Sefton RUFC

The Journey

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I had planned it so that young Harry Osborne travelled with us to Oxton today.

Blandy and I were keen to bring Harry on as a number 9, so we had some questions…

“Do you have the capability to pass from left and from the right, without having to turn 180 degrees?”.

“And can your pass not travel like a high rainbow?”.

Young Harry insists he can pass properly – both Blandie and myself are impressed – this doesn’t happen in the 3s.

Harry gets the job at 9 today.

  

  

The Match

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With a pretty quick looking backline, we were looking forward to setting it alight from the start of the match, eagerly awaiting the pinpoint accuracy from Harry at 9.

Well, things didn’t eactly go to plan, with young Harry deciding NEVER to pass the ball, and to run at every available opportunity.

It probably didn’t help Sefton’s cause that Harry scored the first time he touched the ball, scooting in off the back of a rolling maul from about 15 metres out.

So, from then on, it was a game of chasing young Harry until he got tackled, then we could release the ball to the backs.

  

  

A Game of 2 Halves, with 1 Chris McCleary

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Sefton lent a few players to the depleted Oxton team, and the difference today was Chris McCleary.

Chris played for Oxton in the first half, when Sefton knocked up all their points.

Then, in the second half, Chris played for Sefton, and Oxton scored all their points.

    

  

Kicking Update

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If someone could kindly let me know what possesses prop forwards to think they need to kick the ball, I would be greatful.

Perhaps they may also have the solution to the conflict in Ukraine as well?

  

  

If you can’t join ‘em, beat them

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With Oxton being a few players down, today was a perfect opportunity for Hamling to impose his leadership skills on a captive audience.

Hamling quickly jumped on the pre-game offer to play for the opposition, no doubt thinking they’ll need to be shouted at, and will appreciate his individuality with the ball.

Poor Oxton really weren’t in a position to be choosey, and politely complied with Hamling’s call for the ball so he could run at the impenetrable Sefton forwards.

It also gave Hamling the chance to showcase his wild pass to NOBODY, to highlight the dangers of stupid passing.

One incident did tickle me though, when Hamling took the ball into Blandie, pushing him backwards about 15 metres, while yelling, “Easy Yards, Easy Yards”.

   

  

Child Minding

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I was not playing today, having a cold, but I thought I would offer advice from the sidelines.

Ben’s wife no doubt saw this as a perfect option for looking after their 4 year old son.

Ben and Sasha have imaginatively named him, Benjamin Junior.

He’s actually quite a nice kid, with a good head of hair, and capable of moving about without falling over. He’s probably adopted.

Anyway, its the start of November, and there are a lot of leaves on the pitch.

Young Benjamin takes it upon himself to individually pick up every leaf today, and proudly present it to me, as I’m shouting ‘encouragement’ from the sidelines.

“Do not ever kick that ball again Sam”.

“That’s a wonderful leaf that Benjamin, it is from the willow tree there”. “No it isn’t, its brown”, he insists.

“See Blandie standing there at 10 Harry? – you can pass it to him you know, there’s better players outside him”.

“Great leaf that, that’s a birch”. “Don’t be silly, it’s spotty”. (he is a confident kid).

“Sir, that’s not fair! Oxton are deliberately kicking the ball to Brendo”.

“You know you can take these leaves to your mum. She would love them”. “No she won’t. She doesn’t like leaves”.

Pretty soon, I am holding a huge pile of dead leaves. I am thinking of where I could forceably put them on Ben’s person.

To be honest, there’s not much difference between the 3s and Benjamin. I decide not to invoice Ben and Sasha.

   

  

The Favorite Son

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From the sidelines today, I noticed a bespectacled spectator actually encouraging the Sefton team.

Thinking he really should go back to Spec Savers, I approached the well dressed gentleman, to point out that Oxton were the local team.

“Oh no, I’m here to watch my number 1 son, Ged, play – he’s fantastic you know”.

“Ah, you must be Gillen senior – yes, Lawrence is your other son as well”, I confirm.

“Maybe”, he says, “But Ged is the only rugby player I have”.

Now I’ve heard of the battered ginger step son syndrome, but Lawrence is more strawberry blonde….

Admittedly, Ged is ripping it apart, when the ball is not with young Harry, and he also pretty handy in defense, putting Jay Dempsey on his arse with ease.

When Lawrence comes off to have his vomit, crawling around on his hands and knees, I ask Gillen senior if he has any concern, but he just turned away, clearly embarrassed, muttering something about “being his mother’s son”.

(I only thought later, that maybe Lawrence was actually looking for some leaves to present to me).

   

  

Prognosis

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I guess no matter what you tell people, they will always ignore you and do what they want.

Next week though, I still have high hopes that something may sink in.

Sam Gallear will continue to kick, and maybe young Harry will consider passing the ball, but there’s a better chance that young Benjamin will come up to me and say, “this is a Oak leaf”…..

 

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Sefton players for stepping over to the Oxton team at various times today.

Without this, it woudn’t have been as fun, and the Oxton Captain has also expressed his gratitude.

I am thinking of a plaque for above the Sefton fireplace: McCleary, Hamling, Goulding, Dempsey, Gallear, Webster….

 

Also, a ‘first’ for Lanky’s blue clinky bag: It was actually FILLED with beer today, and ICE!

Yes, it meant everyone could have a beer today (not just Lanky’s favorites). A COLD beer, how it is meant to be served.

 

Note: Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to chat to young Harry about his strategy today, with him departing straight after the game, to go home for a bath with his mother.

  

  

Encouragingly yours, C x