Incoming Tour, Bowden RFC and Sidmouth RFC

Evesham U12s welcomed two touring teams to our home ground on Saturday; Bowden from Cheshire and Sidmouth from Devon. Both brought large squads (25+ each), and with Evesham’s numbers reduced due to an ever-increasing injury list as well as some players away on “football” duties, it was bound to be a busy morning for the 16 brave players who turned up to warm up in the snow!
Squad on the Day:

Aris, Cochrane, Cross, Duberley, Gilderson, Hawkins, Hoare, LeMezac, Merrall (Capt), Mullen, Neal, Pearce, Roberts, Smith, Tinson, Tracey.

The format was agreed, each club playing the other in a 2 x 15 minute match, allowing our visitors to rotate their players so that everyone got lots of rugby. Sidmouth’s referee agreed to officiate the matches, much to the relief of all, and did a fantastic job throughout the day.

Game 1: Evesham vs Bowden.
As usual, a tale of two halves. The first 15 minutes saw some excellent running rugby enabled by solid work from the forwards. 4-1 to Evesham in the first half.

Early in the second half, an interception gave Bowden an early try, and the Evesham lads were spooked. Another well-worked try from the visitors finally woke the lads up, and they realised that playing for and with each other was better than arguing and flapping. The forwards began to assert themselves, and the backs got creative with the quick ball that came their way, scoring two tries to equal the second half 2-2.
Final score 6-3

Game 2: Evesham vs Sidmouth
After a break to watch our visitors play each other and a motivational talk from Colonel Gilderson and Lance Corporal Cross, the lads took to the pitch for their second match looking like they meant business.

Early exchanges reinforced the dominance of the forwards who were now growing in confidence; carrying the ball when appropriate, and securing quick ball for the backs when sufficient opposing players had been drawn in to the ruck. This gave the backs space to express themselves, and time in between moves to check their hair and make up.

Some individual try scoring going on through direct, strong running, as well as some great team efforts. The highlight amongst these was a quick ruck ball won, whipped out by Aris to Cochrane, then quick hands through Gilderson and Cross on to Pearce on the wing to stroll the ball in.

Notable try scoring from Aris, Roberts, Cochrane, Smith (superb charge down, then presence of mind to dot down the bobbling ball) amongst others.
Final score: 10-0

Merrall led the team well all morning, ensuring the lads stayed in line and on side, and once again put in a proper captain’s shift. His roaring “three cheers” at the end of each game was worthy of King Leonidas himself.

The highlight of the day, and what hosting touring teams is all about, happened inside the clubhouse. After a quick shower, the Evesham players looked resplendent in their club polo shirts (except Pearce. Noted, and fine prepared) and welcomed their visitors in to their club. The rugby mums had prepared a superb lunch for everyone, and the players sat with their new friends and enjoyed hot dogs, burgers, coleslaw and salad. There was even enough pig and cow to keep all the parents satisfied, and the bar was open by now to ensure everyone could also quench their thirst.

Special thanks to Mummy Mullen, Mummy Wycherley and Mummy Tinson who organised the food (including an impromptu breakfast for the 1st XV), as well as all the others who prepared and donated food or helped on the day.

Man of the Match (chosen and presented by Bowden): Gazzell-derson, for direct running, accurate kicking (including catching one of his own punts over the top of the defence for a try) and the best hair.

Clubman Award (if we had one): Slippery Wycherley, for turning up with his wrist in plaster and helping all morning in the kitchen, keeping the first team in check during breakfast, and supporting his teammates from the touchline. He couldn’t stop his bottom lip from wobbling, but we can’t have everything.