It was a blustery day, overcast with sunny spells at Leicester Forest East on Saturday. A lot of banter had taken place in the weeks and days beforehand but this was it, show down time. A pre match “old boy” dinner was held in order to bolster the support. Our seconds had also played earlier and they together with a bus from Northampton made it a quite boisterous occasion on the touchline. Good banter though and a credit to all who watched.

The game kicked off with Newts playing into a stiff breeze giving Mens Own a first half advantage. They missed the opportunity to put us under pressure with some poor kicking from hand. It was very much a forwards game. Both sides missed an early penalty chance although the length of kick that Mens Own attempted was beyond ambitious I felt.

There was nothing between the teams really and the only thing that was noticeable was the constant whistling of a referee penalising Newts again and again. I am somewhat mystified if I am honest as to why no card was shown. If we were genuinely that guilty then a card was certainly merited. I also feel that the card given to the Mens Own player later in the game was harsh given no cards had been given to Newts. Maybe though that balanced out some of the strange events that we have seen this season in the league from various officials.

Mens Own then took the lead through a penalty kick before Dave Connell introduced himself to one of the second Rows. (Not the 70’s porn star lookalike, the other one) Anyway he must have made quite an impression as the player discussed it on the floor with his physio for several minutes before retiring to keep a bit of the bench warm.
Newts were then awarded a penalty right at the end of the first half but it was into the wind and went marginally wide.

Newts made a tactical change at half time removing their best player this season in my opinion. The plan worked though and following a series of forwards tussles the crab himself ran scored in the corner. It is the one and only time this year I have seen him run straight. The conversion was missed.

Mens Own to their credit did not give up and then scored two tries themselves to take them into a 13 points to 5 lead. Newts then made a further tactical change. They brought back McKenna and put Yeddie into the front row. They were slowly but surely gaining an upper hand. The penalty count reduced and following some great handling and pressure the crab once again popped up from his aquarium and made it over the line.
We were now at 13 10 with a few minutes left. Newts were most certainly on top and had play been allowed to flow rather than some spurious stoppages for “injuries” I am convinced another try would have been scored. Our scrum was going forward, the back row was outstanding with so many runs and tackles being made. JC had the backline moving and even Wooey passed the ball on one occasion!

With the last play of the game Newts were awarded a penalty in front of the posts but quite a way out. I will point out what was omitted from the Mens Own report and that is that there was some back chat and the referee moved the penalty kick ten metres on. That made a dodgy kick much easier.

I really would not have wanted to be Macca when he placed that ball. There was a deadly hush as he took the kick. As it sailed through there was an enormous roar from the home fans. The ref blew the final whistle and that was that. Macca I take my cap off to you. You are “Mr Bottle”.
I will abuse this report now to give a few personal thoughts. I have seen virtually every game and watched the lads develop as a unit. Apart from a very untypical bad day at the office in Oundle it has been a good season. We must remember those that have contributed but didn’t play on Saturday. Phil Lock, Steve Dean, Jack Woods, Brian Lynch and Mat Jelly to name but five. All of you made a major contribution. A special mention also for Karl Smith. It will teach you to get married in the rugby season!

So from the front row right through to the full back, our coach Dave Bonser and everyone else who has helped. I am proud of all of you. You are all fun guys. A very special individual mention as well to team manager Paul “Dilley” Dakin quite simply a legend.

Almost there now but I cannot leave this report without mentioning two young guys, both 18 years old in their last year of colts. Jordan and Tom. You have both been outstanding coming into your first year of senior rugby. Take a bow lads. I remember two lads like you several years ago, a certain JJ Wood and J Catcheside. If you can do what these two have done you have a fantastic future in the game.

Final mention to Tapper (look after Amy Lu or else!), Phil “outstanding again” Howe, Shuuts the chin, Chaos the thong, Dom hit man Hill, and Lewis Joint Account Hunt. Super show lads.
Bring on the Ginnods….


These comments are my own personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect those of the club or its officials.

Report written by Eddie Underwood