristow who is becoming a reliable and great addition Tom our back line when he returns from University. Another great shift put in mate, much appreciated.
Now as you can see I’ve intentionally concentrated on individual players in this report. This is to show the importance of individual performance and how individual performances result in great team performances. Yesterday’s score line of 24-12 in favour of The Mavs was a fair reflection of the game. With Flint deservedly crossing twice only to be outdone by the combined efforts of Mold and Mavs with two tries per team.
Special mentions this week obviously great to see Jack Hancock back in the Blue and Gold but I would like to highlight the Anselmian wrecking ball / enforcer that is Stocky who probably had the game of his season yesterday scoring two tries (both wrongly adjudged as held up) and cleaning out ruck after ruck to allow for clean possession for the rest of the team on the front foot, any other week Stocky and you’d have had my man of the match for a great ‘traditional’ forward game. However this weeks man of the match actually fittingly goes to a Mold player, stand up BJ, scorer of two tries and who only needed the Ball in hand and a few feet of space to create carnage. If I were playing 7,9,10 or 12 for Flint yesterday I think I’d be praying to whichever god or deity that looked after me that BJ hadn’t picked me to run at. A great game by an impressive player. Kinda glad I’ve retired now!
So once again thanks to Flint and Mold for providing such an excellent afternoon of rugby a good few beers in the bar afterwards and a timely reminder of how rugby is meant to be played and the spirit in which the game is held.

Semel a Mavericus, Semper a Mavericus

The Gaffer