Date:
3rd feb. 2007

'The sun shone on the Verulamians 2nd XV on Saturday as they ended a run of recent defeats with a 27-10 win over Stockwood Park. Both sides were evenly matched in the first twenty minutes before Vess took the lead with a penalty. This lead was extended a few minutes later with a try from fly-half Andy Evans who ran in from 30 yards out following a sniping break by no.9 Wynn James. Simon McCullough converted to make the score 10-0. A short time later as Vees were pressing Stockwood turned over in the middle of the park and broke quickly to score and ensure a close half time deficit of only 5 points.

Vees started the second half with determination and stretched their lead when following a tap penalty five yards out David Coyle stretched to score. McCullough added the extra 2 points. Stockwood ensured that the Vees couldn't get comfortable by scoring almost immediately with a breakaway from a rolling maul to make it 17-10. Another penalty from the St Albans team eased the pressure and the game was put to bed in the final minute when lock Steve Mather kicked through for McCullough to score and add the last kick of the game.

Date: 11th Feb. 2007

On a day where the conditions overhead were ominous, the Squirrels were under pressure to produce a performance after two disappointing loses. With the Gods of Valhalla rolling across the grey afternoon sky the Squirrels were able to welcome back talismanic on field skipper and No.8 Rob Saunders. It had been no surprise to Squirrel veterans that the dip in form had coincided with Rob’s injury lay off.

The Squirrels lost the toss and so playing down hill knew the importance of a strong start. With the wind in there faces the Squirrels pack set about dismantling the St Evenage set piece. This was done with ease due to the ever reliable Mather and Jimmy A lineout combination despite the conditions. The scrum on such a day was the key to success with unforced errors by Sam Bacon a regular occurrence. With the likes of Morris, Googie, Porter and Bacon the scrum was never in doubt and the slope in the second half was all that could save the St Evenages technically poor pack.

It was from this platform that Orb was able to pass on individual glory and opted for a scrum from a penalty under the posts. With the most consistent back row move in Squirrels history (the Irish ball) Wynn was able to put the opposition back row wide, then slip the ball through the eye of a needle back to Saunders who strode over for the try. Saunders was able to add the conversion on a day when the wind made all kicking a lottery.

It was the Orb and James experience that combined for Saunders second try. James darted down the blind side once again with Orb in the wing man position. It was like watching Maverick going supersonic as Orb sprinted the 40 metres to the try line avoiding interceptors at every turn.

The Third try was to go again to Rob who completed a first half hat trick inside 20 minutes. But compared to the previous try of individual brilliance this is not worth more than just a mention. Rob did again miss the conversion so the Squirrels turned around 17 points to the good.

The half time mood was indifferent it was good to be in the lead but the Squirrels expect perfection. There were some short words at half time and Squirrels first team player coach Brad Cox got laid down the game plan for the second half attack on the Cotlandswick summit. There was early pressure from the kick with Chris Thraves turning over from the restart, but once again Bacon’s greasy hands let him down. St Evenage then had a period of pressure for the first time in the game. The Squirrels defended stoutly and held of 23 phase attack before Ashley (everyone’s favourite Westhead) stripped the ball and the Squirrels cleared there line.

The Squirrels now cut loose again it what can only be describe a one of the great tries of all time seen on the North Face of Cotlandswick. Backs and forwards linked like a well woven tapestry, the ball passed through 15 pairs of hand before Porter finally gave the ball to James Garman to score under the post. James who was having his first game at inside centre was showing that pace rather than power could be the difference in the midfield battle. Saunders added the conversion.

Then St Evenage made the most of the Squirrels loss of concentration and there centre took a quick penalty and sneaked over for the score. With perfection beyond there grasp for another week the Squirrels set about ending the game on a high. This was help when a Atkinson break tore thought the now desperate St Evenage midfield. He was tackled short which was to be a theme of the day. Cox was able to use the quick ball to stretch the St Evenage back line leaving Sam with a trick one on one into the corner. With a classic inside to outside break Sam was able to touch down for his first competitive try. This was to be a day of first for Sam as he also won the man of the match award for his stout defence and attacking flare. This young man seems to have a long future ahead of him in the Squirrels 1XV but there is a debate that he could be more George Best than Ryan Giggs. (Please see David Coyle for video)

The Final try was from the James Garman again with his great lines of running beat a now demoralised St Evenage defence to race over. Orb again converting.

The last ten minute showed the pressure that Jimmy A is finding himself under in the race for Top Gun. Jimmy was trying to run the length from all areas of the pitch like a Giraffe with CJD and was denied by the ref for a quadruple movement. This selfish attitude could jeopardise his place in the Squirrels 1XV. Darren Westhead was seen in the bar with Luxford in hushed negotiations, could the Squirrels be about to make a big money move for the V’s top try scorer Luxford. It has been rumoured that centre Ashley Westhead could be going the other way as part of the deal; sighting issues with team boss Sex Pest. When Luxford was asked he is quoted as saying “it is always nice to be associated with a big club and they don’t come bigger than the Squirrels”. Westhead refused to comment but a Squirrels first team player who wishes to remain nameless was quoted “I thought he was an OA’s reject, but he does sell good DVD’s”.

With this confidence building results the Squirrels look forward to taking on local rivals the OA’s this Saturday.

On a final note to all Squirrels please remember when burying your nuts at this time of year please remember to wrap them for protection.

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