Anselmians Mavericks 27 - Mold 19

A blank week in the fixture list ...... I don’t think so !
Thanks again to our friends from over the border for once again travelling to Vauxhall’s and our home ground at Rivacre Road for another of our friendlies.’
Mold brought another strong side and The Mavs fielded a team, although potentially not as strong as last time, was still more than capable of putting a big score on the opposition.
Due to the ongoing absence of The Gaffer, the combined management team of Pat, Nev and Andy took the reign and fielded a strong 14. The subsequent match report was a combined effort between what appeared to be the playing squad, management, spectators, Uncle Tom Cobley er al. Plus the insights of The gaffer who wasn’t even there.
Once again we aim to please.

Both teams started well and it was from attack to defence in the first 10 mins. Big runners from mold saw them score 2 powerful tries from their strong runners. It would of been more if we didn’t have Dion who tackled the biggest players on the pitch! Man of the match for a great performance.
A big forwards performance saw Pat (riot) charging towards the RED line to set up the ruck at which Mold were penalised. The penalty awarded and The ever alert Neil Brookes opened the scoring with a typical brooksie snipers try running in following a quick tap and go,
End to end again for the next 20 mins then a great run from Plum and Andy barker left us in a great position to see Andy Smith with a great line and smashing over the line under the posts. Next score was a penalty which Andy claimed posts. As much as he got boo’d for it it was a great decision as it left us 8 points ahead with 10 mins to go at half time.

2nd half same story as the first half. Neck and neck between the 2 sides. Some poor tackling led to another try by mold but this just made the Mavs step up even more. We then introduced Sleepy Sleeperson (Stocky) to stable the pack with changes in the backs. Some great pigs and rolling mauls saw the forwards set up another try for Andy Smith!
Christian McIvor showed what an improved player he has become in his position at wing with another score to show that when the Mavs turn up we can score at any position.
Excellent team performance from everyone this week against a very big and tough Mold team. Great Individual performances were evident across the park. Especially when defence was a key part of the game ( holding the opposition up when over the line, but a particular ‘Captains Mention’ goes to the returning Duncan Hendry who once again showed the ultimate benefit of experience when directing and moving the pack forward. Great to have you back on board and here’s to many more weeks to come.

Whenever we play Mold the score tends to be an irrelevance as the enjoyment gathered playing in the right atmosphere in a strong, fair and competitive way overshadows the outcome. But just cos the gaffer is a pedantic soul. The Mavs won 35-17 which shows what an effective performance The Mavs put in bearing in mind the strength of the opposition. Both teams contributed to an even game with the home team edging at the end.

Once again a huge thanks go the Andy Edwards and all the lads from Mold and I’m certain we’ll see you all again, hopefully at your place, in the very near future.

Semel a Mavericus, Semper a Mavericus

The Gaffer