Mud & Guts

Broad Plain are an incredibly similar side to ourselves. They possess a rampant raw energy and edge that demands the opponent to stand up to their fierce direct running with all they have. If you want to be successful against the Bedminster outfit you’d better bring your tackling shoulders or they’ll run straight over you. That said, in the past we’ve very much matched fire with fire and results have generally fallen our way. In fact the last fixture saw an unusually one-sided score line after a “Eureka morning” and one of our most accomplished displays to date. This time it was not to be such a “walk in the park” more so a “battle at the vale”!

After an hour’s rugby you couldn’t really pick between the two, with both sides fully committed to a bruising encounter. Plain had improved hugely from our last game moving the ball well and at times playing some fantastic off loading rugby. Fortunately our boys were very much awake for a change and the brave tackling from pretty much everybody saw us matching BP’s endeavour. On only 10 mins a nasty incident unfortunately saw us loose the services of arguably our most efficient defender for the rest of the day! However the lads stepped up to plug the holes “The Tornado” would have ordinarily been filling. Particular recognition should go to the wingers Adam and Rueben who constantly put their bodies on the line to thwart attack after attack. The day ended with us scoring three well deserved trys, one in each of the 20 minute thirds. It was very pleasing to see Ty Munn grab his first ever score with a darting drive over from short distance, I get a feeling the flood gates may now open for this very promising young man. Our second try was grabbed in typical fashion from captain Mac, improving his attitude marginally on last weeks “sulkathon”. And pick of the bunch went to the “Rude Dog” who found a little gap to squeeze through and must surely be the highest scoring prop in the country! The opposition very much had their share of the action scoring two but coming incredibly close on a number of occasions being held up over the line or finishing just short. On another day, and with a bit more luck, I have to say Plain may have comfortably edged this. At the very least they deserved to share the spoils, but some outstanding defence just about kept them at bay.

Unfortunately the whistle had to be blown slightly early as the pressure cooker boiled over and an unsavoury skirmish broke out. Sadly this was at a time when Broad Plain were camped on the Clevedon line and had they kept their cool I’m sure that a deserved equaliser would have eventually come. But it was not to be, and the day ended 3-2 to the Blue and Gold. But a sour taste lingered, spoiling what was a good example of committed youth rugby.

We all (players, parents, coaches etc.) have to understand and accept a few things. Rugby is a very physical game. It demands huge aggression and yet complete composure, sometimes at the same time! This is tricky for experienced professionals let alone our young hormone pumped grouches!! The two incidents on Sunday completely ruined the day for me and undoubtedly many of you as well. But, it’s going to happen……if you play and watch this game, it’s going to happen. Not because we condone or accept it (be assured we absolutely don’t), but because human nature dictates we are all wonderfully unique and our individual temper thresholds are very different, and if anything is going to find your limit……..a game of rugby surely will. In 37 years of playing rugby I can honestly say I have never thrown a punch, never. However I’ve actually been hit plenty of times, believe me. So I do find it hard, almost sickening, to accept that a 12 year old would hit another child in the face in a game that I’m in charge of. I have to say Tom took it very well and didn’t react at all, well done mate that’s a really rare quality. It’s sad we have to even discuss this but we have to accept that although shocking, fortunately no real harm was done and everyone should be given the opportunity to try and learn from their mistakes. After all, more often than not there’s a reason for that sort of reaction, not necessarily a physical retaliation it could be something as ominous as you’re playing really well, mistaken identity or just too damn good looking ……why do you think I’ve been picked on so many times ;) !!!

The only answer. Play rugby and don’t get dragged into it, be the bigger man.