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Wyvern Rugby Club Match Reports
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February 10th 2008
Wyvern 19 - Wellington 15
"Power and pace" was Spud's
response when it was commented that he nearly didn't make it to the line
to touch down for what was the decisive score in a close fought match
against Wellington.
Not for the first time this season
Wyvern found themselves lending the visitors players. On this occasion
it was four, making it 14 per side. With ideal weather and surface
conditions it was a great game of rugby, with both sides making plenty
of breaks and running with the ball.
Wyvern went two tries ahead, with
one conversion, before Wellington came back with two unconverted tries.
This probably reflected the balance of play by half time.
In the second half Wyvern held
their line after some early pressure and thereafter were pressing into
the Wellington half, which lead to Spud's try. Several good breaks by
Wellington were thwarted by Wyvern before a scything run by the
Wellington outside centre brought atry which led to a nerve tingling
last 5 minutes, which actually saw Wyvern pressing for points before the
whistle ended the fray.
Well done to Wellington for
honouring the fixture with only 10. Once again this continues to be a
reflection of the impact of leagues on the social side of rugby.
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January 27th 2008
Wyvern 20 Taunton 3rds 12
The history books will read that
Wyvern beat Taunton 3rds on this mild and sunny winters day. The truth
is [in the opinion of this player] that Wyvern made fewer mistakes and
made more of our chances against a weakened opposition [they came with
11, borrowed four and then lost another leaving them with only 14 for much of
the match]. A cynical view? Yes, maybe, but there wasn't much open
running rugby and there was nothing to rave about in the bar afterwards.
At a positive level we saw Warren
Lewis (in opposition) on a fleeting visit from Spain and there was the
return to the Wyvern fold of Terry Fuckwit, who performed soundly on the
wing. Also back from a long absence was Westy, who was on our side, then
their side, then back on our side again! (Strange thing that ruck and
maul stuff!).
Taz's youth policy saw Alex Bailey
nearly hospitalize opposition skipper Robbie Miller Jnr and Jake Wren
simply tackled everyone else. Well done lads, more student fodder for
you next week at Wiveliscombe! |
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16th December 2007
Wyvern RFC 28 Blake Bears FC 5
The Steppes of the Baltic were probably slightly warmer than Wyvern Park
on Sunday morning when a beleaguered ‘10’ from Bridgwater arrived to
take on the rapidly improving squad that is ‘Wyvern RFC’.
Thanks to Captain Bailey’s ability to call on at least 20 players each
week, a Christmas gesture of goodwill saw him transfer 5 to make it into
a 15 a-side competition. There were some disgruntled comments form some
of the more senior Wyvern players who were anticipating no more than 10
– 15 minutes and then a comfy pint of chestnut gruttock ale, as supplied
by our friendly bar steward Martin ‘I use to play rugby you know’ Reid.
However……
An evenly balanced game started with Bears looking good value with their
own cohort of Wyvern ‘turncoats’ as they pinned the home team back for
large parts of the first half. The first score, slightly against the run
of play, went to Paul ‘Budger’s Best Man’ (apparently that is his name,
it’s just a co-incidence that he was Budgers best man!!) closely
followed by the score of the season so far, a Taz Bailey special.
Alex ‘Young fit Chap’ sprinted up the wing, threw an outrageous dummy or
two, and then passed inside to enable Captain Bailey, lungs burning, to
sprint for the line. Before scoring, he completed a faultless forward
roll, which scored a perfect 10 from the gathered support. Fishy kicked
both goals to go in at half time, 14 nil up.
More of the same in the second half with Paul ‘Budgers Best Man’
completing his brace of tries. Alex ‘Young Fit Chap’ swiftly followed
this score with a superb try which illustrated the poise, guile and pace
that is now becoming a characteristic of the Wyvern play. Fishy
converted both to complete a faultless performance with the boot, only
matched by his faultless passing performance which saw Bench slightly
concussed by a classic Fishy exocet pass and Dave ‘Duke’ Newcombe put in
for two ‘nearly tries’ with two perfect forward passes.
A consolation score was awarded to Bears when the cover defence watched
a very fast winger score!
It was especially pleasing to see both Duke Newcombe and Gus Red Card
remain on the park for the full 80 minutes.
The continued blend of youth and experience ensured a fourth straight
win. All Captain Bailey has to do is to retire some of the ‘old
bastards’ gracefully and his task is complete (apparently Spud won’t go
quietly but Bench is being tempted by the golden f**k Off).
