Getting everyone back together again *(easier to reunite The Beatles)* was a testament to Morgan Hamilton who never gives in with such things and had persuaded some Vets debutants to play on an away trip. Brand spanking shirts were unveiled - wrapper fresh -thanks again to Borthwick Heating for these.
Incredibly we arrived in Jarrow (the home of Steve Cram - the ‘Jarra Arra’) on time despite having to stop at Dalton Park. Sadly it wasn’t to collect the latest Lidnt Chocolate Bear or a ten pack of Marksies socks but to buy some boots for Carl Miller who had apparently flown in from Sweden on Friday night to make the game. The reality is that he is working in IKEA at the Metro Centre selling Meatballs and Diam Bar cheesecake.
We also had to collect the Silver Mackem - Jon Boatman the future Mayor of Sunderland.
We arrived at just after 12 for a rigorous warm up which mainly consisted of walking from the club house to the pitch. Despite this we had our first victim - Chummers - who sadly pulled a fetlock. He was disconsolate but tucked into the Werthers Originals to make him feel better.
West went up the bank first half and against the winter sunshine and were soon into their stride. Aaron Myers (with man bun) seized on a loose ball and chipped the ball forward - collected easily to fall over the line and score. Eminem lookalike Paul Moss added the extras 7-0 after 10 mins.
The next part of the game was attritional with the home number 8 carrying hard but was met with substantial sized citizens in Jordan Baggs *( the less said about his overall performance the better) *and Mike Hogan.
West were to score again next. Working the ball wide from Bren Baggs and Mixie Cockle to Jon Cole received the ball and beat the last defender to score in the right hand corner. *The Real Paul Moss did stand up* but missed the kick 12-0.
The mummified Liam Larkin – one of the more sprightly individuals was next to score. After some quality robbing at the ruck by Davey Tighe who was his usual non competitive self - Liam cut inside to score under the posts.
Jarrow responded with a try up the right flank in a very well worked move.
Half Time 19-7.
Jarrow came out all guns blazing after half time with wave of attack after the next. Myers was then sin binned – his crime - being far too good.
Boatman was also sinbinned for not very much.
West continued to press and Ian Bully Bulmer took a well worked try to score in the left hand channel, *sadly this was not an interception.*
The next West try was one for the ages. After wonderful carrying work by the forwards including Hamilton with a deadly handoff and the galloping giraffe Jukes, ball was recycled with Davey hitting Coatesy who hit a lovely line before offloading *a shlong pass* to Carl Miller (who had just about stopped moaning about everything by this point) who scored a great try.
Final score 34-7
Thanks to all that played - had a great afternoon. Thanks also to Jarrovians who were very welcoming and fair play to their oldest player at 82 – absolutely amazing!
Vets: Carr, Coates, Hamilton, Cholmondeley, Jukes, Southern, Hogan, Myers, Campbell, Baggs J, Boatman J, Miller, Tighe, Baggs B, Moss, Parker, Larkin, Bulmer, Wilkinson, Cole
Ref - Philip Walton
Bait – Chinese Chicken Curry 10/10