Parkonians v Anselmian Mavericks

So as the The Gaffer was on an international scouting mission to find potential Mavs from across the pond and this drained him of energy. The preparations for today were left to Lord Jenner and Captain Fantastic who with support across the pond formed not only a team but a team that provide youth, strength, pace and the drive to continue our winning ways
Our opposition and fair play to them were up for the fight ably supported by 8 Birkenhead mercenaries who were only too ready to take a spanner to the Mav bus and bring it to a halt
So the game began. Our old friend the referee, who likes captain fantastic aka Steve, blew his whistle and we recieved the ball. Now last week the Gaffer compared the game to a fine meal of many courses and ingredients so continuing in this vein I will be sommelier for this game and bring a selection of fines wines to the table.
At the start of every event a champagne reception is required and that is what we got. Kick received to Sean and passed through skill hands to be plucked from the air by his finger tips for a beautifully score by Mr Fenney. Glass drained. We were on to our aperitifs these came thick and fast in amongst some monster hits from forwards and backs alike putting their bodies on the line and stopping the old parks ba bas on their rear ends.
Tries came thick and fast through simple but effective rugby. Just good old fashioned forward and back link up play and excellent support. Tries for Sean, Hutch and Ricky all rolled in with Gord having a good day with the boot
Harry Sharp one of the new recruits and excellent additions to our numbers then ran in for his first try. A pleasure to behold and by this point the Parks team were blowing heads were dropping at the intense pace and solid defence.
But the Mavs were far from done and the rest of the new recruits smelt blood and wanted to bring the wine course to the event.
Minutes later Jack archer ran in for a score after some excellent support play and hard running from Ricky who certainly made his presence know. Cal Peers now a senior compared to the new bloods put in some smashing hits and set the play.
Jack Archers smile lit up the pitch and is a reminder as why we all play the game for those of us who are longer in the tooth
Just before half time the Babas showed their danger and score under our post. An area for us to focus on a they caught the entire team napping and against better opposition this could have been a game changer. So half time came.
The white and red wine were poured and breathing nicely as the second half began and so the Mavs requested a glass of each. At this point our numbers had swelled from a couple of late arrivals which bolstered the mavs in terms of assault and support. Eric then came to the table. Over the past few games Eric has really got stuck in and missed his chance to score and in the first half had been unlucky not to cross the white wash. But taking the ball he set off and marched over the line triumphantly. Quaffing his achievement like a fine Chablis.
It wasn’t long before our old faithful came to the fore and jack Hancock ran one in.
At this point it would appear as if the game was all one way traffic but it has to be mentioned once again the like a fine red wine or of depth and maturity. The play of the 15 lads on the pitch was great. Forwards making some mean hits and taking every ruck consistently low and hard then some superb inter play to release the speed and deft footwork of our backs.
Any how back to the game. Harry Sharp ran in for another.
Matt Brooke’s who turned up fashionably late decided to serve the Port for what may have been considered the penultimate drink of our adventure. A great score. But then came big Eric. Taking the ball from yet another well taken restart the ball moving through hands ans being recycled then whoosh and off he went. A joy to watch and the tumbler of fine single malt to nearly end our game
We will ignore the final effort from Old Parks as this was deserved and came from simple mistakes from the mavs and hard running from them.
So on to the cigars and medals
A massive shout goes out to our young blood. Harry, Allan, Jack and Jake you did yourselves and the Mavs proud. Ferocious in attack, ever present in support and hard in defence. Amazing to have you with us and the future is bright with men like you taking to our ranks. Welcome to the brotherhood!
Ricky had superb game and changed the play of the game to the point we he uttered the immortal words “I’m knackered”.
All the forwards had a stormer with the Parks requesting uncontested
Scrums. This was down to the no let up approach. sean Ellis had a great day set up numerous tries and had one himself.
To the backs. Harry, Eric and Fenners showed soft hands and solid running. The usual stalwarts did what they do every week and I know that Parks will be hurting from straight determined running.
For MOM. This was a hard one as once again a squad warmed up together, stood together, fought together and celebrated together but this week for outstanding commitment and effort the man of the match honours go to Ricky Evans for another immense performance. Taking the role of line out specialist and controlling the game from the base of the set piece. His ability to both start and finish the moves causes no end of headaches for opposition defensive lines throughout the league. Well done Ricky on another great performance.
There are many many positives to take from todays performance. Firstly, we weren’t complacent. We gave Parkonians the respect they deserved and came to the fixture as well prepared as we ever have been this season. This could have easily been a banana skin for us to slip up on had we not been well prepared. Andy and Dan were there to ensure this was not an option. A strong squad, detailed run through and warm up and the game was played in a disciplined and controlled fashion. Secondly the introduction of the strong youth section to senior rugby is paying dividends with their continuing skill full and adventurous attacking flair. The more game time they get the better it will be for the whole club. As a final point the best thing about the game was the support. The fact that so many players came down to watch and support the Mavs is brilliant to see and shows how much we are developing the one club approach. Let’s see if we can return the favour in the weeks to come. Remember just cos there’s no rugby match doesn’t mean there’s no rugby. We should be there to support our mates and the ducks were there for us this week, thanks for coming down lads
Semel a Mavericus Semper a Mavericus