An old friend The Scarlet Fly was watching from high ground and made some observations…
A nostalgic gathering of Caerleon RFC ‘has-beens’ and some ‘never-beens’ gathered at Usk RFC for a memorial game in memory of former Caerleon RFC coach and Newport RFC legend Rhys Morgan.
Following some words from a friend and former team-mate of Rhys and a minute’s applause the game got under way in lovely spring sunshine and a soft breeze.
There were some Caerleon favourites in the line up from days (not so far) gone by. Big Nose Alex Healy was in the centre with old tea- mate Tommy Ten to Two and his unfeasibly large boots. Alex made an a**e of himself attempting his first tackle actually falling backwards before contact was made. But to his credit he came into the game and the boy did good in the long run. Master Chris Ash appeared on the wing and after an initial burst down the flank continued the rest of the game as if someone substituted his hamstring with a brush handle. Then OJW scored the opening try from a text book catch and drive from a line out, OJ was another player who had a good game, Dai Cook (with his head on upside down) looking like Edward Teach (look him up kids) played a pivotal role in the pack along with Big Rich. Owen Miller and D Gregg looked menacing out wide.
The recently retired Mog of the West scored a second try for the green and blacks with Club captain ‘Milky bar Kid’ looking on and wishing he was still doing the business in his team. Mog was aided and abetted by Bob Shuttlecock at 9. When these two were on the field they ran the show.
Usk scored a good try just before half time so with Mog converting his try it was 7-12 at the whistle.
Notable mentions must go to all players who took part, forwards Loquacious Dai Morris, Jordan, Chris Meredith (who was scouring the field for a pint at half time) Snowyman, Andy (give us a) Grant, M’Lud Rostron and a cameo from the cross-county skiing and sexagenarian stalwart Stalwart Plankhurst who came away with some lovely facial scarring. Mr Tovey had his usual barn stormer and old favourites Cristian Cherkoff and Revsy (who had just returned from a failed attempt to join the Knights Watch) played a strong hand. Poor man’s Jon White, Revsie, also made a transition to the wing showing a fine turn of speed to.
Now, at this point I have to put my hand up and admit to not knowing the names of a few other brave heroes out there yesterday. It transpires that they are coaches from the Mini and Juniors Section, so I apologise profusely but it does show that yesterday was truly a Club effort. Come forward and be recognised friends!
Back to the game and Caerleon dominated for long periods in the second half. This culminated in another try for Mog of the West and Two for Ten Two Two. Usk scored two unconverted touchdowns and the final score was 17-33.
It wasn’t about the winning but the taking part! Well done both teams, both clubs.
What great support travelled to Usk from God’s little acre, youth, juniors, minis, ex-players, current players and families, wives and girlfriends. The whole lot enjoying the sun and rugby. Lovely to see the young ones running on with water for their Dads when there was a break in play. Or, they could have been running away from Chief Water Boy the extremely hirsute Not-so Teenwolf Wilkinson (not playing coz he had a boo boo on his heady weady)
Team managers Puddy and Macey must take a bow to and thanks to Dr.Logs Legs for running the bag.
Think the Chairman must have been very proud of all you all and your efforts.
Bendigedig!!
- The Scarlet Fly
Match Gallery - Caerleon RFC
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