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Match Report - David Munns Style
Mike Brown9 Mar - 18:21
“Don’t let the sun go down on me.” – Elton John - 1974
In a week where I have finally found a key role at the club as towel holder and hair gel screw top opener to the legends it’s a home game as the season counts down. It is also ladies day which coincides with international women’s day but doesn’t clash with the England rugby fixture but looks to be one of the warmest days of the year so far. Not suggesting that this is all very lucky but hats off to the organisation committee to align all of the moving parts for this one.
As always this report benefits from a midweek visit to the club for the usual colorful conversation and insight as well as a stretch of mind and body. Despite being Brettless we are treated to a cracking sunset as the gym session draws to a close, not saying it was like film credits but I’m sure someone said something like the smell of parmo from the kitchen in the late evening air, smells like victory. Great to see various youth sections training on the AGP with ample support on our warm down wander as the senior’s mill about and Scotty works his magic in the treatment room. It’s been tough going for the Green and Whites recently with away fixtures against the top half, from eye witness reports fair to say we battled hard but second half momentum and clinical finishing took the games away. It seems that all of the teams are gaining points of some sort which keeps us still looking up so it’s keep working away, developing the skill set and squad cohesion.
I arrive with time in hand (surprise) as the club house is in full swing with tunes and refreshments flowing, not feeling strong enough to attempt the bar I check out the warm up and select the usual bench on the mount. It’s a warm sunny day with a light breeze blowing up to the mount, as many comment its quite refreshing once leaving the club house end which is barmy in more than one sense of the word. Preston stay out to warm up and make the most of the sun but jog in when the Billingham finishers wander out and bib up in the dugout area. Back out quickly it’s Preston in white with thin dark blue hoops, dark blue shorts followed by the Green and White. Officials follow in a very punchy statement pink.
All line up at half way for a minutes silence to remember Poppy Atkinson victim in the Kendal rugby club crash and one of the Billingham rugby family Barbara Beeston who passed away on Tuesday. Barbara was willing volunteer at home, I remember getting cornered for raffle tickets more than once and a regular travelling supporter as part of the team bus regulars, I bet she has seen some sights in her time. Barbara and Bernie bounced off each other, an inseparable joint package and of course Bernie was by Barbara’s side on Tuesday.
A moment of stillness in the sunshine marked by all, ends with a whistle and the day switches back into party mode with beachcombers on the balcony, slammers in the stand and the odd cosmopolitan on the mount. One of the many pens at the ready, let’s see how this pans out and its game on.
Billingham kick off towards the club house and into the light breeze, Preston collect and return the ball into Billingham hands. A couple of breakdowns in Billingham set up the backs but Nathan Myers goes route one round the ruck, making good ground Preston cover and get hands over the ball forcing Billingham to clear out illegally with a roll. Penalty to Preston who clear into touch half way, line out ball is clean as they hoist one of their tall second rows into the air and then along the line. They keep the ball tight slowly making inroads through the forwards but knock on allowing Peter Evans to pop a 50:20 down field. It’s a catch and drive from Billingham that leads to a series of penalties as Billingham look to keep the pressure on, Preston fiddling with the ball to stop a quick take and the man in the middle has a quick word to calm it all down. AJ picks from the scrum but Preston hold the line getting hands in it’s a penalty in front of the club house and Preston exit to touch over the stand roof. Line out is good and Preston pop it up field, Elliott Husband has time to collect then set off, Preston infringe and we are down into the stand side corner. Line out ball and Billingham get a hand to it but no control its drops to Preston to collect and the forward breaks out. It’s the forwards eager to carry the ball moving Preston up the pitch as Billingham look to cover and the arm is aloft for a high tackle. This allows Preston to send one into the top corner stand side and the twin towers wander up to the line out, not straight indicated by the pinky. Solid scrumaging by Billingham allows the breakout along the line, penalty allows further momentum into the corner for Billingham. It’s see saw action at the moment as both teams have had advantageous field position but the defence is holding firm. Its Preston’s turn to steal the line out and then hammer a long kick up field, Jonny Horner gets a hand to the ball but it goes backwards towards the dead ball area he collects and sends it into touch as the chasers gather. Preston collect the line out ball and look to stretch the Billingham line, as they look back in field the ball carrier is held up and as maul is signaled Billingham seal off. Billingham move the ball quickly from the resulting scrum to get the wide men into the game, Louis Groak with a trademark strong canter as Billingham knock on. The ebb and flow continues as both sides search for that elusive break, punctuated by penalties there’s a lot of effort going into keeping the score level. Billingham have a penalty from a scrum and a quick tap then a long pass sets Jo Scarborough away on the stand side, Preston close the options down quick. It’s looking lively out wide with JH, Scabs and Groaky all asking questions but it’s a Nathan Myers punt and chase which livens up the balcony as Preston cover and a breather is taken for running repairs and a quick slurp (that the crowd not the players). Billingham scrum and its out wide then a switch back across to Dan Burns on the wing, the forwards secure as Preston look to poach and Jamie Lane keeps the ball moving. It’s an overload on one side and as Preston look to cover the outside Adam Brown see’s a gap and romps in to open the scoring. Converted by Peter Evans the home team wake the scoreboard up for 7 – 0.
