Good afternoon rugby fans where ever you are this afternoon in the Nobs World Cup Rugby World. It’s a cloudy, rainy, damp day here at the Nob’s World Headquarters, but last Sunday it was a lovely, sunny day in Peterborough as we headed east to take on the Krock’s. Our roving reporter Mike Howes was right there in the trenches , and he gives us a riveting report at the end of this email. It should be noted that the Nobs are contemplating sending a letter of protest to the IRU over the Krock’s alternate selection of man Of The Match last Sunday. We are asking heavy sanctions against the Krock’s! This Sunday there is a big game in the rugby world as Canadian teams Markham Grey Hares take on the NOBS RFC in Burlington at 1pm. Oh yes Canada plays New Zealand at the RWC. Next weekend the mighty XL’S travel to Burlington to play us. There are only 2 nights of touch outside in Burlington before we go inside the dome on October 13th. More on the dome in a moment. We have been starting touch on Thursdays at 6:30 but the earlier we can get going, the better. Now; touch in the Dome. I am sure by now you have had a chance to read over Jack Morrison’s email on touch for 2011- 2012. If you haven’t and you plan on playing you should. The clock is now ticking on those of you who played last year and want to play again this year. Let Jack or any Nobs executive member know ASAP as we will be opening the door to new comers very soon. If you didn’t play last year please let us also know if you would like to join in for this year. Please remember that you are not officially registered in the dome until you have paid. This is starting to sound like a PBS pledge drive.
Ok let’s wrap this up, the lunch cart is coming around. Haven’t heard from our correspondent at the World Cup, Dave Tait, but Ravi Ponna is being dispatched on October 2nd to the World Cup and in addition to his duties of reporting in we are asking him to check the bars and flop houses for Dave. There’s also touch in Burlington and the World Cup on the tely this Sunday. Mike Howe is standing by, so hope to see you on the pitch in the near future, Da Thug
A few thoughts to share with the great unwashed legion of NOBs, Thug:
The sun was bright and hot as the seasoned warriors took the field. The NOBs had travelled many miles to do battle, arriving more than a few short. A short confab with the Krocks by our anointed Captain Kev of the Extra Larges produced 3 bodies to augment our numbers. Floyd from Ajax also lined up with us and the game was mainly a 14 on 14 or 15 on 15 game.
As expected the Krocks played hard and the first half was pretty ding-dong, back and forth with no real domination by either side. The NOB backs played very good defence all day and the pack was very good in the scrum and about 70/30 in the rucks. Let’s just not talk about the lineouts, OK?
The second half was quite a bit different as the heat and constants scrums started to take their toll. The Krocks ended up with a few more tries than the NOBs, but everyone was well satisfied with the outcome. We all retired to The Publican House for beer and food; a wonderful spread was put on by the hosts.
Some notable actions:
Floyd dislocated his shoulder trying in vain to stop the first Krock try and we didn’t see him again until the beer was being poured ... very good timing on his part.
Kev got man of the match for the NOBs, but only because Jason had left already. Jason, the policeman. No, not that one, the other Jason the policeman. Well anyway, Jason was all over the field and played fullback and jumper in the lineouts. He had a heck of a good match. Kev, make sure he gets the big bottle of beer!!!!
Kev actually passed during the game ... did it very well, which is surprising given how little practice he has had. Problem was he passed it to Yours Truly who went into the try zone but got held up by a small mite of a Krock and received much deserved verbal abuse for not touching down. Ouch!! He did a nice job of captaining as usual.
Daryl played a strong game in the centres. Tackled well, kicked well, carried well. Well, he was very well. And he drove. Bonus!
Clarence stepped in to play scrum half and despite a few bad knocks on his knees was exceptional at getting some very messy ball out of the breakdowns.
Nigel was his usual shifty self and had some good runs and was quite precise with his boot when required.
Tim Ellis ran some very hard ball into the Krocks lines as did President Mant, Pablo, Chuck ... the list goes on and on.
A good day. Let’s see everyone out for next Sunday at Burlington.
Thanks, Thug.
Michael H Howes