A crisp, sunny, spring afternoon drew a record crowd to Shaw’s Bridge for our “captains” match against his Cooke/Instonians select.
Some 25 players kitted out for Perennials who had the best of the early exchanges, with a great run by Michael McAlister nearly bringing the opening try, only to be caught a few meters short.
CLICK HERE FOR THE 25+ ACTION SHOTS
Soon after, George Neilly, suffering with the hangover from hell, ran in from 50 meters he claims, breaking a few tackles in the process. George was fairly quiet for the rest of the game. Cooke/Instonians came straight back at us and leveled to end the first quarter a try a piece.
The second quarter started smartly and new recruit Michael Crutchley powered his way over after a good run and off-load from Kevin Simpson. The Perennials definitely had the upper hand in this quarter with some great handling from the backs, and finished the session 3 -1 up, with a further try from Michael McAlister being the reward for a prolonged passage of attacking rugby.
The third quarter saw the introduction of our Golden Oldies front row of Messrs Fusco and O’Donnell, who expressed his concern to the President prior to taking the field, saying he had overheard a team talk, and some nonsense about tactics.
The tide then turned and Cooke/Instonians took control of the game. The hot ports at half time had an affect and the Perennials conceded a very easy try when a massive gap opened up in their defence.
Andy Cooper then had to leave the field after injuring his shoulder, but we understand it did not stop him playing his fiddle at a function later in the evening. Sustained pressure led to a further Cooke/Instonians try, setting up a final encounter neatly balanced at 3-3.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PICTURES
It should be noted that our captain played for Cooke/Instonians in the third quarter and tried much too hard to undo his own unbeaten record. A check of the history books would suggest he is the first reigning Perennials captain to play for the opposition.
John Rainey kicked off the final quarter to a scream of encouragement from the captain, rallying the troops for one final push to victory. Where the energy came from we are unsure, but the Perennials played some brilliant rugby in the closing 15 minutes, suggesting random drug testing may be introduced.
First, Kevin Simpson went over to score under the posts, and then Don Thompson stole a Cooke/Instonians lineout on their 5 meter line to dive over and give the Perennials a 5 tries to 3 victory, to keep their unbeaten record intact.
Congratulations to both teams on a very entertaining match, and in particular to Instonians President, Alan Sweeney (fullback) and Cooke President, Brian Mitchell (out-half) who both played. Our President settled for a pint on the touchline and shouting the odd words of encouragement.
Thanks also to the two referees, Tim Lowry and David Armstrong for officiating.
Fund raising during the afternoon enabled us to make a generous donation to the Ulster Rugby Referees chosen charity, Plan UK, a world development charity through ‘sponsor a child’.
All settled down to watch the France v Ireland match with a pint and plate of curry. Following the customary speeches and tie swapping we headed for home and Willie Oakes went back to the park bench that he slept on the following his fall from grace when he returned from the Monaghan game in February.
INTOUCH COMMENT
“HOW DID THE ULSTER REFEREE BRANCH PRESAIDENT GET ROPED INTO THIS!”
