It was a slightly different line up for the mighty 4’s this week, with the most notable absentee being Ian Jones, so apologies if the report doesn’t keep you amused or interested! New (and old) players joining the team this week included the welcome return of our very own speedy winger John Litchfield (yes I did say winger), the excellent fly half Bruno and to disappoint 'away day' Dave the average age was brought up to an acceptable level by Mick Murphy and Ian Henry.
The afternoon started well with the Boro team getting warmed up in a rather professional manner before Stonygate 4’s(??) had even arrived. Some balls were put into the air to see how far they could bounce off Mark Redpath's chest, drop kicks were attempted by everyone and then we had gentle jog around the pitch before forwards and backs separated off to do what they do. So far so good. Then the news slowly filters through to the pack that scrums would be uncontested and that the referee was a no show, not the best start. A nice fellow from the Stonygate camp with a leg injury stepped up to do the officiating and did a decent job so thanks to him for that.
Just before kick off it was mentioned around the pitch that their fullback liked to run with the ball and would try to get in on the action as much as possible. Warning noted the first 5 minutes were a little laboured with the forwards keeping possession and discipline. Then the first scrum was awarded against Boro giving the Stonygate backs a free run with the ball. As it turned out the inside centre liked to run with the ball too. He managed to break the Boro game line, offload and the 4’s found themselves a try down from very early on. Much the same happened 5 minutes later with the fullback joining in on the fun, Boro 2 tries down with 10 minutes played. Oh dear this isn’t looking promising. Fortunately we had Jez Malpas, Wayne Brewin and Tom Clark working tirelessly around the fringes and picking up all the loose scraps. jon hutchinson was hitting every ruck as though his life depended on it giving Darren Bradburn and Mark Redpath space to run with the ball.
From our own scrums Boro backs were given some excellent ball and Bruno and Ian Henry combined to make some excellent yardage but this wasn’t capitalised on as in recent weeks. With big tackles being made all over the park it took a vintage Redpath moment for Boro to get on the score sheet. Mark popped up in the middle of the backs, was given the ball with directions to where the steak and black sheep ale pie (other beers are available) was buried, and proceeded to take 3 Stonygate players over the line with him. Step up Dave kindergarten Rees to finish the day with another 100% dinking record. No more scores in the first half and not a lot else apart from plenty of rucking and tackling from the whole team.
The second half was a lot better from Boro winning the battle on the floor and generally looking the better side. With 20 mins left though the referee pulled up lame so captain Pete Connor took over the refereeing duties. Slight change in the team with the legend Mick Murphy taking a place in the second row and players being shuffled all over.
Unfortunately 5 minutes before the end the Stoneygate centre, fullback and scrum half combined again to break through on the blind side and score another try.
After the game the 4’s felt that if scrums were contested and Gambo was available the game would have been a different affair, however it wasn’t to be.
Next week is a return to league action with a huge game against Burbage. Hopefully the positives can be brought forward and the negatives left behind.

Dean Burniston