On a miserable Autumnal Morn, the Pirates of Penlan fully loaded their Man O' War, the HMS Keel-Joy, and took to the high seas in search of the fabled El Dorado of the Bishopston Volta. With Lyndon unable to undertake refereeing duties after sustaining an injured fetlock while River-Dancing to the onset of Llandoverys seventh try in their colossal win against Pontypool, Mike M was promptly elected to act as the Governor of the Whistle of Justice.
With 14 jolly Jack Tars to choose from, both sets of coaches elected to play a Catchweight contest of 12 a side with a cunning and continuous rolling substitution tactic. For the Crusaders, today's Cut-Throats (forwards) were - Zach, Max, Jack P, Alex, Cameron, Cian and Keiran, while the Cabin Boys consisted of Rhys C, Tom G, Tom L, Tom P, James P, Ben M and Nathan.
Act 1, Scene 1 promptly ensued, with both sides opting to play in a positive fashion, despite the worsening conditions. For the Crusaders, the ball was passed through the line on several occasions from first phase ball and, initially, the contest at the ruck area was dominated by the home team. With both sides committed to such a free flowing game, and with the Crusaders putting some good patterns of play together, the scoreboard soon started to tick over. With the elements in their favour, the Crusaders managed to score 4 tries during this period as a result of some good teamwork and a minimal error count, which, considering the conditions is to be applauded.
Act 2, Scene 2 however seems to have a recurring theme each week, and in true Osprey fashion, the home team stepped of the gas a little at times, and allowed our visitors to steal the treasure map that pointed the way to the try line. During this period, the Bold Buccaneers of the East managed to score two tries of their own, with the Crusaders only managing a solitary score. With the conditions worsening by the second, Scurvy, Frostbite and Hypothermia became a distinct possibility, yet both sets of players continued to defy the conditions and approach the contest in a truly cavalier style. However, at the end of the game, and with the Jolly Roger himself looking healthier than most players, it was befitting of the occasion that our visitors had the final score.
Well done to all players today who put on an exceptional display of rugby in what, at best, can be described as difficult conditions, and to all parents, supporters and coaches whose assistance, good humour and enthusiasm on days like today make it all worth while.
A final thank you to the excellent Penlan Pirates and their superb coaching team of Lee and Tony. I would also like to thank them for remembering to bring the omnipresent Dog Poo that seems to accompany them during this fixture. The offending item has now been carefully gift wrapped and presented for safe keeping to Joanne Ibrahim, and it now takes pride of place on her mantelpiece, next to a signed photograph of Bernie Winters and Schnorbitz.
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