Well, we’ve made it to September without any further restrictions and the rugby season has officially started. Whilst summer has technically ended, the sun has returned so last Friday was the perfect day for us Old Farts to venture out to the Spa ground to watch the lads play a social cricket match.

Here we learnt that we have a few lads who can play the game along with a few that can’t, and this is probably why some of us older chaps were pressed into service whilst the youngsters disappeared to the bar. But whilst chasing balls in the outfield and showing them that we weren’t past it just yet, we were disappointed to observe Luke Stephens face his first ball at the crease and have his wickets levelled. So, he is human after all?

Gloucester Cricket Club were great hosts and fielded a side that included former Crypt player and winger Dave Collinson, which very few of you will remember, but more interestingly it also included our MP Richard Graham. He was a very pleasant fellow, congratulating one and all on our unlikely win and reacting like a true politician when asked if the cost of his bat had been included in his expenses.

So that was Friday, and we all went home excited that on Saturday we’d be watching rugby again. Saturday came and whist the firsts stayed at home to play Smiths RFC, many travelled up to Norton to watch the 2nd XV for Norton’s ten-year anniversary. Norton’s home ground is behind the local village hall, and on arrival, a typically English scene awaited us. Sunshine, bunting, an outside bar, pig roast, bouncy castle and local artists selling pictures. The pitch was beyond all that but we had no time to look around as due to a communication error we were late, and the game had already started.

Now, for the first game of the season. We wanted to see our 2nd XV play an exciting, fast, open game of rugby in the September sunshine.. And they did not disappoint. The heat did take its toll on the fitness levels so it was impressive the men held their own against the big physical lads of Norton and whilst the young referee tried his best to let the game flow, it was a bit more stop-start than we hoped for. No matter though as all involved were happy that we recorded a 29-18 win, and the travelling support were well heard.

The first team recorded a narrow win against Smiths 14-10 which was apparently more comfortable than the scoreline suggests and Head Coach Gav Worrall was pleased with the player commitment and adaption to the new system but added that fitness needs to improve. On the worrying side for Worrall I hear that Euan Brice fancies himself as a bit of a winger as he spent most of the game hogging the touch line whilst Matt Hurdles hands appear to have morphed into tennis rackets.

On Sunday, the juniors returned to training whilst this coming Sunday (12th Sept) training continues as normal but is followed by a Junior section meeting at approx. 12.15. Parents, coaches, players and any interested parties should attend. This is your chance to air your views in an open format. See the junior section Facebook page for more information.

Also on Sunday was the Jack Adams memorial game at Kingsholm of which 4 Old Cryptians we’re involved in the North Glos Combination v St Peters Legends. The 4 men in question included our own Euan Brice, Conor Jones, Matt Hurdle and Chris Price who did themselves, Old Cryptian’s and the cause proud. Days like these remind us that whatever our own problems, others suffer far more.

In closing, the next ‘warm up’ game takes place at home this Friday with a 7.30pm kick off against Brockworth RFC. The Badgers have always been a tough opponent and have just come off a 120-0 win against Westbury so they will have some momentum leading into the fixture. But with players returning from university and a tough competition for spaces in the Crypt 1st XV, the lads will be keen to dust off the boots and show to Worrall what they are made of.

Get down the club, grab a beer and enjoy what we expect to be a great fixture!

As always keep an eye on the club media for other news.

OCRFC

GBTS