I'd like to say "oh, our pack was so much stronger than theirs" and with the formidable line-up of Jan, Aaron & Bryans this might well have been true,but as we were uncontested this can't be proved. The midfield on the other hand was absolutely decisive. Callixte span ball after ball out the back of rucks and scrum alike going about his job in typically enthusiastic fashion. Invariably good ball came into the grasp of James "Awesome" Dawson, this man tickles the ball like a gypsy fondling trout, almost always gathering in and then perfectly timing release to one or the other centres. On one occasion, a pass slightly ahead elicited a sublime piece of footballing as he kicked ahead on the volley. The centre partnership saw by turns Santi, Chato & Guillaume, all demonstrating pace, guile and as one of them would have it "a bit of Argy-Bargy", paired with Mr Bull. This latter individual was exemplary for in the first instance setting up the Twyford Ave branch of Mothercare once again (those dummies were sold and how) and secondly putting a huge dent in the score-board. At the back we started with Paul on one wing and Glen (who made a number of solid runs up the left wing) on the other and the extremely able and slightly too nimble James Magee, who was rock solid in covering back and then running up field at a rate of knots- that boy can shift!

The game began in fine conditions: dry, bright, light wind and the muddy side of greasy underfoot without being a total quagmire.

Winning the toss, I elected to kick-off and as they came up field the ball came into our possession in short order. There then followed a long and testing passage of play during which both sides conceded possession after several well worked phases. However, it appeared promising as most of this action took place in the Oppo's half. Eventually the pressure broke and a good line from Santi with a well-weighted pass to Ben saw him go over for the first score of the game. They quickly retorted with two tries in quick succession. Yet the pressure and strength seemed, on balance, on our side and a trade-mark dummy followed by a deft step inside saw Mr Bull open his account. Half-time had it 12 all.

Second half saw Tony coming on at Lock to replace an injured Wayne bringing with him an assured approach to receiving the kick-off and a robust approach in broken play, whilst young Dan Procter came in for Glen also injured. As with all the Colts, Dan stepped up the tempo and handling- in fact it wasn't long before Aaron showed a remarkable turn of pace on left wing to steam through and score in the corner. The Civil Service responded shortly after with a "soft try" which saw WASP defenders including yours truly in disarray as they snuck in from a line out. 17 all.

Their jumper at two was good and more than a match for me, however they were no match for the erudite Dr Bull, who once he calculated they'd no answer for the long ball, employed this tactic to devastating effect. Dan Back and Ben (playing at blindside) took these feeds up the field eagerly-Ben nimbly dancing through defenders and Dan taking a more direct approach. However, Mr Back's impact on the game was felt (literally) most intently in a textbook tackling workshop which he demonstrated with massive force.

Working good phase ball saw Mr Bull get the ball over the Iine once more. Enter Mr Bishop, already showing promise in the first half with some good direct running, he took a good pass from about 30 yards out and charged for the line, smashing through the 1st tackle about 5 yards shy of an un defended line he proceeded to stop and present the ball to no-one for reasons best known to himself. Shortly thereafter he was on the end of some beautiful flowing passing and went over in the corner. In so doing he scored his 1st try, was awarded man of the match and dick of the day, not bad for your 1st game.

Obviously Mr Bull took umbrage at someone else being on his scoreboard and promptly went over again. With 14minutes to go the deal was sealed with Ben executing a muscular solo-dance around 3 defenders to go over under the sticks. Dr Bull duly converted. 39-17.

The rotation system of a full squad of 22 was complete with Inigo & Clyde manning up as ever to fill whatever gaps needed filling.

Over and above the numbers, the management deserves praise for knocking us into shape and keeping us there. Dan Gurry was measured with his substitutions and vocal with his support and Mr Kennedy inspiring in his brief but forceful talks before kick-off and at halftime just like in his training sessions.

I much look forward to the next run out.