Match Preview
National Junior Vase South West Counties Semi-Final
Even though we await the biggest Saturday for the club since Reeds Weybridge, I start this week by mentioning ‘again’ the fact that last week Cryptians fielded four sides for the first time in many years. Although we had mixed results the achievement is impressive, and some might say ‘astonishing’ in local rugby these days. Then if you consider the junior sections numbers as well, you'd probably be right in thinking that these are good times and we must be doing something right.
More good news came last week in the first XV's 60 point win over Tewkesbury on the 4G facility at Plock Court to further extend the lead at the top of Gloucestershire One to 21 points. Our young second team who traveled down the M5 to Avonmouth were unfortunate in their loss but battled hard to come back from a 4 tries deficit to level the score, however were and pipped at the post in the final 10 minutes.
A huge upside for the coaching team, apart from a couple of minor bumps and scrapes, no injury or fitness concerns were reported which is excellent news for selection leading into this week. In fact, our team of physios from The Prime Practice most pressing concern has been Carlo Colucci’s blisters after he and club captain Chad Crosby trotted around Gloucester last Sunday morning for a half marathon. Colucci wanted to know the best way to deal with his blisters to which prop Gareth Winter spoke for the front rowers and fat boys everywhere saying don't do it in the first place.
Colucci is raising money for numerous charities by taking part in 25 challenges across 2020 such as the Gloucester half marathon, dry January, a sky dive, sleeping rough on Christmas Eve and even shaving his head; to which hopefully Toby Harris will finally accept the inevitable and join him. You can find the link to his fundraising page here and at the bottom and he would appreciate any and all support.
But to this week, Bristol Harlequins in the National Junior Vase South West Counties Semi-Final. Heard of them, never played them and know little about them, so it’s difficult to judge. A look into their recent history sees them yo-yo between Somerset One and Somerset Premier. Last season they finished bottom and were relegated into Somerset One but have bounced back strong and are having a great season thus far sitting top of the league. They look favorites to go straight back up again but the thing that struck me were the similarities in both club’s league records this year.
The league similarities are eerie, Crypts boast 67 pts to Quins 65 pts. Crypts have won 13 and drew 1, Quins have won 13 but lost 1. Both teams lead their divisions by 21pts. Cryptians edge Quins on the stats as they currently remain unbeaten in both the league and cup and have already been crowned back to back County Cup champions earning them a spot in this round of the competition. On the other hand, Quins haven't had to go through any knockout stages yet, as the top cede in Somerset One that gains them automatic qualification into the South West Counties Semi-Final.
Take from that what you will but you can be sure of a cracking match this Saturday and with arguably the strongest of squad ever picked from Crypts. This followed by the Old Cryptians horde of traveling supporters in cars, coaches and mini-buses to ensure a great atmosphere which should make for a great day.
The Squad;
Starting XV;
1. Jake Kellaway
2. Karl Saunders
3. Euan Brice
4. Jack Flounders
5. Toby Harris
6. Chad Crosby ©
7. Luke Stephens
8. Matt Hurdle
9. Rob Trigg
10. Gav Worrall
11. Tom Brind
12. Connor Jones
13. Jake Hanley
14. Brad Overthrow
15. Joe Langbridge
Impact Replacements;
16. Gareth Winter
17. Aaron Rickets
18. Gareth Flounders
19. Josh Flounders
20. Robbie Mustoe
21. Carlo Colucci
22. Luke McMahon
TR. Phillipe Brown
TR. Nick Stroud
Head Coach: Jake McMahon
Attack Coach: Gav Worrall
Team Managers: Rich Howell & Tony Kipling
Physio: The Prime Practice
Finally, just a reminder that the club will be open from 10.30am Saturday morning with hot food available and is the meeting point for the minibus or coach that will depart at 12 noon, the bus will not be waiting for anyone so be on time or miss out on a fantastic day.
Time to turn up or turn around!
#GBTS #CC2020
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