John Davis-Ashdown's Invitational Team played against The Combined Teams of Dartford Valley RFC. The invitational team was selected from people that used to play for the old Darenth Valley club (pre-2009) and others that are not members of Dartford Valley. This means that The President's Team boasted a great deal of experience (ie old age and wrinkles), bulk (ie a bit chubby), grey hair or baldness, mixed in with some fine specimens of youthful, muscular and quick-footed chaps.

The burning question was: could the old codgers and young guns compete with the might of Dartford Valley's 1st Team, 2nd Team, The Ladies Squad and a special guest?

Footballers talk about their matches being “a game of two halves” but this match was “a game of three thirds, played in four sections” because the DVRFC Ladies (including two guests from Blackheath Ladies Rugby) took to the pitch for the last ten minutes of each half. Confused? You should be and spare a thought for our referee Steve King who had to control all the mayhem, dressed as Mrs Santa Claus. . . . it was a tough job but someone had to do it!

The players took to a very muddy pitch with heavy rain coming and going throughout the afternoon but they were all fortified with the traditional drinking of fine port to steady any nerves. The President's Team wore the Wooden Spoon playing strip (kindly lent by the charity) and was expertly managed by former Darenth Valley player, Brian Castleton, better known as “Smudger”. George Morris managed the DVRFC team with guile, tactics and cunning. Despite the weather, about eighty hardy spectators were then treated to a well-contested rugby match, played in the traditional style of good humour but each team was desperate to win as well as entertain the supporters and enjoy themselves.

The Mayor of Dartford, Cllr Ian Armitt, The Deputy Mayor, Cllr John Burrell, the Leader of Dartford Borough Council, Cllr Jeremy Kite MBE and Wooden Spoon representative, Peter Johnston were all on the touchline, cheering on the players, laughing at the high jinks, wincing at the hard tackles and celebrating the tries.

When the Ladies came onto the pitch, the excitement levels were raised even higher . . . how would they cope with the men, the mud and the rain? They were superb – playing real rugby to a high standard. Everyone was impressed by the talent and commitment that they brought to the match. The final ten minutes saw the arrival of a special guest player, Cllr Avtar Sandhu MBE, having a go at rugby for the very first time (it showed but he thoroughly enjoyed it!).

George Morris saved his best tactical ploy for the last five minutes of the match . . . .sending on every single member of his squad (about 28 in total) to flood the pitch with DVRFC players (have you ever seen a line-out of 38 players??).

Was the final score important? Not really because this match is about having a laugh with great friends . . . but if you must know, The President's Team scored seven tries to Dartford Valley's two. There is no need to mention individual players as this is a club event for everyone but I'm sure that Glynn Southee (very quick), Guy Cook (very strong) and Bianca Morris (very dangerous!) would like you to know that they were declared the Players of the Match and were each presented with a bottle of bubbly.

The event was rounded-off in Goals Bar with a raffle and then the presentation, to Peter Johnston from the Wooden Spoon charity, a cheque for £558.58. DVRFC had raised this money for Wooden Spoon in the previous month– something to be very proud of, which also demonstrates the club's commitment to helping others and our community.

Many thanks to each and every player, Steve King, Kelly Judd, Nishi Patel, the Team Managers, Pete Bresser, the bar staff at Goals and all of the spectators for contributing to such a successful afternoon. I must also give my sincerest thanks to Mick and John, for their Hot Dogs & Sweets stall and to Avtar, Rags and their staff for running the Mobile Bar Hire Ltd pitch-side bar. You proved that bad weather never stops DVRFC from having a great time.

I wish all Dartford Valley members, supporters, friends and sponsors a Happy New Year.