A special mention must go to Martin ‘Howie’ Howe who, as the years
advance, seems more determined to ditch the kicking game in favour of
the ‘running from deep’ game! Well done Howie, still as fit as you were
in the 80’s.
Hopefully more Christmas cheer next week at Minehead (or possibly
Taunton) |
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Somerset Vase
North Wooten RFC 19 Wyvern 20
Cup fever has taken hold!
Following the fabulous bye ‘win’ in the previous round Wyverns mix of
youth, middle age and gnarled old b***erds (yes that’s you Westie) saw
them victorious in an exceptionally tight finish at the home of coarse
rugby Butleigh ‘playing fields’.
Despite the glare of the sun and the hard, cropped pitch, an
entertaining afternoon’s rugby was enjoyed by a crowd that, conservative
estimates put, at six hundred. Wyvern’s accounts will certainly be
swelled by our percentage share of the gate receipts!
Butleigh in the ‘olden days’ used to be regarded as a tour weekend due
to the great distance from Taunton (some rough guesses put the distance
at over 20 miles!) and consequently teams of only 11 or 12 made the
journey North. However ‘Red Leader’ Bailey secured the services of a cup
‘15’ as well as three reserves and a retired old bugger who could watch
and write the match report (eyesight permitting).
A commanding first half saw Wyvern camped in the Wooten ‘22’ for much of
the 40 minutes and record 12 points without reply. The size and pedigree
of the opposition forwards was equalled and upstaged by the Wyvern pack.
Taz Bailey led in his usual style of compassion and empathy, cajoling
and encouraging efforts from every player. Young ‘Bench’, ‘Munch’ and
Taz foraged, tackled and stole Wooten ball at every opportunity, ably
supported by the inimitable Goughy. Wooten eventually succumbed to two
scores. Tiny Budger strolled through a gap created by the Fish (he did
not actually need the gap!) and Goughy pounced on the pressure of Taz
and Young Bench to score a simple touch down. Fishy kicked the easy
conversion whilst he handed over the responsibility of the hard kick to
Howie (who missed, but only just!). A superb first half performance into
a strong wind and thick ‘pampas’ style grass was no more than the Wyvern
deserved.
We were even treated to the odd ‘chicken dipper’ style tackle from
certain members of the team!
A Confident Wyvern started the second half determined to build on the
impressive start. Tactical astuteness (never thought I would say that
about the Wyvern or Taz) saw a match winning decision to take a simple
penalty in front of the posts. Three points might, and did, make all the
difference! Goughy however had to be reigned in to stop him running into
the corner. Red Bull, chocolate and unpasteurized milk is a heady
combination on a Sunday morning!
However Wooten always looked as if they had the capacity to score if a
‘free running’ style was allowed. Two quick tries, one converted, put
pressure on the Wyvern team who responded by tackling harder, running
straighter and clearing up any loose ball. Some precise kicking from The
Fish also kept Wooten pinned back in their ‘22’.
The penultimate score of the day saw Captain Bailey crash over from 10
yards following an excellent take and give from Dougie ‘Dougle’ Wright
at the lineout.
All set for a final dramatic 5 minutes as Wooten scored yet another
breakaway try to move within 1 point of a Wyvern lead that had been two
scores away for 75 minutes!
Wyvern resolve remained and a much deserved Cup win was recorded. On
balance the Wyvern victory was well earned. A big thank you to our hosts
for the day who played rugby just like the Wyvern do, on a Sunday and
just for the fun of it! Hopefully a more regular fixture can be arranged
for the future.
Thanks must also go to the ‘reserve referee' who was encouraged away
from his Sunday pint after the original official failed to show! His
efforts ensured the appalling conditions did not affect the
entertainment of the huge crowd.
A point worth noting was the spread of ages in the team. Young Bench and
Young Tom at just 17 years, and dusty old Westie three times theirsenior
at a reported 51. Such a fact is rather unbelievable but a quick phone
call to Vanessa, Westies boss, has since confirmed that Westie is in
fact 59 and a Grandad!
Statistics that only the Wyvern could muster!
The new Taz Bailey ‘Guinness Man of the Match’ award was presented to
Young Bench aka Jake Wren. Despite the initial excitement of ‘winning’
this new prestigious award it soon dawned on Jake that he had to buy Taz
a pint on the way home at the King Alfred Inn in celebration of the
award! |
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If at First You
Don’t Succeed – Then Try, Try (and Try) Again!!