Preston kick off and Tom Campbell secures, Billingham look to move it out and a deft pass from Harry Beadling posts Nathan into space but with most of the pitch to cover he gets over half way then looks to pass. Preston intercept and its back the other way until Billingham tackle high so to the corner we go again. Preston look to send the forwards round the corner as they are in prime position and edge towards the line but then knock on which Jamie explains to the nearest Preston player by looking up at the Preston second row’s chest. Billingham put into the scrum but Preston well in Billingham territory after double reset plus commentary from Preston its AJ pick and go. Preston steal the ball a pacey winger eludes a couple of tackles then the forwards combine, good hands and footwork from the big boys to go over but not grounded. Billingham drop out stays within the 22 so Preston regroup. Looks like they have a little bit of uncle Mo, but it’s a forward pass near the line(unseen) and then a bobble/juggle and its lost. Billingham switch the ball across to the stand side and Scabs is off up the line, a Preston reach and tap tackle puts him into touch or he was into clean air. Preston collect the line out but close the line so Billingham move up the pitch, a low throw allows a chance for Billingham as Luke Wilson has a half gap but a pass back inside goes astray. Its back for a penalty middle of the pitch so the sticks are selected and Peter puts it down the middle which ends a breathless half of action at 10 – 0 to the hosts.
Half time gives everyone a chance to stretch the legs, gather the thoughts, and engage in conversation with visiting and regular support. It’s very busy at the downstairs corner bar but refreshments are collected, thanks to the bar staff who confirm my gold card number which I can’t remember myself. There is a suggestion from a regular reader that I should throw some poetry into the match report but there once was a man with a pen, who attended a match now and then, he usually was late, his spelling wasn’t great, so let’s not make the match report longer again.
Back to the mount with refreshments for the second half and some pen, clipboard, glasses, drink multitasking. As the Green and Whites play with the wind and towards the mount in the second half it’s a good crowd as the usual suspects stay and those expecting a grandstand finish appear. There are key periods across the game but either side of half time seems to be a good indicator for the green and White fortunes so here we go. Preston kick off low towards the club house, Billingham collect and move the ball up the pitch, advantage for a high tackle is brought back. Line out halfway gives Billingham a platform AJ into the line with a charge and the forward grafting to allow that quick ball. It’s a charged down kick that is re-collect by Billingham that leads to an unexpected break but Preston pounce on the isolated player to get over the ball, the arm goes up. Any loose play or half chance in the breakdown both teams are quick to cash in, it’s a real tussle to keep the ball available for each team so full shifts from the big boys in the sun. With the size and strength of Preston they have a very clean game plan and execute well in the corners, pop the ball in then from the line out catch and drive or rolling maul, very hard to defend against. When the first attempt doesn’t work despite a few offloads then penalty into the corner again and the second rolling maul does plus the conversion which creeps over banishes the doughnut for the visitors 10 – 7.
