Date:
3rd Nov. 2007

As I sit here thinking about a game which despite being a stop start affair, with a 55 minute second half, was totally absorbing for players and spectators alike. I want to be diplomatic and impartial but this is the OV's verses the OA's and with such an event there are no neutrals. The stage was set and it was a perfect day for running Rugby on the main pitch at the yacht club. This game showed the traditional qualities of both sides, OA's flash running skills and professionalism against the V's power and passion.

The game got off to a bad start for the V's with the pack being caught off the pace and the OA's exploiting an unfamiliar centre partnership to run in the first try. The V's were again under pressure for the next few minutes but some abrasive tacking from Tim and Dave in the centre keep the slick OA's back line from adding to their tally. The V's pack finally woke up and started to get parity up front and from some strong running from Tim the V's found themselves with there first try scoring opportunity. From a scrum just outside the OA's 22 Wynn James and Rob Saunders tore through the OA's backrow with a classic backrow move. Saunders charged up to the try line where he was held short and, has so often been the case, Jimmy was on hand to smash over for the try. Orb scuffed his conversion.

After such a good score the V's let themselves down with some weak tackling and the OA's scored again to heap the pressure back on the V's. At this stage the game could have slipped away from the V's but they girded themselves again and went back on the offensive. After some good attacking play from deep Jimmy A again broke free and spirited into the corner showing explosive pace for a back rower. Jimmy who as one of the old heads of the team led from the front showing all the skills he had gained from playing at Newcastle Falcons. Orb again could not convert showing a similar vein in form as Dan Deveaux at Batchwood over the past year.

With the V's back in the game their tackling was not up to par as the OA's full back got in again for another try under the posts. The passion was clear to see as the OA's second row nearly came with excitement.

The V's upset with the illegal rucking so the OA's pack started to boil over with some aggressive exchanges led by captain Darren "sex pest" Westhead. The referee at this point did the right thing by controlling this area through penalties and this gave the V's the field position from which to attack with maximum effect. Saunders put a deft kick to the corner which the OA's full back failed to return with conviction. Steve Mather the kicking second row, chipped over and regained the ball to run under the posts. Orb finally converted as is the case currently with Dan Deveaux to make the score, 17-19 to the OA's.

With the arrival of half time the V's were able to take some time to understand where they were going wrong. The main issue was the ability to control the pace of the game. Rob Saunders and Brad Cox were able to analyse and change the game with a Jake White and Eddy Jones vision of total Rugby.

The second half was a totally different story as the V's power started to take control. The OA's 10/12 channel was smashed over and over again by the marauding V's centres and the support play keep the OA's on the backfoot. The V's line was the dominant force in the game with Jimmy A and Steve Mather rising like a tin of John West to take the 100% of the line ball. From this platform Orb was able to pop over a penalty to put the V's in front for the first time in the game. The V's then added to the lead through Tim who deserved no less from a strong display. Orb again was off the mark with the conversion.

By now the OA's were really starting to struggle and were bring on players from their other sides to try to steam the flow. This was to no avail as the V's kept up the pressure. With inclusion of Ricky to the back line the V's now had a cutting edge to Tim's brute force and he quickly went over to add to the lead. Orb who was now striking the ball beautifully put the conversion over. The final score came from flyhalf Brad Cox who had been making some classic Barry John outside breaks (shame about the kicking from hand!) ghosted in to finish the game. Again Orb with the conversion.

This was a game were 15 committed friends beat 15 individuals. Special mention should go to man of the match Peggers who put his body on the line time and time again. Googie and Chris Thraves who lead from the front showing a new generation about what it took to be and OV. As I said at the start being neutral is impossible but being able to watch players such as Rob Saunders, Jimmy and Googie reminds me of a passion and purity and makes me understand why I love this game and V's.

Date: 10th Nov. 2007

On a day when winter began to become a reality, the mighty V’s 2nd XV travelled up the A1 to Stevenage. This had been two years ago the site of the V’s IIXV greatest ever comeback when the V’s had turned around a 30 point lead to win the game. So it came as no surprise to see the usual 50 mile an hour gale blowing over the exposed pitch.

This second team is not a side to be put off stride easily. With the usual balance of youth, experience and the Colney massives the V’s confidently took to the pitch. With Sex Pest out due to an injury Orb filled in as captain on the field. There had been some changes since the fine win against OA’s the week before as Sex Pest strives to find the perfect balance or a Fly Half who can kick. Sam came in for his first start on the wing and Garth Morgan made his first start of the season in the back row. Garth’s inclusion at blindside was seen as controversial by some as Jimmy the sides top try scorer was moved into the second row.

One of Sex Pests bolder decisions was to bring Mick O’Shea and Duncan into the side on trial from St Albans RUFC. This was a decision that would play dividends with Mick hitting the V’s jumpers of Mather and Jimmy A all afternoon as the V’s once again dominated the set piece. Duncan was dynamic around the park controlling the break and creating many crucial turnovers.

The V’s started the game strongly but to many unforced errors marred the first ten minutes but Rob Saunders was able to give the V’s the lead from a well struck penalty. Stevenage were then gifted a try by some stupid penalties compounded by some weak tackling.

The V’s pack started to build on there set piece dominance, Brad Cox spun a tailor made pass wide to Thomas Pink who burst down the line and once again Jimmy A was in support to restore the lead. Jimmy A now the top scorer in the twos and only one short of Ali (I used to play for Welsh and OA’s) Luxford to be top try scorer across the club, so we here at Sky Sports wish Jimmy the best. Rob Saunders converted as usual. The V’s then went through a period of dominance but some spirited defence from Stevenage kept the V’s out. The V’s never looked in danger of conceding until they actually did. One turnover one missed tackle and suddenly the scores were even. With the wind at there backs the V’s knew they had to score in this half to give themselves a lead to defend.

As the ref’s watch bleeped Saunders set himself for the drop goal and the Mick O’Shea pop out from the bottom of well formed V’s ruck and scuttled over from five yards. Saunders did his job by adding the extras.

The V’s new that they had done a good job but not a great job and a tough second half into the wind loomed for the brave souls from Cotlandswick. The V’s started strongly but Stevenage got to grips with the conditions and forced the V’s on the back foot with there kicking. Brad Cox was having his usual tough game with the boot and against this wind the V’s had to run everything rather than kick.

The game broke down as Stevenage’s over eagerness at the breakdown lead to penalties and turnovers. The V’s defended stoutly for 25 minutes before being able to relieve the pressure. As temper frayed and Stevenage got more desperate to try to score the V’s began to use there experience to close out the game. This was not a half for the spectators but the kind of half where legends are born and heroes are sculpted. Googie and Simon Morris were the rock upon which we built our victory. Brad Cox the little general bossed the midfield, Chris Grey the silver fox ran deep with an assured ease and Garth Morgan came home to the 2’s like the prodigal son.

If you too wish to leave the dream rule the rugby world as a God call Sex Pest and hopefully you will get a chance to pull on the blue and gold of the OV’s “second team dream”. Ben Always and Ali Luxford need not apply.

Date: 24th Nov. 2007

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