Match Preview

New Year. New Challenges.

As we await the first league fixture of 2020, I find myself reflecting on 2019.

It ended of course on boxing day with that nail biter at Sandyleaze. A game where we managed to score a try in the last play of the game to secure the Horns and break Richian hearts. As I walked into their bar after, you could see the disappointment etched on their faces, and it didn’t get any better for them either as news filtered through that we’d won all three games for a successive horns whitewash, whilst in the process, making our clubhouse look like a hunting lodge.

What was so sweet about the first XV game from a supporter’s point of view was the spirt. Without several first team regulars available, the players who had the responsibility gave their all and battled to the end to clinch a win which seemed unlikely as time ran out. As that last play unfolded, those watching could have accepted defeat but apparently the players didn’t get that memo. Led by Ricketts at No.8 who picked up from a reversing scrum to bulldoze multiple Richian men and score the try which will live long in everyone's memories and give the current and future "old farts" something to discuss years to come. Great drama!

The week prior, the county cup title was handed to us after our opponents couldn’t raise a side for the final and this takes us into the regional section of the national vase. Several cry offs made our progress easier of course but from here on in it all gets a little more intense, and it starts with a trip to Bristol Harlequins later this month to which the players are very excited for.

Finally, we've had the league competition which sees us sitting on top of Gloucester 1, unbeaten and clear by some 16 pts. So, an almost perfect start to a season which is unmatched by any Cryptians side anyone can recall. Not unsurprisingly then, confidence and expectations are higher than Toby Harris’s hairline.

However, we’re only half done and we're the team to be shot at and coach McMahon will have said in training that we’ve won nothing yet and the hard work continues. Next up is an away trip to Old Colstonians. A team not having the best of seasons with only four wins so far and suffering a 76-22 defeat at ours back in September. But nothings for granted as the conditions and personnel have changed and you can guarantee that coach McMahon will want to start the new year as we finished the old with a selection all hope will continue the good form of 2019.

New year means new beginnings and for us at Crypt.... New players! This week we have Brad Overthrow who has returned to Old Cryptians from a stint at Gloucestershire Premier side Cheltenham Saracens, accompanied by Carlo Colucci coming from our good friends at Gordon League. Both players have had strong links with Crypts over the years so it’ll be a pleasure to see them both put on the maroon jersey and increase the competition in the back line for a starting shirt.

The Team

1. Jake Kellaway
2. Matt Hurdle
3. Euan Brice
4. Jack Flounders
5. Toby Harris
6. Chad Crosby ©
7. Luke Stephens
8. Aaron Rickets
9. Rob Trigg
10. Gav Worrall
11. Tom Brind
12. Connor Jones
13. Jake Hanley
14. Brad Overthrow
15. Joe Langbridge

Impact Players

16. Phillipe Brown
17. Gareth Flounders
18. Carlo Colucci

Drive in C’s!

#GBTS