Billingham kick off and Preston don’t mess about with a straight exit kick, Tom Campbell secures then across the pitch as Billingham look to get back in the groove. High tackle gives a further line out and as Billingham stretch the defence its just out of Groak at pace fingertips so its back for a free kick. A quick tap and go creates space as Brown goes close but the ball pops out, AJ collects and wanders over but its back for a scrum Preston ball under their own posts. Billingham too eager as Preston clear their lines and Harry B switches for Dan Dixon back on with the long jog to the stand side. Preston have a couple of phases so opt to box kick, Billingham move the ball and Joe Ross draws the cover over to the stand side then a cheeky inside kick to chase that Preston cover well. Arm aloft and Preston can again move down the pitch with a long belt into touch. Preston vary the attack moving the ball quickly form the line out then although the option looked blind side, they then switch back tight to the stand side breaking down for a scrum deep in the Billingham half. At the scrum Preston get the nudge and force Billingham to get it moving quickly, ball is moved out to the dugout side line with Scabs collecting, he drifts past the first defender then gasses the second and it’s a foot race to the line. Preston cover catches up so safety first as Scabs cleanly passes in field to the supporting runner and Jaime finishes just to the side of the sticks. Balance and speed to make the break and then support options running in the finish from the young guns, a slightly older Peter converts for 17 – 7.
Its Preston to restart as Billingham look to build upon that end to end score, Nathan Myers with a strong charge before Peter puts boot to ball. Kicks are exchanged as it all gets a bit cagey allowing Preston to field a long one with time, the full back sets up goes down the stand side, missed tackles on the wing allow him space then and inside pass to a winger who has looked dangerous all game and Preston respond immediately. Conversion missed but at 17 – 12 who knows where this one is going.
Billingham kick off deep and Preston drop the ball, backwards so its play on but Billingham get over the ball as Pinky raises his arm. It’s enough for another chat as the kick goes right into the corner despite the Preston views of its going dead. Billingham set up from the line out, Burns and Dixon set it up with Jamie and Peter keeping it moving. It’s hot hands to keep it alive and full graft to stop the Preston counter. Arm up for a high tackle as Billingham look overload stand side but Peter steps back inside and shimmies in under the posts. Its 24 – 12 as Peter converts his own try.
Preston pop up a short one and retrieve leaving Matty White down so when play is stopped for attention it’s good to see him get up. As action resumes its into the corner again for Preston who have several chances as they pummel the line, the arm is out several times as Preston continue but it takes a runner from deep to brake the whitewash, converted Preston once again narrow the gap to 24 – 19.
Billingham kick off and Preston send in back for the line out, scrappy ball and Billingham get a free kick. Tap and go as JR looks for away through on the stand side, Preston collect but knock on. At the scrum Preston are pinged and it’s into the corner, line out ball secured by Tom C it’s the forwards to have a go with Nathan going close as it’s all in the stand side corner. Several attempts as Preston gather to defend and Billingham set up. Peter with the ball turns and kick passes right into the dugout corner with Scabs there to handle a tricky just in play grounding. Touch judge is happy as the try is given. Peter takes his time with the kick which crosses in front of the posts, 29 – 19 to the home side with about 5 – 10 minutes left.
Preston kick off switching to the stand side, Billingham collect then set to phasing the ball to retain posetion as the clock ticks down. It’s up your jumper time which must be very hard with these tight strips but it’s controlled to keep Preston hands away and no penalties. When confirmed that time has ticked away the ball is pumped towards Greenwood road and the whistle sounds.
Really handy points for the Green and Whites but another illustration of the squad development over the season which is always a key objective in any league, but this is full on national 2 rugby a very unforgiving league. We continue to develop the skill set, the tactical awareness, completion for places and the game craft as a squad and as a club. I did make it into the bar area after the match fleetingly as it was rammed and I did feel over dressed, perhaps it was the heels.
