No Bore Draw!

On a glorious day for rugby, a new era dawned for the Moles as Graeme 'Shotgun' Trigg took over as skipper from Mick Terry and #1's influence was less direct than usual. Visitors to Rectory Field were Eton Manor IVs from across the water in the badlands of East London/Essex. Manor replaced the scheduled fixture with Edenbridge Vets who surely must enter the rugby record books by pulling a fixture at two weeks' notice citing "we've only got nine!" Nearly enough for a football team 'Bridge! Pathetic!

Anyway, initial nervousness about the age, fitness, probable speed, and possible skills of the opposition was totally unfounded. The Moles' gameplay succeeded so well that they generally much younger Manor team were blowing out their backsides as they suffered Mole hit after hit which forced their undoubted ability to run ever further sideways with virtually no meaningful threat posed to the black tryline. When Manor put a few passes together, their last man was swamped by a Mole(s), and their play broke down. Clearly,Skipper Trigg's summer season as lead Moles' coach has paid off.

Moley support was superb throughout the first half; attacking in numbers and stifling Manor threats because sufficient bodies were in the right place at the right time to assist. In fact, defensively, many of the crowd watching on Banana 2 thought it was one of the best Moles displays, in a long, long time. Rarely was Full Back Brian Rayner relied upon because some the positioning in front of him was excellent, and (some of) the tackling was fearsome. Very encouraging for the season ahead but it was also observed from the side lines that there is a need for greater levels of communication and vociferous supportive - where are all you big mouth Moles??

The Moles game plan has never involved kicking and officially at least, it never will. But nonetheless, the unfortunate centre Darren 'Orrible' Oram and fly half Andy Dadson were exceptional with their kicking, so they are the exception to the rule; but to reiterate it has always been against Moles training/ethos/ability for this tactic to be used. Seriously, well done to Andy and Darren who both had great games although the latter's afternoon was cut short by suspected medial ligament damage. Get fit soon Sir!

Speed is not a Moles ally and often the 'pill' was unnecessarily lost or given away due to a lack of composure in both attack and defence. Moles play is STEADY, and much better progress was made when that extra second or two was taken to consider the right decision, and avoiding that rush of euphoria to the head

So reader, I know what you're thinking: "Why didn't you win then?" Well, in short we had a wee bit of 'white line fever' yesterday; not least in a five or so minute spell camped out on the Manor 5 metre line in the first half. Something to reflect upon in forthcoming Wednesday night training sessions. However, to be fair to Eton Manor they also defended well all afternoon and while never really threatening the tryline, did hit the upright with a penalty attempt from c.35 metres out; so the draw was probably a fair result on the day.

Congratulations all round to those who played, offered to make themselves available, and supported, it made it, almost, a perfect day. Every Mole did their bit today but special mentions must be made about the hard tackling of 'wannabe Mole' wings Si Marks and Gerry Keenan, new Mole #84 Russell 'Winston' Turley and new Mole #83 Carl Sells. Mole of the Match this time was Neil Miller with another awesome second half display at 15. The biggest congrats in particular, need to go to Shotgun! I'm sure #1 was equally impressed watching from the sideline in the sky!!

The Moles march on! Unspoiled by tragedy or progress. Next stop Ypres for the 'Velo-Moles'!

Reader, this is something much much more than a rugby team!!

P.S. - Thanks to Q for original words xx

Line up: Elvis, Neil Martin, Winston, Big Bri, Velcro, Shotgun, Posty, Welshy, Merv, Andy Dadson, Orrible Oram, Carl Sells, Q, Si Marks, Gerry Keenan, Brian Rayner, Tucker, Oaf, Lloydy, Neil Miller, Nod