Wallasey Match Report

As Lou Reed once sung so eloquently “Oh such a perfect day, I’m glad I spent it with you”
I think he was with me in spirit on this gloriously sunny day at Cross Lane where our great hosts Wallasey provided the opposition to round off what has been, without doubt, the most memorable league campaign of the Mavericks short but entertaining history.
Now, those who know me will realise that I am a man of few words and even fewer actions (if I can get away with it) however this isn’t the case today. You’ll just have to bear with me and prepare yourself for the writings to compare with Homer or Tolstoy. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not comparing myself to the writers but merely drawing comparison with the story. The Iliad recounts the significant final weeks of the Trojans and the siege of the city of Troy or should I say the siege of the top of the league by the Anselmian Mavericks and good old Leo who recounts the two voices of danger. The one which tells us to be cautious and the one that tells us to bugger the consequences and have a damn good time (succinct account of one of the great novels)
Now, as my mind was racing with all the uncertainties of the last few weeks which includes both league and cup challenges I asked myself the same questions. Do we baton down the hatches to try and defend ourselves from the dangers posed by Oldershaw and Hoylake? Or do we forget the dangers of others and focus on having the times of our lives (quoting Adele there for a moment) I can see what the ones were getting at now!!! It was obvious and the collective decision was made, we do what we do so well and have done all season. We go on the offensive, we play attacking, fast, free flowing rugby. We take chances, we gamble on outcomes, we bring in new and exciting players and we tear up the form book. Essentially, we put half a ton of TNT up the proverbial arses of all the teams in our league. Make them worry and consider the dangers. This is not about thinking about opposition threats its thinking about our threats and the dangers we will bring.
The Maverick squad have been exactly that. Our new squad members Rick Evans, Chris Ford, Brad Lang and John Sim together with our young new starters of Harry Hopwood, Alan McLeod, Jack Archer and the absolute legend that is Cal Peers have all had a significant role in pushing this team to new heights and new achievements.
This week’s fixture against Wallasey was competed for between two previously evenly matched teams. This week was a slightly different affair and that is in no means a comment on the Wallasey squad who played the full 80 minutes despite being offered an alternative by the referee. This was to celebrate the retirement of four of the Wallasey players. A real testament to the spirit in which the game was played.
The final score of 81-7 in favour of the Mavericks showed the dominant style of play, the incredible skill set of the squad and the ability to make correct decisions at the right time. A strong squad interchangeable and adaptable to anything that any opposition this season has thrown at us. At this stage of the proceedings you will have to excuse an old and slightly senile ex number 8 as most of the try scorers from this event have been lost in a haze of excited delirium, Alcohol and sheer weight of numbers.
My comments this week come because of the consistencies we see week in week out. Chris Ford and Jack Hancock both scoring for fun due to their centre of gravity being around their ankles and having speed to burn. Th ability of Ricky Evans to be in exactly the right place at the right time to score when required. Seam Ellis continuing to be a menace at the breakdown and around the base of the scrums. Great to Sam Bramhall and Eric getting in on the action this week with well taken tries and the Dan ‘Coach’ Jenner bagging himself one as super-sub.
Today was a classic case of that famous rugby quote, “Forwards win games, backs decide by how many”. The forwards dominated and smothered any resistance from Wallasey, when things got tasty with the high tackles the forwards kept their calm and put the hard yards down. Physicality in the scrum and ruck and resilience in a strong defence have been the foundations of the Mavs season thus far.
So many tries, so many scorers but most importantly a champions performance by champions.
This weeks man of the match goes to Gordon ‘Golden Boots’ Rogers for his impeccable performance at 10 launching the line and kicking near to perfection.
Anselmian Mavericks crowned champions before the season is over, a final flourish at Merseyside Police, then a cup final then the resurgent Mavs Tour 22. Life really doesn’t get much better for The Gaffer, the Skipper and the entire squad.
More words to come at the end of season review but, in the meantime, Semel a Mavericus Semper a Mavericus
Champione
The Gaffer