Underwater Bog Snorkling

Well that was fun ...... Not !

To say that a wet and soggy day greeted us at Oldershaw could probably go down as one of the great under statements of the year. Similar in context to Noah saying , " it's just a bit of rain, what's the worst that could happen !!!!"
The Mavericks turned up to Oldershaw kitted out in full waders, galoshes and full wet weather gear fully expecting that the game would be called off, but Oldershaw had done some sterling work with their pitch and the only sign of the tempest that was raging was some standing water on one side of the playing area.
As a result we turned out to what was fully expected to be a close, physical game. Any concept of fast free flowing rugby was quickly ruled out due to the conditions and once again The Mavericks received the kick off and play commenced .
Captain G spot was at the helm today due to Captain Tim benching himself in favour of the rapidly improving and superbly capable back row revelation of Willo, Benno and Les.
The match itself was no joy to behold, we certainly had Oldershaw worried when we ran at them with ball in hand, they counter attacked by keeping play tight. Oldershaw had a heavy pack who played well, but to be fair could've played better, we had them beat in the scrum, thanks to the sterling efforts of our ever capable front 5. A welcome return to the Mavericks ranks of Chris McGowan, Wendell, and Connor Clayton, with Matt Brookes ably assisting at fly half.
The Mavericks gained a penalty about half way through which Matt slotted over . 3-0 to the MIghty Mavs.
Onwards and upwards, ball spun wide to Andy Smith who takes the ball at pace and despite all the grief we issue about his kicking and passing game provided a perfectly weighted and timed grubbed kick through for Dan to run through and tounh down in the corner . 8-0 to the Mavericks and it looked like anadvantage was to be obtained.
At half time we turned round and due to the weather there didn't appear to be any real advantage gained .
The second half commenced in much the same way as the first with most of the work being done between the two twenty two yard lines. This time however Oldershaw were to prove dominant as their strong forward pack drove over from close range to make the score 5-8 .
This was always going to be a close game and at sixty minutes the substitutions did little to alter the flow and on the seventy minutes OLdershaws big full back crashed over in the corner to make the final score 10-8 to Oldershaw. A late flurry by the youthful element of the Mavericks team got us close bu alas, no cigar and to make matters worse Matt Brookes suffered a couple of nasty cuts that would prove to require stitches.
Thanks for Oldershaw for providing another close , well fought game played in excellent spirit and appalling weather .
Moment of the match .......... With blood streaming down matts face, two gashes in his head, CRaig (father of the year) allows mike Potter to act in loco parentis and take Matt to hospital whilst Super dad stayed behind for the post match pint.

We'll done guys, thanks for all your efforts .

Captain Tim