Match Preview

After a weeks rest last weekend, Halstead welcome Essex Uni 3rd XV for the first time, not just this season but, as the students couldn't travel two seasons ago, the first time ever.

The Templars have played the Uni once before, away at the Wivenhoe Park venue in March 2014, the lowest scoring game in Templar history ended 12-5 to the hosts. Remembered fondly by those still playing, for not just the opposition but the referee as well, all turning up worse for wear after a heavy Friday night.

The game itself was not particularly noteworthy but the penultimate Templars play from right in front of the posts - to give the ball 20 meters out to the incredibly hard running 'Scrooge' Tatum to crash over - was a sensible idea, but Scrooge didn't get the memo and instead of bowling the kids out the way like tenpins tried to round them by running straight at the sideline before being bundled out. This was also the first game where we found opposition that could not just catch up with Cameron Ross, but also outrun him. No wonder the scores were so low!

Post match, the game was no less memorable - both Tank and Andy Smith complained about the quality of the beer in the Student Union (Shaun, all is forgiven!). Tank complained a little too much maybe and was asked to leave......

So, despite the potential cancellation that we were worried about, it's all on for a 1pm kick-off. GAME ON!!!