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Kendal Rugby Club, Cumbria

A View from the Clapham Omnibus

Written by Frank Jameson
Monday, 15 December 2008 18:08
A view from the Clapham omnibus In my life in wildest Westmorland, I have already experienced many great days, but Saturday brought the best yet, in our trip to Blackheath. “Scoop” will have already made his usual efficient report, but that is only the half of it! What a week-end, the lads did us proud. Friday night Following our President’s comments a few weeks ago that our coach drivers are a breed apart, we reached a new high (or is it low?), spending approximately 16 hours on our omnibus in 1 ½ days. We could have been halfway across the world in this time, not just London. We actually used 2 drivers on the way south, but the second one, shall we just call him Blind Pugh, was over an hour late in arriving at the intended switch-over point. This did not dampen the players’ spirits, and certainly did not stop our loyal supporters getting in the mood on Friday night when we arrived at our hotel. In fact, I don’t know why some of the crazy gang didn’t go straight to breakfast after their revelries! Eileen Drover was already composing her match report, helped by her sub-editors. They managed to gatecrash a Christmas party, with free drinks included, though some of her written comments might be considered libellous. Saturday dawned bright and early for a number of the 1st XV, who were seen in the warm swimming pool before 8.0 am. No ice baths for the Westmerians!Saturday was an amazing day for everyone. I’m told that Bully’s team talk in the hotel finished with the words, “Go out & enjoy yourself today lads, you will remember this day for the rest of your lives” How right he was… The journey to the ground We set off bright & early, expecting to arrive at the Rectory Field at 12.30 pm. Unfortunately, Blind Pugh decided to head towards Dover! After a lap of Brands Hatch, we inched our way through the Christmas shoppers, arriving 45 minutes before kick off, actually travelling the last few metres to the ground with the coach in reverse. (I kid you not!) Perhaps this was a premonition of things to come….Doc Green & Fraser seemed to be doing cartwheels in frustration at the late arrival. The game In appalling conditions, more suitable to a monsoon, the lads got stuck in and scored 4 magnificent tries. The second half was particularly memorable for the total control from the pack , only spending 15 seconds out of 40 minutes in their own half . This is no exaggeration. It could have been double the score on a dry day, and James Gough has never had an easier ride. Gareth Gore was in particularly good form in the line-out and loose, and gained the Man of the Match award, but Richard Harriman was also outstanding, as were the rest of the eight: Rob Quarry probably had his best game of the season, and the lads drove and drove in close support in true Cumbrian style, gaining many metres upfield, the perfect tactics in such appalling weather. Dan Stephens played the percentages, hitting the ball down the touchlines time & again and bossing the show. The support The knot of Amber & Black supporters in the stand made a lot of noise and undoubtedly helped to raise the players to greater heights. It was like an old-boys’ reunion, and included – The Southampton chapter, including Darren Sharpe.Mark NicolsonCasey Mee, still looking sprightly.And many more… Post Match Ray Barker was seen discussing tactics with Sean Edwards for the forthcoming Lions tour, or maybe negotiating a home game with Wasps. The clubhouse was so packed, they were drinking in the rain. The evening As you can imagine, the celebrations were long and riotious. Blind Pugh decided to give us an impromptu tour of Central London, with running commentary by Peter Coxon. Peter’s most lasting comment was, “You were magnificent today, Gareth, you were like a giraffe on heat” . After passing the London Eye, Buckingham Palace , and Marble Arch, the coach broke down in the central lane near Oxford Street. A replacement coach was ordered, but before we were allowed into a neighbouring pub, Bully ordered an extra scrummaging session (ready for the next round?), pushing the coach up Oxford Street. Even the backs joined in. Later The rest of the evening is just a blur, really. We only left the centre of London at 9.0 pm, arriving home at 3.0 am. I think you might call it a rolling party, to celebrate one of the best days in Kendal’s history. It will join the legendary trips and games of the past, and people will say, “I was there! I was proud of the players, I was proud of the supporters, of everyone connected with Kendal RUFC”… I’m going to bed. P.S. All players & spectators pulled together as one team, no criticism is allowed on my coach, any complaints refer to senior management (if we can find any). F.J.
Last Updated ( Sunday, 02 August 2009 10:56 )