Wyvern 17 Crewkerne 2nd 0
A blustery and damp Crewkerne RFC welcomed Wyvern to the home of South
Somerset rugby on Sunday at ‘high noon’. Despite a rather testing start
to the season (results wise) Captain Taz Bailey was in upbeat mood about
our chances of securing an inaugural win under his stewardship.
Another batch of new faces greeted tired old stalwarts (Harry, Munch,
Matt T etc) as well as the return of two prodigal sons – Our very own
South African Talisman Heindrick ‘Mandela’ Afrikaner and the
effervescent Jimmy ‘I’ve got a new girlfriend I bought her on the
internet’ Fish, returning from sojourns a la gay Paris!
At last a game that in many ways resembled a proper thirds XV game -
dropped passes, missed tackles, pulled muscles from the warm up (the
walk from the changing rooms), miscued kicks, a 1: 5 slope and cold
showers – coarse rugby at its very best! Butleigh would have been proud
of such a game!
Highlights of the game focused on the tenacity of the Wyvern pack in the
first half – camped in the Crewkerne ‘22’ for virtually the whole half
with tries from the mighty Munch (who noticeably tackled several small
Crewkerne players on his own and several larger ones with some help from
his South African buddy!) who pounced on loose line out ball, dribbled
(its his age) and then, with great balance and verve, fell over the line
to score. Fish converted with consummate ease – our very own Percy
Montgomery.
The Fish then showed a flash of fitness, having press ganged winger
‘young Tom’ into his position at fly half, to regain his breath, he then
received a pass from the marauding Matt Topsham to score in the corner.
Young Tom’s kick was just wide – our very own Jonny Wilkinson!
12 nil up at half time – a position that we were unaccustomed to!
However wise old soothsayer, former Captain Bench, proclaimed ‘Beware
the Ides of Crewkerne’ or more importantly, stay deep because it’s a
very steep slope and a force 8 gale is blowing into our faces. A
stirring team talk to fellow backs implied we were about to lose by 30
points due to our inability to score over 30 with the slope and wind.
Not for the first time in Wyvern history Bench was proved wrong.
Further strong play from the Wyvern pack, aided by the Crewkerne fly
half mistiming several (if not all) of his kicks, led to the only score
of the second half coming from the Wyvern, with secured ball being sent
out to young Tom, via middle aged Tom and watched by old b*****ds
Hughes, Fish and Bench for a great score in the corner.
Taz Bailey also scored a superb goal, however the ref reminded him this
was rugby and drop kicks have to go OVER the bar not under it (just!)
Special mentions to all the new faces including Mark (I think) at prop,
a real cornerstone of the scrum, Will ‘I haven’t played since I was at
school and now I’m 30’, our new incumbent at No 4 (apologies I missed
your name but from now on you will be called young Harry), as well as
the old boys who turn up regardless of personal cost to their ageing
bodies (Harry at 81, the oldest ever player for Wyvern as well as his
son Michael, at 63 a mere whippersnapper).
Taz Bailey must also get a mention for another Captains performance, as
Captain, in inspiring and cajoling weary bodies to get a great and well
deserved result. The ever changing nature of the Wyvern squad is
testament to a lot of hard work on the telephone. Taz has even been
known to ring squad members late on Saturday night to ensure attendance
for the Sunday fixture!!
A special cheer for ‘Foxy’ our pretty ‘guest’ physiotherapist who looked
after several injuries (more injuries than usual I thought!) – Thank you
Foxy – as well as Mr Referee who really entered into the spirit of the
game!
Onwards and upwards Wyvern!
Captain Bench (former player)
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30th September 2007
Heartbreak for Wyvern as they lose the game in the
final 60 minutes…
Wellington 45 – Wyvern 5
A wyvern team still bewildered that they were actually a full team with
replacements graced the hollowed turf of Wellington’s main pitch on
Sunday morning.
After the initial shock of former Captain John Wren not only turning up
to play (he never did for poor Moley!) but also cycling to Wellington in
what only can be described as fetish wear, an eager side mixed with
youth, experience and hangovers took to the field.
After an excellent kick off from Tom (I’ll play for anybody and
everybody) Bailey (well I know he’s a relative of some sort), Wyvern
launched an early attack leading to the first try of the game scored by
Jamie (when I was captain we beat Wellington!) Pollard. This was
particularly poignant for Jamie as both his girlfriend and his mum were
watching!
