Round 4 - Scorpions vs Saints

*Courtesy of the DotD for receiving some verbal remonstration from a local Merseyside seagull on the side-lines who had an objection to clinical tackles, old fashioned big hits and the occasional suplex.

Nothing new for the Scorps, we were on the road again. This time to Liverpool to face off against the Merseyside Saints in the Round 4 clash.

It was a standard Saturday in England with rain pissing it down all the way across the A50 followed by the closure of the M6 for a casual 7 hours due to a horrific motorcycle crash that will surely have a lasting memory on one car load of Scorps (if more information is required refer to an old Aussie TV ad for BUPA health insurance involving a crocodile). With the info relayed back to the convoy of the closure, a quick detour up a junction and it was all green lights for the Scorps and arrival times of all members was probably above par mostly thanks to only having to get one Swift to the ground rather than the usual two.

It was an impressive turnout for Nottingham still managing to field a team of 13 with several key members MIA for the week highlighting the depth of the team following a successful offseason of recruiting. Big shout outs to the new lads Marcus Ward, Lee Chapman, Josh Brookes and Tinashe Mwashayireni stepping up to the challenge and showing their commitment to the group. The pressure is on for the old timers to regain their spots!

With a quick change and chat from Sensei De Joux it was out of the sardine tin Mersey call changing rooms and into the rain for a warm-up. Game plan discussed, starting line-up decided and Neil knowing the exact location of the nearest water bottle to his person it was time for first bounce.

The game was underway and in the slippery conditions little happened with the ball spending plenty of time on the ground in contest. However, after some good defensive pressure the ball was moved into the forward line and the Scorps first shot on goal for the day stayed true to open their account with a major. It was about this time that Tipenwouldi’s day ended after a 45 second stint on the ground, his wrist proving to sore from what most are assuming is a repetitive stress overuse injury, perhaps he should spend some more time in the gym lifting tin to toughen up rather than his regular “behind closed doors routine”. Tombstone also recorded an injury to his thigh during his (quote) “first step of the match” which kept him quiet but soldiering on at full forward for the day. With Nottingham depleted but still hungry the first quarter rounded out with the Scorps on a narrow lead 2-5-17 to 1-3-9.

With the second quarter underway the Scorpions took charge of the game with cleaner ball use and better pressure around the ground. Mersey had a strong outfit further bolstered by the help of a couple of the Wolves more experienced players lending a hand. However, they proved no match in the second quarter and the Scorpions pulled away. Debuts Josh and Tan found their feet and were beginning to get a grasp for the game. The new and old Scorps had gelled as a team. With accurate kicking from the forwards, excellent ball movement and carry from Ian, Rob and Batchy in the midfield and a solid effort from De Joux, Jamie and Carl in the backline holding the saints scoreless the Scorps went into the main break 8-6-54 to 1-3-9.

Third quarter saw the weather clear up and the ground dry out making for better football conditions. After suffering a scoreless second quarter the Saints came out firing and put some big hits on our blokes, some of which were questionable in the eyes of the game. In the absence of Scorpions hardman Rich Lucas, I had taken it upon myself to sort proceedings out with a quick suplex that the Rock himself would be proud of earning myself the DotD in the process. All that was needed was a loan of Sam’s one-piece wrestling suit for the perfect act. With everything resolved it was back to the footy, solid rucking from Batchy, good ball use and poise in the middle from Ian Miller and Rob Goliah providing plenty of run around the ground the Scorpions furthered their lead 12-8-80 to 3-5-23.

After a quick rest it was back to work to round out the game. The fourth quarter was time for the new guys to stand up with our two new rugby lads leading from the front. Tan guided home two straight majors on debut casting further questions toward Plugga, Lee and Sam as to when they will pop their cherries? The effort is there just lacking on the execution… much like Aaron Dixon on the pull in Filthys. Hopefully you lads have more success than the great man! With Batchy and Carl dominating proceedings in the ruck all day over the saints it was time for Josh to start to get the knack of it moving the ball well in the air. With some more games under his belt he will surely be a force. Scores finished 14-13-97 Nottingham to 4-4-28 Merseyside.

All in all it was a good win for the Scorps on the road but more importantly the new guys stepped up, had plenty of game time and are really starting to hone in on their skills.

Josh Richards took the daily double for Best on ground and DotD, with special mentions to Rob G, Neil, Chill and Tan on Debut.
Goal Scorers for the day were; Josh R 6-2, Tan 2-0, Rob 2-4, Neil 1-2, Chill 1-1, Batchy 1-1, Tombstone 1-2.