No time in this report for call them budgie smugglers, it’s going to get messy, Friday fire action, did my balls go in that draw, where to eat in Norton, effort is free of charge, by mutual agreement, trying to get the screw top off, excuse bingo and waiter there’s a fly in my San Miguel.
“Believe me; the reward is not so great without the struggle.”
– Wilma Rudolph
An innocent bystander.
As always this report benefits from a midweek visit to the club for the usual colorful conversation and insight as well as a stretch of mind and body. Despite being Brettless we are treated to a cracking sunset as the gym session draws to a close, not saying it was like film credits but I’m sure someone said something like the smell of parmo from the kitchen in the late evening air, smells like victory. Great to see various youth sections training on the AGP with ample support on our warm down wander as the senior’s mill about and Scotty works his magic in the treatment room. It’s been tough going for the Green and Whites recently with away fixtures against the top half, from eye witness reports fair to say we battled hard but second half momentum and clinical finishing took the games away. It seems that all of the teams are gaining points of some sort which keeps us still looking up so it’s keep working away, developing the skill set and squad cohesion.
I arrive with time in hand (surprise) as the club house is in full swing with tunes and refreshments flowing, not feeling strong enough to attempt the bar I check out the warm up and select the usual bench on the mount. It’s a warm sunny day with a light breeze blowing up to the mount, as many comment its quite refreshing once leaving the club house end which is barmy in more than one sense of the word. Preston stay out to warm up and make the most of the sun but jog in when the Billingham finishers wander out and bib up in the dugout area. Back out quickly it’s Preston in white with thin dark blue hoops, dark blue shorts followed by the Green and White. Officials follow in a very punchy statement pink.
All line up at half way for a minutes silence to remember Poppy Atkinson victim in the Kendal rugby club crash and one of the Billingham rugby family Barbara Beeston who passed away on Tuesday. Barbara was willing volunteer at home, I remember getting cornered for raffle tickets more than once and a regular travelling supporter as part of the team bus regulars, I bet she has seen some sights in her time. Barbara and Bernie bounced off each other, an inseparable joint package and of course Bernie was by Barbara’s side on Tuesday.
A moment of stillness in the sunshine marked by all, ends with a whistle and the day switches back into party mode with beachcombers on the balcony, slammers in the stand and the odd cosmopolitan on the mount. One of the many pens at the ready, let’s see how this pans out and its game on.
Billingham kick off towards the club house and into the light breeze, Preston collect and return the ball into Billingham hands. A couple of breakdowns in Billingham set up the backs but Nathan Myers goes route one round the ruck, making good ground Preston cover and get hands over the ball forcing Billingham to clear out illegally with a roll. Penalty to Preston who clear into touch half way, line out ball is clean as they hoist one of their tall second rows into the air and then along the line. They keep the ball tight slowly making inroads through the forwards but knock on allowing Peter Evans to pop a 50:20 down field. It’s a catch and drive from Billingham that leads to a series of penalties as Billingham look to keep the pressure on, Preston fiddling with the ball to stop a quick take and the man in the middle has a quick word to calm it all down. AJ picks from the scrum but Preston hold the line getting hands in it’s a penalty in front of the club house and Preston exit to touch over the stand roof. Line out is good and Preston pop it up field, Elliott Husband has time to collect then set off, Preston infringe and we are down into the stand side corner. Line out ball and Billingham get a hand to it but no control its drops to Preston to collect and the forward breaks out. It’s the forwards eager to carry the ball moving Preston up the pitch as Billingham look to cover and the arm is aloft for a high tackle. This allows Preston to send one into the top corner stand side and the twin towers wander up to the line out, not straight indicated by the pinky. Solid scrumaging by Billingham allows the breakout along the line, penalty allows further momentum into the corner for Billingham. It’s see saw action at the moment as both teams have had advantageous field position but the defence is holding firm. Its Preston’s turn to steal the line out and then hammer a long kick up field, Jonny Horner gets a hand to the ball but it goes backwards towards the dead ball area he collects and sends it into touch as the chasers gather. Preston collect the line out ball and look to stretch the Billingham line, as they look back in field the ball carrier is held up and as maul is signaled Billingham seal off. Billingham move the ball quickly from the resulting scrum to get the wide men into the game, Louis Groak with a trademark strong canter as Billingham knock on. The ebb and flow continues as both sides search for that elusive break, punctuated by penalties there’s a lot of effort going into keeping the score level. Billingham have a penalty from a scrum and a quick tap then a long pass sets Jo Scarborough away on the stand side, Preston close the options down quick. It’s looking lively out wide with JH, Scabs and Groaky all asking questions but it’s a Nathan Myers punt and chase which livens up the balcony as Preston cover and a breather is taken for running repairs and a quick slurp (that the crowd not the players). Billingham scrum and its out wide then a switch back across to Dan Burns on the wing, the forwards secure as Preston look to poach and Jamie Lane keeps the ball moving. It’s an overload on one side and as Preston look to cover the outside Adam Brown see’s a gap and romps in to open the scoring. Converted by Peter Evans the home team wake the scoreboard up for 7 – 0.
