Week 19

2 - 5 PTS

Great win on the road, well no one saw that coming

Se7en wrote: I saw that and thought it was a bit odd, as I seem to remember hearing at the start of the season that Hampson would be sitting out both fixtures during the season to prevent any conflict of interest?

Hampson started the game at Chinnor for Ealing back in January. I heard the arrangement was he wouldn't be involved in coaching Chinnor the week before the games but he could play for Ealing.

I don't think there is any problem, the sides are very far apart... now Chinnor spring a surprise.  

With regards to Ealing changing so many players, their squad is huge and full of quality.  With the league pretty much wrapped up with 8 points from 4 games needed it also gives you an opportunity to try out some of the other players. Ealing could put out their 2nd team and it would still be in the top 4, their 3rd team probably would be top 6.

Some delightful and interesting people including generous and welcoming hosts Mark and Louise who were a joy to talk with about everything under the sun including gardening, the root systems of ericaceous plants, eventing, fishing, manta ray and the exquisite joys of Blossom Hill Cabernet which was the star prize in the guess the score competition. This exceptional tipple was won by the delighted Caldy Chairman Mark…… he has decided to keep the bottle to share with the Nottingham committee at Paton Field next season. 

I don’t need pre match champagne 🍾 to make me garrulous but it certainly helps so apologies to Mark and Louise if I talked more snakefruits than usual.

However, the unexpected joy for me, Bob Cook and Ben Moore was catching up with the 'Vicar' Andrew Vertigan who was assessing and scoring the referee Andy Wigley. In previous long ago seasons the Vicar was one of the stand out officials. His entertaining and inspiring communications enlivened match days especially when officiating one of his favourite delinquent tight head props the great Derek Salisbury.

Nostalgia is not underrated......I would pay good money to see and hear a video with enhanced sound of the Vicar marching back Degsy and Caldy 10 metres against Harrogate after an indiscretion by the giant prop. The Vicar was certain about the initial offence and had the whistle, Degsy far less so. The outcome, Harrogate's brilliant stand off Callum Irvine kicks a last minute penalty, that was brought just within range by the Vicar's firm handling, and Caldy lose the game.

If your surname is Salisbury it still rankles even after some 15 years!!

Yesterday at the Bay was a truly splendid day out with gorgeous weather, the most enjoyable of company and a hugely entertaining game of rugby. For me this is what the camaraderie of rugby is all about. I very much look forward to renewing my acquaintance with the engaging and welcoming Mark and Louise and the knowledgeable Val, Ken and Brian from Nottingham. Plus the effervescent Vicar who is always partial to an apple crumble and custard and always a joy to engage with .......unless of course your surname is Salisbury!