Prenton come a callin’

The captain and Tom Hutch are writing this weeks instalment and tail of intrigue that was the game against Prenton( Wirral barbarians) in place of the Gaffer ( who wasn’t shopping he reliably informs us )
Not wishing to lower the intellectual tone that the Gaffer has set and to not appear like the Neanderthal luddites that we more than likely are ( well Tom at least) we thought we would begin with some poetry
The Storm
In the fury and the terror
The tempest broke
It tore up pine and
Shattered oak…..
But the Mavs just laughed
Like it was a joke
Play, play on.
There are very few sports that would merrily take to the pitch in a howling gail that chilled to the bone and raining coming in sideways but the Mavs happily donned their shorts to take on our next foe
From the get go the weather was against us but luckily both sides had shelter from weather in the form of the largest referee known to rugby
The Mavs set off in their usual style taking it to the opposition early doors with some intense defence and then counter attack. It was clear that this was not going to be the champagne rugby score of the last two matches but as required right on cue. Fluffy Clinton took a well placed pass and set off striding through opposition who try as they might could not stop this juggernaut with a ball.
Simple penalties were given away mainly by Tom H who seemed intent at every ruck of grabbing the Prenton 9 for a cuddle and to share body heat.
This lead to Prentons kicker firing over some well placed kicks to put them in the game.
The penalties weren’t all in Prentons favour however and Captain fantastic took a quick tap to feed Jay to go from inside the Prenton 22 and bounced several opposition players to the floor prior to at full stretch driving the ball 6 inches into the ground to score a key try.
Several Prenton injuries (and A LOT of standing around waiting!) then followed from some hefty counter rucking by the entire pack. Chris McGowan treating several of the men in yellow to a lesson in what a hand off looks like when followed up with his svelte physique.
Prenton's number 9 who had reliably informed Captain Fantastic that he has too good to play for Prenton 2s in a previous encounter did show his flair and scored a run away try.
By this point both teams were feeling the conditions and the half was called.
Now comes a mention for possibly the sexiest bench the Mavs have ever possessed. Campbell Callum and Jenner warm and dry in their bodies suits stripped off for the boys to raise spirits. Nothing more could be raised this point due to the impact of the freezing conditions. Mike Potter kept his suit on as no one could cope with seeing him perform a touch line strip tease
And so began the second half.
The second half began much like the first. Howling gale and torrential rain making the ball (well replacement ball number 3 after several errant kicks from Prenton lost our new match balls) like a bar of soap. Even the legendaryJack Handcock sorry Hancock was unable to take the ball under its usual spell and allowed the pack some more scrum practice for good measure. At this point it must be noted that the scrum, a dark art to many was in over drive with Prenton being forced backwards at every meeting.
Mr Handcock did redeem himself however by attempting to rearrange the vertebrae of the Prenton defensive line with some quality tackling.
Prenton then go on the front foot and scored the less said bout that the better. But this riled the Mavericks and step forward Senor Nick Moore. The work of a second row is often made up of a range of guttural grunts and short heavy impacts to get the ball back to the speedsters via the delicate hands of Captain Smith.
However Nick demonstrated that the second row are also illusionists. Deftly removing the ball from the attacking Prenton players hands without the rest of his noticing. Going on the blind and romping home for the final try for the Mavs.
As the team looked up the pitch in admiration at this stealth and cunning. We were shocked to see that the elite and indomitable 1st 15 found the conditions a little chilly for thier brand of rugby. And as they were 50 odd nil up the club house looked more appealing so left the rugby to the harden and wizened 3rd team.
We played on.
The final whistle went 12 minutes and several gallons of rain later. Another win chalked up against a mixed team from around the Wirral .
To mention everyone who put in a shift would be crass but the team spirit shared on the pitch was demonstrable. And summed up why we go on in conditions like this to put ourselves through something some will never understand.
Nick Moore had an excellent game and his impact at the breakdown left Prenton reeling
Tom Helmsely stepped up jump without complaint and flew through the air to give prenton a lot of trouble at the line.
The front row should take a collective bow as their foundation in both the first and second half was solid as the proverbial rock.
Equally the defensive from the back row was impenetrable
From the backs. I had better mention Captain fantastic who supplied ball to anyone who wanted and in some cases didn’t.
Van , Matt ( and his boot) and Campbell. Added a touch of class running hard lines and nearly got Fenners in for a try better luck next time Liam.
But the man of the match for this week returns us to the front row in Jay
His performance this week in attack and defence was sublime. A master class from a utility prop who showed Prenton why we are top of the league and should be dealt with, with respect and reverence. Well done Jay. A great score and some crunching ‘D’
Anyhow that was this week and it is done. 10 years the Gaffer and Nev has been working at this and I would personally and on behalf of the rest of us rugby ‘ elite’ like to offer up our collective thanks to them.
The Mavs to many of us is not just a team or run out on a Saturday. But something that keeps us on the straight and narrow. A group of mates who never fail to rip into one another but equally are only a phone call, WhatsApp or text away should you need it. No matter the time , day or reason.
So thank you Gaffer and the band of blokes past and present who have seen the decade pass and still kept the Mavericks flame lit!
Semel a Mavericus , Semper a Mavericus
Skipper and sidekick