Preston kick off and Tom Campbell secures, Billingham look to move it out and a deft pass from Harry Beadling posts Nathan into space but with most of the pitch to cover he gets over half way then looks to pass. Preston intercept and its back the other way until Billingham tackle high so to the corner we go again. Preston look to send the forwards round the corner as they are in prime position and edge towards the line but then knock on which Jamie explains to the nearest Preston player by looking up at the Preston second row’s chest. Billingham put into the scrum but Preston well in Billingham territory after double reset plus commentary from Preston its AJ pick and go. Preston steal the ball a pacey winger eludes a couple of tackles then the forwards combine, good hands and footwork from the big boys to go over but not grounded. Billingham drop out stays within the 22 so Preston regroup. Looks like they have a little bit of uncle Mo, but it’s a forward pass near the line(unseen) and then a bobble/juggle and its lost. Billingham switch the ball across to the stand side and Scabs is off up the line, a Preston reach and tap tackle puts him into touch or he was into clean air. Preston collect the line out but close the line so Billingham move up the pitch, a low throw allows a chance for Billingham as Luke Wilson has a half gap but a pass back inside goes astray. Its back for a penalty middle of the pitch so the sticks are selected and Peter puts it down the middle which ends a breathless half of action at 10 – 0 to the hosts.
Half time gives everyone a chance to stretch the legs, gather the thoughts, and engage in conversation with visiting and regular support. It’s very busy at the downstairs corner bar but refreshments are collected, thanks to the bar staff who confirm my gold card number which I can’t remember myself. There is a suggestion from a regular reader that I should throw some poetry into the match report but there once was a man with a pen, who attended a match now and then, he usually was late, his spelling wasn’t great, so let’s not make the match report longer again.
Back to the mount with refreshments for the second half and some pen, clipboard, glasses, drink multitasking. As the Green and Whites play with the wind and towards the mount in the second half it’s a good crowd as the usual suspects stay and those expecting a grandstand finish appear. There are key periods across the game but either side of half time seems to be a good indicator for the green and White fortunes so here we go. Preston kick off low towards the club house, Billingham collect and move the ball up the pitch, advantage for a high tackle is brought back. Line out halfway gives Billingham a platform AJ into the line with a charge and the forward grafting to allow that quick ball. It’s a charged down kick that is re-collect by Billingham that leads to an unexpected break but Preston pounce on the isolated player to get over the ball, the arm goes up. Any loose play or half chance in the breakdown both teams are quick to cash in, it’s a real tussle to keep the ball available for each team so full shifts from the big boys in the sun. With the size and strength of Preston they have a very clean game plan and execute well in the corners, pop the ball in then from the line out catch and drive or rolling maul, very hard to defend against. When the first attempt doesn’t work despite a few offloads then penalty into the corner again and the second rolling maul does plus the conversion which creeps over banishes the doughnut for the visitors 10 – 7.
