The Improbable Game

In a week where we saw two monarchs, two PM’s and two Chelsea managers, with the Worcester Worriers team only just paid their wages (but some back room staff unpaid), with the financial problems deepening on a daily basis for Worcester and everybody, not to mention the rail disruptions that are sporadically cropping up. I for one was really relieved and surprised this game happened.

Our journey into Marylebone and then on to Gunnersbury tube station was fast and incident free, couple of pints and some decent grub in the Gunnersbury arms, opposite the tube station, then the bisque walk to the ground.

We went to a couple of games last season but this was my first time to the now renamed GTECH Community stadium as a season ticket holder, I had contacted my Reading friend whom I sat next to for 7/8 seasons in the east stand at the Madstad and got her location, to me the move to London is now complete as the supporters I enjoyed sitting and chatting to for so many games were their again.

Before the match a well observed minutes silence and a rendition of “god save the king” was given, (still wanting to say Queen but old habits die hard).

The match started with both teams evenly giving good account of themselves, the Irish defense being tested on their own try line and holding well with good discipline, after the initial forays, it was clear to see that the Irish three quarters were much better than their counterparts, resulting in three well made Try’s, showing the pace, guile and power the team poses from 9 to 15. A mention to Hassell-Collins who just gets better each season I’ve seen him play, he has the determination to eradicate the mistakes he has made in previous seasons and a great attitude to improve in other areas. The second try was the most memorable for me as the slick handling that saw White dot down the ball, started near us in the North stands. The other Try’s from Donell and Hassell-Collins

The first half ended 19- 0. The first half was one of the strangest atmospheres at a rugby game I’ve felt, it was very subdued, I think this was due to the feel that we don’t wont to be seen as gloating on the unfortunate plight of Worcester but wonting your team to win well at the same time, coupled with the change of a long established Queen, now I’m not a big royalist but I’m sure it effects all of us one way or another.

The second half started, it was the same as the first with Worcester running at a tightly defended Irish line. Then with great fanfare (remember them) and a big cheer Henry entered the fray, his first touch was to kick-on via a grubber from Hassel Collins, his second touch was to dot the ball down, this honestly paid for my season ticket alone. Then another big cheer as Mr. Creevy walked on the pitch, although his first act was to throw-in badly to the line he made up for it with a customary try.

Although the game was pretty much decided the fight from Worcester was not, they fought back to get two well earned Try’s, in between a Try from Joseph.

After the usual raft of substitutions that saw Paddy Jackson and White off, the contest felt more even , Englefeild the promising scrum half started his game with a couple of mistakes, which for some characters would effect them but he showed well for the last two try’s that Irish scored, it was his fast flat passes that got the ball beyond the defense of Worcester, not to mention the two from two conversion kicks he took.

The game ended 45 – 14, with that man Arundel scoring his second Try with the last play of the game.

Looking back at the match I was wondering if there was a TMO present, was that really Wayne Barnes officiating, he was virtually invisible, (which is how it should be), no cards of any colour shown, no kicks at goal from penalties, although Paddy Jackson does seem to get jittery against Worcester these days, with some too short or too long touch finders.

At the end of the game the announcer honored our opponents and wished them well for the future, everyone in the stadium totally agreed with him, the applause was long, loud and very much sincere.