There were a few familiar faces and some new ones, notably Russ Johnson (Junior Coach) making his debut and sporting decidedly rosy cheeks by the end of the game. Also, along for a Spartans debut ride was Andy Poyner (Junior Chair) with a marvellously coiffured ‘barnet’.

One of the familiar faces was the very dapper referee Jim Hawkins, in the Central Societies newly sponsored kit. Salem were struggling to find a volunteer, so Jim stepped in at the last minute to universal acclaim. If only that acclaim has lasted until the end of the game.

Another great loss when Jim retired from the Vets were his eloquent and erudite summaries of the day’s shenanigans, unfortunately I’m not classically trained so you’ll have to put up with my short and sweet reports.

I ask you; who needs a Theology degree anyway?

Scorers on the day, Paul Fairhurst 2, Robbie Mcfaul 2, and Michael Day 1, with 6 out of 7 conversions by Sean Dadswell.
Also in scoring form was Kristian Green aka Panini, who bagged a brace for the Spartans, and whilst clad in Salem green managed to cross the whitewash against us, now by my reckoning that’s a jug! Did we see it, did we fudge, he’s so tight his rectum squeaks as he walks down the road.

Two further memorable moments from a day of almost constant celebration were, firstly father and son combination in Bren and Joe Higgins, taking the field together.
Joe had simply come to run the touch and provide AR support.

But, when Bradford had both touch lines covered, rather than have a wasted journey, out came some spare kit and onto the wing went Joe.
He was unlucky not score in the 2nd half when he was just knocked into touch by the covering defence before he was able to dot the ball down.
Had he weighed as much as his dad he may not have got to the try line, but they wouldn’t have pushed him into touch that’s for sure!

Secondly MoM (chosen by Salem) the irrepressible Sean Dadswell produced a lovely chip from the 22, a gazelle like chase and swooping like an osprey he gathered the ball just inside his own half, ahead of the wide-open space of a well-manicured Salem pitch, which not only had Salem well tendered, but had also left it completely undefended!

Ploughing head long towards their try line quicker than a Boxing Day shopper at the Next Sale, the vast majority of his own team and theirs turned their backs and walked back to the halfway, it was dead cert.

Or so they thought, surely nobody could catch him, we remember the 1st XV player or lore, when he opened his legs, we really did see his class.
The surprise when the referee indicated he had been held up over the try line was palpable.
The Salem winger had done precious little all game, but as they say some are born great and some have greatness thrust upon them. Cometh the hour etc and this was his moment to shine, the spotlight was on him, and he radiated a well earned pride.

To be fair the ref was nowhere near the play… again, and Sean had to own up to his undoubted chagrin, that he had been caught and rolled.
He may have tarnished the family name; only time and Pete will tell.

All in all, it was a great afternoon of rugby and great to be back amongst friends playing a sport we all love.

Final score 46-22 to Morley.

MOM as nominated by Bradford; Sean Dadswell, rightly so, nevertheless this is a team game and today we played, won and celebrated as a team. There were several players who put their hands and put in a shift it was really good to see.

The future is bright, the future is Maroon.

A massive thank you to Bradford for their hospitality, especially the Cheeseboard, novel I know but inspired.

Hopefully our next game will be at home in a few weeks’ time (after we’ve all recovered).

UTM.