Billingham kick off and Preston don’t mess about with a straight exit kick, Tom Campbell secures then across the pitch as Billingham look to get back in the groove. High tackle gives a further line out and as Billingham stretch the defence its just out of Groak at pace fingertips so its back for a free kick. A quick tap and go creates space as Brown goes close but the ball pops out, AJ collects and wanders over but its back for a scrum Preston ball under their own posts. Billingham too eager as Preston clear their lines and Harry B switches for Dan Dixon back on with the long jog to the stand side. Preston have a couple of phases so opt to box kick, Billingham move the ball and Joe Ross draws the cover over to the stand side then a cheeky inside kick to chase that Preston cover well. Arm aloft and Preston can again move down the pitch with a long belt into touch. Preston vary the attack moving the ball quickly form the line out then although the option looked blind side, they then switch back tight to the stand side breaking down for a scrum deep in the Billingham half. At the scrum Preston get the nudge and force Billingham to get it moving quickly, ball is moved out to the dugout side line with Scabs collecting, he drifts past the first defender then gasses the second and it’s a foot race to the line. Preston cover catches up so safety first as Scabs cleanly passes in field to the supporting runner and Jaime finishes just to the side of the sticks. Balance and speed to make the break and then support options running in the finish from the young guns, a slightly older Peter converts for 17 – 7.
Its Preston to restart as Billingham look to build upon that end to end score, Nathan Myers with a strong charge before Peter puts boot to ball. Kicks are exchanged as it all gets a bit cagey allowing Preston to field a long one with time, the full back sets up goes down the stand side, missed tackles on the wing allow him space then and inside pass to a winger who has looked dangerous all game and Preston respond immediately. Conversion missed but at 17 – 12 who knows where this one is going.
Billingham kick off deep and Preston drop the ball, backwards so its play on but Billingham get over the ball as Pinky raises his arm. It’s enough for another chat as the kick goes right into the corner despite the Preston views of its going dead. Billingham set up from the line out, Burns and Dixon set it up with Jamie and Peter keeping it moving. It’s hot hands to keep it alive and full graft to stop the Preston counter. Arm up for a high tackle as Billingham look overload stand side but Peter steps back inside and shimmies in under the posts. Its 24 – 12 as Peter converts his own try.
Preston pop up a short one and retrieve leaving Matty White down so when play is stopped for attention it’s good to see him get up. As action resumes its into the corner again for Preston who have several chances as they pummel the line, the arm is out several times as Preston continue but it takes a runner from deep to brake the whitewash, converted Preston once again narrow the gap to 24 – 19.
Billingham kick off and Preston send in back for the line out, scrappy ball and Billingham get a free kick. Tap and go as JR looks for away through on the stand side, Preston collect but knock on. At the scrum Preston are pinged and it’s into the corner, line out ball secured by Tom C it’s the forwards to have a go with Nathan going close as it’s all in the stand side corner. Several attempts as Preston gather to defend and Billingham set up. Peter with the ball turns and kick passes right into the dugout corner with Scabs there to handle a tricky just in play grounding. Touch judge is happy as the try is given. Peter takes his time with the kick which crosses in front of the posts, 29 – 19 to the home side with about 5 – 10 minutes left.
Preston kick off switching to the stand side, Billingham collect then set to phasing the ball to retain posetion as the clock ticks down. It’s up your jumper time which must be very hard with these tight strips but it’s controlled to keep Preston hands away and no penalties. When confirmed that time has ticked away the ball is pumped towards Greenwood road and the whistle sounds.
Really handy points for the Green and Whites but another illustration of the squad development over the season which is always a key objective in any league, but this is full on national 2 rugby a very unforgiving league. We continue to develop the skill set, the tactical awareness, completion for places and the game craft as a squad and as a club. I did make it into the bar area after the match fleetingly as it was rammed and I did feel over dressed, perhaps it was the heels.
No time in this report for call them budgie smugglers, it’s going to get messy, Friday fire action, did my balls go in that draw, where to eat in Norton, effort is free of charge, by mutual agreement, trying to get the screw top off, excuse bingo and waiter there’s a fly in my San Miguel.
“Believe me; the reward is not so great without the struggle.”
– Wilma Rudolph
An innocent bystander.
Further reading