Despite the positive start, the Wyvern forwards could never really match
Wellington in the loose, Wellington turning over more ball than not.
Frustration started to creep into the Wyvern side leading to Moley (why
did any of you turn up for me when I was Captain/I’m not bitter) Freeman
giving away a silly penalty just in side the Wyvern half. Both Taz (If
the Captaincy is this easy I will definitely do it next season too)
Bailey and the referee ensured that Moley was told off schoolboy stylely.
A few scores from Wellington followed!
Despite the onslaught of Wellington, some new faces got their first
Wyvern cap – Doug and Jim both impressed in the loose and both John and
Farley kept Moley company in the front row – we hope to see them next
week!
Towards the end of the game, Wyverns fitness started to show with John
(I’m actually Fijian) Welsh and Moley (its my knee, honestly) leaving
the field for treatment/a rest. Never fear, Lois was on hand to rub down
parts that as far as I was concerned did not need rubbing down – it was
nice though! Actually she wanted to experiment with the new message oils
kindly offered by Ian (don’t panic, nothing to see hear, I’m a medic)
Scovell.
These two great losses did not deter Wyvern, they put Ben (I’ve not got
a drink problem) Goddard on the wing which proved most entertaining and
Wyvern stalwart Westie provided some fresh(ish) legs in the front row.
There are rumours that Fishy will be making a return to the fold next
week, but he may have to prove his worth by playing for the Wyvern 2nd
XV (we’ll soon have enough players for one) first!
Another loss but all in all a very positive day for young and old!
Dr Moley
Wyvern Former Captains Support Group |
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23rd September 2007
Wyvern See Red and Taunton Ambulance Service
Relocates to Hyde Park…
Taunton 21 Wyvern 0
It was obvious that the Wyvern’s new owner (Roland A-Ratavitch) had
given new Wyvern Captain Taz ‘Jose – I’m the real special one’ Bailey
plenty of cash to splash over the summer. Two late comers to the
changing room Moley ‘I’m not drinking whiskey and port again’ Freeman
and Jamie ‘this is the last time I let Moley stink my car out’ Pollard,
were greeted by new and enthusiastic faces for the ever popular Taunton
fixture.
After the usual pre-match warm-up (the walk from the changing room to
the pitch) the match kicked off to an energetic start, Taunton striking
with an early try. Wyvern did not get down hearted – the strong pack was
a good mix of experience with Big H and Ian ‘thank God I’m a medic’
holding firm in the second row and new faces fronting up in the front
row. Unfortunately, 10 minutes in Wyvern were struck with an injury blow
to new prop Dave who fell awkwardly after a scrum collapsed. Thankfully,
there was plenty more new blood (so to speak) to fill any gaps. Hope to
see you next week Dave…
Mid-way through the half saw the first serious injury of the day…Robbie
‘give me some gas’ Miller hurting his back. Thankfully, there was
already an ambulance ready and waiting which was seeing to somebody from
the mini and junior section. They filled the gap until Robbie’s personal
ambulance skidded on to the pitch to take him away. After everybody had
had there fair share of the NHS gas, the game kicked off again. It was
only after 10 minutes that Wyvern recognised Westie ‘these new boots
should last 3 more seasons’ Westwood playing for Taunton?! This
confusion meant Wyvern let another Taunton try in.
No matter, Wyvern re-grouped at half time and started the second half
well. Unfortunately, a couple of handing errors gifted Taunton their
third try.
Wyvern kept up the pressure but gave Taunton the opportunity to
counter-attack. Taunton’s full back was going full pace when he met
Wyvern’s new Hooker Gus ‘I’ll tackle him’ Fraser. A hard right shoulder
and unfortunate clash of heads saw Taunton’s man KO’d before he hit the
ground. Some quick thinking by Wyverns second row Ian, and both sets
players, ensured he was well looked after. The third ambulance of the
day arrived in record time and we all hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Gus then made a little bit of history – he became only the second man in
Wyvern’s history to be sent off and the match was ended there. The
referee’s reaction was a little harsh on Gus who had shown great promise
throughout the game and there was no malice meant in the tackle. He
handled the situation very well and we look forward to playing with him
once his ban is completed!
Despite the unfortunate score line and the injured bodies strewn across
the pitch, the game was a played in good spirit and was a good run out
for new and old (Johnny Wren!!) faces.
Role on Wellington…
Moley
Wyvern Promotions PLC |
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