Page 25 - The Old Ratcliffian 2012

The Old Ratclifan 2012 | Introductionatclifan Association Sports Events The Old Ratclifan 2012 | R The Patch Gamble Rugby Trophy Old Ratcliffian XV v Old Ratcliffian President’s XV – Sunday 9th September, 3pm The first OR Rugby match held for a Sileby RFC who helped make up the good number of years was suggested by numbers which was much appreciated. Abe Mee (92) after the golf tournament Thank you also to Ben Stephens (96) held earlier in the summer. Everyone for supplying one set of jerseys and also thought that it was a great idea to start to the College for supplying the other up the annual rugby fixture again and and providing the post-match BBQ and the number of ORs wanting to play was refreshments. very encouraging indeed. Ben Stephens L to R: Captains Mark Snutch (97), We were also honoured to have Old (96) and I were tasked with putting Ben Stephens (96) and referee Myles Ratcliffian Louis Deacon (99) (Leicester together two teams to contest the Halley (74) Tigers and England) on hand to present newly named ‘Patch Gamble Trophy’. particular put in some big hits early on. the trophy to the winning team. Thanks I captained the Old Ratcliffian XV and also to newly qualified referee, Myles Ben captained the Old Ratcliffian As to be expected, there were a few Halley (74), who had a busy day President’s XV. mistakes and handling errors but there blowing for the continuous stream of was also some good running rugby A good number of guys, myself included, ‘knock ons’ and much debated forward had not played for a number of years, so played by both sides throughout the passes! we decided to split the teams up as fairly match, which was suitably cheered by Mark Snutch (97) as possible. (Gianpaolo Mantini (95) the spectators. The lead continuously Rugby Captain had not run with a ball in anger since changed hands and some good drop he left some seventeen years ago!). We goal kicking from Sam Clemons (98) were short of front row players so both kept the Old Ratcliffian XV in touch Ben and I volunteered to play hooker moving into the last quarter. As people and various other guys also opted to play tired, the gaps inevitably started to open out of position to ensure the game could up and the Old Ratcliffian XV’s fitness go ahead. To be fair, Brummy (James levels began to tell as they eventually ran Bramwell (96)) is more suited to the out 53-42 winners. second row these days after seeing his I think all involved will agree that the day current ‘gas’ levels!! was a great success and everyone was Louis Deacon (99) presents the Patch keen to do it again in the future (after a Gamble Trophy to the winning Captain, After a very brief warm-up and some few beers in the bar anyway!). The game Mark Snutch (97) team photos, the referee, Old Ratcliffian was played in great spirit and it was Myles Halley (74), blew his whistle great to meet and play alongside some for the start of the game. It was agreed other ORs and to also see some familiar Players before the game between both sides faces who we used to play alongside Mark Snutch (97) Simon Gamble (99) to play in traditional Barbarian style during our school years. There was also Ben Stephens (96) Jordan Price (97) Rob Wilde (98) Richard Stephens (90) with no kicking allowed unless you talk of organising an Old Ratcliffian James Buckley (97) Anthony Maxwell (01) were in your own 22. The match was Rugby Tour in March/April 2013 which James Bramwell (96) Saroj Ekanayake (01) played in four quarters rather than two I’m sure will be well supported. Details Lee Buckby (97) Brian Taylor halves to give people a chance to catch will be posted soon. Sam Clemons (98) Gareth Love their breath and take on much-needed Rob Phillips (95) Ed Stokes (08) Gianpaolo Mantini (95) James Perry (08) refreshments in the hot sun. This was A massive thank you to all the players Michael Declan Carroll (08) very much welcomed after the first for turning up and making the game Weston-Webb (87) Matthew Ardron (09) quarter, which got off to a frantic start happen and, in particular, to Richard James Gamble (96) with full bloodied commitment from all Stephens (90) who travelled all the way N.B. The Patch Gamble Rugby Cup will be the players and nobody shying away from his home in Denmark to take part! played next year on Sunday 8th September from contact. Anthony Maxwell (01) in We also had a few non-ORs playing from along with the Taylor Mixed Hockey Cup. Old Ratcliffan XV Old Ratcliffan President’s XV 25 Register o Register online at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uknline at www.ratclifanassociation.co.uk 25