Date:
6th Jan. 2006

The second team began their merit table fixture against St Albans 3rds on a heavy pitch and with only 14 men. From the kick off the Vees began in confident mood with some great passages of play, including Coyley passing the ball, that lead to the team spending a huge chunk of time in the St Albans half. Vees opened the scoring when the St Albans no. 10 dropped the ball in his own in-goal area and McCullough dived on the ball to score. The conversion was added. Due to incessant pressure in the St Albans half penalties were given away allowing Vees to stretch their lead with three penalties added. A mistake close to the St Albans line resulted in them entering the Vees half for one of only a few occasions to score a converted try. A leg injury to Sam Bacon and a claret oozing gash on Shed's head meant that the half was ended with 12 men but with a lead

St Albans were able to apply more pressure in the second half and responded with a couple of tries. Vees missed a chance with a penalty to re-establish the lead but following a strong run by Tim Evershed a try and the subsequent conversion meant the lead was taken again. With four minutes on the clock Vees tried to summon up the last energy reserves to get home with what would have been a fantastic win. Unfortunately St Albans began to spread the ball wide and with the advantage in numbers scored two late tries to win the game 36-23. The final score was no reflection on the effort and commitment that the Vees had put in.

It is impossible to pick anyone out as every single player gave their all.

Date:
9th Dec. 2006

A glorious sunny day on Saturday saw the Vees second string travel to Old Albanians for the second derby fixture of the season. As there was only one game at home our travelling support had the pleasure of watching us perform on their 1st team pitch. Vees took the game to the opposition from the start and within the first 20 minutes had established a 14-0 lead through two identikit tries from Ross Osbourne and the Mighty Bosh. Pressure continued but the lead remained the same at half time. The second half started with some loose play and the opposition managed to score their only try of the game. This only spurred the Vees on and for the remainder of the half some entertaining rugby was on display. Tries from Ross Graham (just), James Garman, the marauding Jimmy A and Andy (Tom's not my brother) Evans made the game safe.

Reinforcements were brought on to close the game including a like for like age replacement of Maile for Thraves. Skipper McCullough sacked himself as goal kicker after 2 misguided attempts from 4 with Andy Evans finishing with a similar 50% success rate with 1 from 2.

An enjoyable 36-7 victory, great team spirit, nice changing rooms despite the lack of free shower gel, and exotic after match meal.

Graphics & Design: S. Mandelbaum (shalom@mandelbaumonline.net)