2003 Round 11

The final home and away round of the BARFL was completed on Saturday in temperatures, quite literally, never seen before in these parts of the world. As the boys were running around that afternoon, the mercury was hovering somewhere near the 37 degree mark and plenty of fluid was the key to get through (along with shortened 20 minute quarters thanks to some common sense showed by all parties). And as has been the case all year, the Wildcats and Raiders both took it all in their stride recording easy victories, whilst unfortunately (and thanks to the Gryphons forfeiting again – if we ever get to play them we’ll certainly make sure we repay them for the inconvenience they’ve caused us this year), the Emus succumbed to a Fulham side which included many of the senior Wimbledon players.

Playing North London at the East London Rugby Club, West Ham (a bit of a tongue twister), the Raiders were first on show against the side that they have beaten for the last two flags, Regents Park. Despite them being out of finals contention this year, the boys were bracing themselves for a torrid, physical and hot encounter on the extremely small ground. This was certainly the case, and with it being so congested it was hard to get our running game going meaning that the game was going to be won and lost in the clinches. Luckily, with players the calibre of Jase Hughey and co in the middle it didn’t take too long to begin to assert our authority. Andy Wood (who unfortunately arrived too late to qualify for finals) gave us a great target taking many grabs at centre half forward. Walksy was getting plenty of touches across the wing and Madsy was also going well (although I’m still not sure how he missed from 11 metres out directly in front in the first quarter). In defence Duggs, back from a stint in the Wildcats, was very solid at centre half back and Geoffo continued to play well in the last line of defence. The Raiders eventually won by around about 80 points with Jimi Kelly booting another 9 majors to take his tally to 17 in the last 2 games and throw a late charge at the leading goal kickers table.

The Wildcats then, as has so often been the case this year and particularly in the latter half of the season, took over from where the Raiders left off. Being ruthless with their attack on the ball, we didn’t let North London into the game at any stage as we again put paid to any demons resulting from last year’s grand final defeat. Jack booted 5 goals at full forward, Jenko and Ruggy both amassed plenty of touches and booted 4 each and Benny Statton played extremely well in the ruck. Pat Evans, although late as usual, also made the most of his opportunities. Chambo was again also one of our better EU players, along with Rory who arrived straight to the game from Gatwick Airport. Two of our senior EU’s in Belly and JB also played games that will give us much hope in the run through the finals over the next few weeks. JB even managed to snag his first goal for the year! The only unfortunate incident out of the win was the shoulder injury to Shovel suffered late in the game. Hopefully he’ll be able to get back in time for the grand final, should we be fortunate enough to make it, as he has certainly been in good form over the past few weeks. In the end the Wildcats again buried one of the teams that stands in their way in the finals series and ran out easy winners by just over 100 points.

The Emus had to travel to Wimbledon for their last game for the year and were hoping to finish on a high. The Gryphons again pulling the pin didn’t help this and an exceptionally strong Fulham team confronted the boys. The Emus really felt the heat though and were easily beaten by 25 goals, despite the best efforts of all of the boys on the day. Grappa was, I’m informed, one of the best players and even threw his hat into the ring for goal of the year. Thanks to all of the Emus boys for all of their help on and off the field this year so far. Obviously the year isn’t over for the club by any stretch of the imagination, and we would strongly encourage all of the boys to keep training as we set our sights on the premiership cups. We started this together so let’s finish it together.

Sunday saw the drawing of the inaugural Last Man Standing for the Wildcats. Thanks to Mango for letting us use the pub for the day, and also thanks to Grappa for coordinating the majority of proceedings in the build up to and also on the day. As London reached its hottest day on record, the boys were quietly downing a couple of cold ales waiting to hear the last person drawn out to become £1,000 richer. With 5 tickets left, one further ticket was auctioned off to go back into the draw to the highest bidder. That bidder was Kanga, who outlayed £425 for the honour. That was rewarded though, when he was eventually the last man standing! Second last out was Quintin Stephenson who won £500 and third last was Leroy and he picked up £250.

The Wildcats and Raiders are now into the business end of the year, and courtesy of finishing the home and away rounds unbeaten, are playing host to the second semi finals. This Sunday, at Trailfinders Sports Club in Ealing, the Raiders take on Clapham at 12.30pm and the Wildcats then take on Wimbledon at 3pm. In both games, a win will see us go straight through to that one day in September. Let’s all get right behind the boys and support them this weekend, and make sure this is the case.

Go Cats,

Dogga.