Belgrave edge mid table clash by fingertips.

Having returned last week from the Russian front better known as Melton Rugby club it was that cold.This week a mid table clash with Oadby/Wyggs which on the previous encounter they had edged 21 points to 19.This I had entered in my match note book prior to leaving home.
On picking up the said note book an entry had been made in a different hand "JP broken finger,1 try,3 turnovers" I will leave that one with you.
On arrival at the ground fine and sunny conditions but with a swirling wind,a good crowd had gathered 80 plus people having sat down to the Vice Presidents lunch as ever well organised by Bruce Ord and Cliff Hawkins.All was ready for the game.I did note that Belgraves answer to The Baby Squad were in attendance Messrs Peake,Ghent,Hunter and Austin senior along with the Bambers senior and junior, plus the apprentice Lewis Austin of the dodgy haircut.Good to see you back lads.
The match official for the day Jenny Burrows,star of stage,screen and Leicester Mercury of the 9th January last a 2 page spread,plus photos an accountant by trade.Avid readers of The Mercury should note that I myself appeared in the said publication of yesterday ",twice" just thought I would mention it in passing.
On the kick off Belgrave attacked the clubhouse end,play was even,then Belgrave took the lead after 10 minutes with Kevin(Bungle)Curtis putting 3 points on the board with a penalty.Belgrave then put Oadby under pressure pinning them inside their own 5 yard line.After 20 minutes Curtis again scored from behind the Belgrave pack,he converted to give Belgrave a 10 points to nil lead.
Oadby struck back and following a kick through that Belgrave failed to cover Byron Measures making ground through the middle dropped on the ball to score,he then converted.Belgrave then put another 3 points on the board through the boot of Curtis.At the half Belgrave led by 13 points to 8 in what was turning out to be the Curtis and Measures Show.I somehow do not see you as an up and coming double act lads,leave that to "Ant and Dec",but you are better at rugby than they are.
During halftime famous people at the ground Peter Bayley, 77 years young a former Chairman and President of Oadby/Wyggs,who informs me he played his last game at 56 years old in the USA,he can tell you that story.Plus a complaint from Reg Robson about the late publication of these reports.Reg you need to get out more.Its 3.30pm and I'm typing as fast as I can, did Dickens and Shakespeare have to put up with this.As they say in Hollywood do you want it good or do you want it Tuesday.
.The omens for the 2nd half were not good with Belgrave in the lead,they have managed to lose several times from this position in the last few weeks.
Belgrave went on the attack through their forwards and Kirk(I've not got the legs)Harpin scored from a rolling maul to put 20 points on the board for Belgrave.The next phases of the game took place on the halfway line,with good defensive work from Adam(my bodies in pieces)Ord and Niall(right place right time)O'Connor.But this was not to last Oadby attacked through their backs and Milkha Basra ran from the halfway line outpacing the Belgrave defence to score.Things were not looking good for Belgrave,with Oadby within one score and coming at Belgrave, attacking through their speedy backs.
Oadby were on the Belgrave 22 and looking dangerous,the game then turned on Joe(legohead)Pollards fingertips he dived to intercept a pass,knocked the ball into the air,dived forward and caught it inches from the ground.In an instant the game turned,Belgrave gathered themselves together supported Pollard and danger was averted.They then marched the ball downfield out of harms way,Gary(G man)Chikopa helping out with several strong runs to keep Belgrave inside Oadbys 22. As the game clock wound down Belgrave played the rest of the game in Oadbys half.A special mention to Fraser Goodbey stepping up from the 2s coming on as a sub,outstanding work in the lineout Fraser.I will sort out a middle name for you next game.It might well involve socks.
At the final whistle Belgrave ran out winners by 20 points to 13 to put them back on winning ways following several losses over the last few weeks.A quiet night in the Tom Hoskins,with coach Regan,Ivan(evergreen)Wright and his daughter Martine who is 21 but somewhat small of stature.Nearly got her thrown out telling the barstaff she was only 11.No game next week the majority of the team in Dublin over the weekend for the international,this does not bode well,strong beer and snuff on the agenda.Try and avoid them if you can.
Next fixture Saturday 5th March at Oakham hope to see you there,just off now to see if the house is still haunted