A good pre-match build up is important for an explosive start for any team. Welwyn's was successful because only a few minutes into the game Skipper (Dave Orton) ran in his 1st of 4 tries of the afternoon. As I lined up my kick I thought to myself this could be a long day for the Bank. Then I missed the kick (useless)!
As the wind swept from left to right causing my hair to side part, I couldn't help but think about the songs I was going to sing at tonights karoake.
The Bank kicked off again and it was time to switch on. Our game plan was simple and once again our mighty pack were running the show, cutting lines and picking up from the base of the rucks always going forward.
As the Welwyn's pack pick and drive ran up the field drawing in the opposite defence, our inspirational Captain once again side stepped his way through to go under the posts for his second try. I added the extra 2 points to give us a 12-0 lead.
Still in Banks half we received a penalty and the new world cups ( boots) didn't let me down as we went 15 points up.
Banks started to put on the pressure and for a good 10-15 minutes we were sat in our own half. After one too many penalties Banks broke the line and their full back went over for their one and only try. We came back srong with Kitten plucking balls in the air from the lineouts and Banksey using his river- dance feet in the middle of the scrum to win us the ball. We found ourselves in the Banks 22 with a line out. With our big boys there and Mark Harris's TA experience I knew we were in safe hands. The incredible bulk made the call as we all prepared. "Champagne, Champagne" we all whispered. Jono swaped positions with me because I'm obviously not big and strong enough to break through the defence, but Jono was, as he received the pin point pass from Cullen to then stream roll through for his 1st try of the day.
At some point in the 1st half I think Skipinda scored his third try but thats not really important, is it Jono?!! he he...
I swear before the start of the 2nd half some one put invisible glue on the ball but it could only work on certain players!
Anyway the 2nd half kick off was good, high and near the 22, then out of nowhere a little kitten collected the ball and put his head down sprinting towards the tryline with only the full back to beat, he PASSES to a supporting Owen Hopley who was everywhere all day long scoring his 1st try of 2.
Out fitness was evident as not only the mighty forwards were charging up the field but some impressive running off the ball and passing was on display by the backs. Dougie Jones was denied after some fast play and I was clear for a try on a number of occasions.
Deep in Banks 22 I received a scrapy ball almost forcing me to fall, I look up and see the space out wide. The calls came loud and fast from Banksey who was on my outside and felt he deserved the try, but it was me who stepped the defence and went under the sticks for my first try of the season.
The score was a lot to 7 and the merry Welwyn Rangers wanted more.
After a beautifully executed Oxford move Jono punched through the defence and out paced the full back and scored his 2nd try of the day.
We then killed the game off with two tries, one from Owen Hopley the last from James Turnball.
The game was over and it was a formidable win for Welwyn, but we all knew it could have been more.
Lukey AKA pukey