Today was the first official fixture of the season for the Tunbridge Wells Veterans (playing in dark blue, not stripes) and so we duly made our way to Hastings for a fixture against the seasoned old men of that illustrious town. The sun shone brightly which, whilst pleasant, only added to the energy sapping experience- by the end I had nothing left in the locker and am uncertain I shall ever recover fully!
I was in my favoured position of tight head prop and can be spotted wearing the number three shirt. A huge hurrah to the lovely wife of my fellow prop for taking these fantastic snaps from the touchline!
The first half was a reasonably close encounter with both sides scoring in the opening twentty minutes. But, being the first full game after the summer, there was much huffing and puffing and both sides could/should have got to the breakdown a little sooner. I myself was alarmingly out of condition but somehow kept in the game and was especially pleased with the scrums and lineouts which went our way all afternoon.
The second half was a different story, as the Hastings subs were clearly used to playing at a much higher level. It made all the difference and they ran in a hat full of tries in the next thirty minutes before we ended the game with a fine try under the posts. Honestly fancy bringing on quick, fit and strong players- surely that is regarded as cheating in veterans rugby!!!
The final score of 53 -17 did not do the game justice and, regardless of the loss, it was a fine afternoon played in a good spirit. Some good phases of play were grounds on which to build and I very much look forward to next Saturday. It really is fantastic to be back playing and I relished every moment. In the final shot above I am present…but you can only see the bottom of my boots! Now to pour a stiff whiskey…..I ache ALL over!
Were you playing rugby or cricket?
We put up a stirling buffet defense…..help yourself!