Thanks to ICD for coming up to Invergordon the week before the leagues start proper.
The weather was a complete 360 from last weeks’ heatwave as it continued to pour from the whistle to whistle, wet didn’t cover it!!
With 11 regular starters missing, the coach had a bit of head scratching to do, however the depth with 22 players donning shirts, turned out to put any fears he held, firmly to bed. With some players being put in unfamiliar territory the squad gelled from the off.
This should have been a day for ”keeping the ball up the shirt”, however it was free flowing, running rugby which became the pattern of play. Great support running, sympathetic passing, communication and defensive guile put this beyond the less organised but spirited visitors.
The monsoon conditions seemed to barely bother the players and it looked to be harder on the spectators!!
First over the line was the “flying 14” Mike Gordon and with John Mann (9) converting, the hosts were off after 10 mins. Ditto 5 mins later and again 3 mins later with the conversions out wide and beyond Johnny on these occasions the score was at 17-0 with 18 mins played.
The next score was courtesy of Ben Parkes at 10, usually at home at full back or wing, he gave confident display at Fly half, converted by Mr Mann 24-0.on the half hour, Mr Gordon collected an inspired cross field kick from a 22 re-start and was un-challenged for his 4th of the game, 31-0 after the conversion from master Mann.
Great unselfish linking from the backs , following some good possession from the pack, put “Johnny 9” in for a score and he converted his own 2 mins from half time.
Half time score RSRFC 38 ICD 0
Fair to say the half time team talk was brief and the goal clear from coach Rob Parkes, more of the same and keep a clean sheet.
ICD put up some good resistance for 5 mins but the Ross tails were up and confidence was obvious, from a series of phases in their 22, a thunderous shout from today’s hooker Lewis Sinclair, saw him receive the sweetest pop from who else? Johnny 9, which allowed the most basic but perfectly executed score of the day. I wonder, given such a clear and demanding call, if the ball had not been forthcoming, some may have feared for the safety of Master Mann!! 45-0.
A brace of tries from “Ben 10” (also stand-in captain for the game) , both converted by Johnny “goldenboot” completed his hat-trick and what I’m sure an enjoyable last game for Ross for a while as the Uni life beckons.
Jake “Nummer acht ” Eaglesham, on a temporary return from rugby in Deutschland, topped off a typical afternoon of trademark hard yards and gate closing duties, powered through a tired ICD defence for a great solo score and the game was finally bought to end by a well earned score from Ross favourite Stuart “Coot” Macpherson (3).
Full time 67-0
Coach, Rob Parkes summarised;
“ From 1 to 22, all got game time today, this was a great display of how well opportunities open up if the simple things are done right, it was entertaining and attractive rugby, even if the weather wasn’t, Euan Sinclair at wing had his first 80 mins and gave a great account of himself as part of the back line with Gareth Braddick at full back to support, Kris Thomas and Eddie Crawford teamed up well in the centres to extinguish any threat from ICD centre, Epi, borrowed from Highland rfc, all the squad should be pleased with their work and we wish a speedy recovery to lock, Stephen Baikie who sustained a suspected dislocated shoulder”
Next week the league starts at home against Aberdeen Wanderers who will, no doubt, be stronger opposition, a win at home is a must if we are to compete in this hard league this season.