U14’s NLD journey ends…………

Omens weren’t good when the curtains were opened yesterday morning and the rain was falling steadily. However, once players, parents and supporters all met up at the MSP; had a bacon cob, we were in good spirits as we boarded the coach to wind our way to Spalding. One of the coaches was looking very pasty and showing obvious signs of alcohol intoxication, with symptoms worsening as we travelled for nearly 2 hours; not once on a straight bit of road! Trying to keep the boys off the fizzy pop and sweets during the journey proved a challenge, but we eventually arrived…………………….. at the wrong ground! A hastily updated Sat Nav took us to the correct venue, and despite a short Mexican stand-off with a van, we were welcomed by Spalding.

There were a few nerves starting to show, but once the boys had their new shirts on and started running through pre-match routines, we were good to go. The game seemed to pass very quickly with both sides evenly matched and the score bounced around with only a point in it for large parts of the match. Spalding eventually got the decisive score and won the match 27 – 21.

Despite their disappointment, the boys dusted themselves off, got clean(ish), put their shirts and ties back on and entered into the post-match hospitality laid on for us. Suitably refreshed, we all got back on the bus for the return trip to Melbourne. Plenty of singing on the way back, with some parents perhaps learning more about their sons than they did at the start of the day!! Who knew what you could get at that old department store……………..

Whilst obviously disappointed, a great day out was had by all, and the boys have gained further experience as they proceed along their rugby journey.

Good luck to Spalding who now face Scunthorpe in the final.