East Retford, Saturday 15^th September, Away, Lost 28-10

Rolls-Royce travelled to North Nottinghamshire in the opening game of their Midlands 5 East (North) campaign to play East Retford, a team coming down a level. On firm underfoot conditions with a cooling breeze Royces looked forward to a fresh challenge. Missing a few first choice faces through injury, International duties, late summer nuptuals, family problems & being a fun runner experience was dragged in with Team Dad retaining his place at 2 (despite clear instructions from Mrs G not to play) and Lord Gormless making up a tired looking front row.

The physical looking East Retford forwards showed greater nouse in the ruck, took time to get into the line outs, and posed little trouble in the scrum. Royces soaked up anything the home side offered with them often spilling good ball, due to the Royces pressure defence.

Just before half time Royces scored a try through Paul Hill after a chip and chase, reward for a player who should have left the field through injury after 20 minutes. Macca slotting over the conversion. East Retford conceded a penalty under pressure which Macca added to the scoreline.

Royces turned to face the strengthening breeze 10 v 0 up. East Retford continued in the same vain, a half time change giving them more mobility in the 2nd row. Royces continued to cope with anything Retford tried and made more of their own ball. A turning point of the game came when Dan caught his opposite number in the face with his new beach volleyball visor, from behind his Oakleys & sunblock he chanted out the score - this seemed to rouse the home side who realised they were losing to a bloke in Speedo's.

Finally Retford made the most of a defensive mix up and scored their first try. Further tries followed as Retford engaged more defenders before making there short attacks.

Given the line up a creditable performance and the guys look forward to hosting Retford in the second half of the season. Plans are in place to reduce the average age of the front row from 39.6 years. Next game North Derbyshire at home.
 

Team Dad