Spud moved to Prop, Clergy & Glyn shuffled to the second row, Old man Larkin started at 7 (full of man flu) and the two late cry on's Lindridge and Baggsy's mate James, went to 8 & 6
Despite the re-shuffle, we had a great warm up which prepared us for kick off. Within 5 minutes we were on the scoreboard. Great Stags forward play saw Lindridge pick and go, fed to Tyo who chipped through. With a couple of ricochets, West dived on the ball to recover before a couple of tight carries saw Larkin dive over the whitewash for the first score. Zac converting 0 - 7
Shortly after the kick-off saw Glyn Pickering come off the paddock with a knee injury. As we had no forward replacements, this meant Tyo came off his wing and went into the second row, with our only replacement Baggs going to the wing.
However, this didn’t stop the momentum and West were on the attack again. Some great carries by the forwards, Spud, Clergy, Lindridge & James in particular saw the ball come out to Larkin just inside the Acklam half. Still with plenty to do, he drew in two defenders and offloaded to the supporting Painter who crossed for his first of the day. Zac missing the conversion due to the team manager not getting the tee on quick enough as he was already in physio mode treating an injury and also waterboy at the same time!
Acklam responded in the 20th minute by making use of their rather large forward pack. Conversion missed 5-12
Five minutes later, West scored again. A kick into the Acklam 22 gave Acklam the lineout. However, the Stags countered the maul/ruck and came out with the ball. The ball was fed to Waites by Parker who’s passing had been spot on all day. Waites gracefully sent out a awe-inspiring 30 yard pass to Painter who didn’t need to break stride and trotted in for his second of the day. Zac missing the conversion 5 - 17
The next 10 minutes was all Acklam and their scrummage was strong and weren’t frightened to throw it about. Unfortunately after 10 minutes of solid West defence the pressure told and Acklam ran in for their 2nd as the whistle blew for half time
10 - 17 Half time
Ten minutes into the 2nd half, Waites kicked a penalty into the Acklam 22. The lineout was lost and Acklam attempted to clear their lines. The touch kick was missed, fielded by Larkin who took it in. It was recycled by the forwards and backs a few times before Baggsy’s mate James dived over for his debut try. Zac unsuccessful with conversion 10 – 22
Once again Acklam came back and some weak tackling but good inter-passing saw them cross over the whitewash in the corner 15-22
Shortly after the try , poor Spud’s back had given up the torment of playing in the front row, but what a shift!! Unfortunately as we didn’t have a front row replacement, we went to uncontested scrums. This suited West to be honest as we were getting demolished in the scrum.
With only 14 men on the field West attacked again. Forwards recycling and organising well with carries by the likes of Wood, Lindridge, Clergy and Todd making holes in the defence with a run against the grain. The ball was finally recycled and the mobile 2nd Row Tyo dotting down. Zac adding conversion 15-29
For the last 20 minutes it was mainly all Acklam and the reduced 14 men was taking it’s toll on the lads. Most of this time was spent defending apart from the odd run from Parker, Zac and Cox. However, due to tiredness the support couldn’t get there and Acklam turned over the ball. This resulted in an Acklam try 22 - 29
West were finding it extremely hard work but somehow worked their way to the Acklam 22m by a great 60 yard run from Cox down his wing. This resulted in a West penalty. The executive decision was to go for posts and Zac made no mistake and banged over the 3 points 22-32
Once again the final 5 minutes was all Acklam and with sustained pressure crossed the line again.
Final whistle 27 – 32 . Lads were absolutely buggered!!
Summary
A really great, gritty team performance. Bravo Gentleman!!!
Each team member worked tirelessly for each other and all gave 110% on what was a really hard fought battle. It just proves that we all pursue that same common outcome and goal which is why we are beginning to be the successful side we are.
Special Mentions to the following players
Spud - Great effort for helping your team mates out and playing prop for the very first time
Tyo - Well done that man. Once again, very much a team player especially with a back moving to second row!!
Lindridge - Thanks for crying on and a great game
James (Baggsy's mate) - Once again, thanks for turning up and what a performance on your debut (see you next week)?
MVP & Dick of the Day
MVP goes to a certain, somewhat bizarre individual chosen by the Acklam players for his tackling around the park. This goes to Ryan Godfrey. Well done Godders💪👊
However, they also asked if we could name dick of the day while the men of the match were stood at the front of everyone. This also went to Godders for growling at his opposition in the first 2 minutes. All 15 Acklam players stopped play for a few seconds in disbelief 🤣🤣
Godders is also the worst fast pint drinker in the world. He hadn’t finished the first pint in well over a minute so was instructed to take a seat. Embarrassing 🤣🤣
Ref – One of the better ones this season, even though we later found out he actually plays for Acklam!!
Going – Good
Food - Pie, peas and gravy. 9/10
Morale - High
Acklam Talbots 27 West 32
By Willer - March 6 2023Ryan Godfrey
The day didn't start particularly well. We met at the club in the usual manner and due to various reasons or another, this meant two lads got promoted to the 1st team and we had 4 cry offs but two late cry on's. This still meant we had 16 players but it was a complete re-shuffle in the pack ...