An always warm welcome was made even warmer by the glow of Graham Scott’s cardigan which had been purchased in the sale from the Basra branch of Greenwoods. A true fashion icon and reminiscent of the Starsky and Hutch genre.

West had travelled with only 17 players after the standard Saturday cry offs and were already players down for more genuine reasons, for example Jon Cole who was unable to play because he was awaiting the delivery of a Hot Tub. As it transpired after the removal of walls, doors and fences the company who were delivering the Hot Tub brought the wrong one which was of huge disappointment to Coley who was sat in his garden in his newly opened Speedos awaiting his first dip. Quite a sight.

The back line was quite a sight to see, Bren Baggs slotting in to 9 with consummate ease and Moon Corrigan starting at 10. The selection of Moon had the feeling of Brexit, a good idea at the time only to realise what a mess it was in practice.

The centre partnership of Scott of the Cardigan, partnering the ever vocal Jones with the Willow the Wisp figure of Graham Frankland on one wing, Nige (I’m on the TV in a Panda Car you know) Bulmer on the other and Titch who had kindly been provided with a booster seat for the trip in the taxi.

In the pack, stalwarts Hamilton and Southern took their place in the front row with the ever interesting Hadwen regaling all with stories of bar fights in Yates.

In the row Churchill Tyers packed down with the workhorse Dickson in a solid looking unit with the back row of Graham ‘Geoff Boycott’ Bulmer, Banny Doatman and Little Cam who was sporting a fine aaron cardigan post-match.

The finishers on the wood looked like an awesome with the pairing of Hart and Dixon ready to operate anywhere on the paddock.

West kicked off with the strong breeze behind them but despite this Novos took the lead after some poor defending. West struck back with a fine 30cm effort from Little Cam – conversion missed. West then struck again with a beautiful blindside move with Nige Bulmer touching down in the right hand side corner.  Baggs converting to make it 12-5.

Novos then attacked West and spread the ball wide to their speedy winger and full back who managed a try a piece making the score 17-12.

Half time 19-12 to us (got a bit lost with scores now)

We then played the most perfect 40 mins of rugby into the wind with some mindblowing pick and drive stuff that would grace any DVD highlights package.

Anyway we won 31-24.

Off field support was of the highest order with Jukes and Copper providing Ref guidance (not as good as Tony Macaroni mind) and TM duties respectively.  Robins selection of post-match beverage was quality with the St Étienne Premium Lager and the Sir Galahad the order of the day – beautiful.

In the club house there was the inaugural presentation of the Greig Cavey Commercial Limited Vets man of the match by Simon Cavey (who was sadly still suffering from a career threatening injury 7 years ago to his upper left eye lash from which he has still not recovered) which was jointly awarded to 2 recipients Brendan Baggs and Graeme Southern for their sterling efforts.

A fine day was had by all and special mention to Morgan Hamilton for organising the day – on to the next one!