Match Preview

Old Cryptians RFC V Smiths RFC

It’s been a while since our last preview due to some technical issues. Either way as you are reading this now, our regular service has resumed so time to catch you up on recent Old Cryptian things.

Quite a lot has happened, Kenny Philibert hit 60yrs and unlike me is now a proper old fart. On the other end of the scale Euan Brice celebrated his 21st birthday. His old man being fully cemented in as a hero for putting beer money behind the bar and also bringing down a Gourmet burger van. I was not there to taste the burgers myself but our front row will vouch and say they were the best burgers they ever had.

The first team won on their first visit to Bristol and are through to the South West Final in the National Junior Vase after an excellent away win at Bristol Harlequins. It wasn’t all good news though as we suffered our first defeat of the season against a determined Old Elizabethans in the league. Two weeks, two milestones and two completely different games.

But then last Friday we were treated to a very enjoyable competitive friendly against Matson RFC under the lights, and this featured many of the younger second team players alongside some of the more senior first team lads. The coaches picked a squad that was a good match for our guests, and we held on for a narrow win.

What was so pleasing that night wasn’t the win but the attitude and excellent performances from the youngsters. Whilst Preedy and Perrins shared the old farts MOM award they also impressed the coaching staff so much that they have kept their shirts for this weeks fixture. There were other names that we’ll be hearing more of before the season ends like, Josh Guy, Ben Webb, Callum Lease, Jack Medcroft and Jake Huggins. There’s certainly some talent around Old Crypts at the moment and this week selections in the 1s and 2s means that every player will be doing everything possible to claim a shirt ahead of next weeks South West Final against Exeter Saracens.

So this week the firsts host Smiths RFC. I distinctly remember well our fixture against them back in October. Moments in that game like Jack Flounders’ kick ahead which went sideways and Crosby’s off the ball, out of play and out of nowhere tackle were as memorable as our defensive effort that day which was sensational. In short, they were big lads with a simple game plan executed well and we did very well to keep them out. Beware though, this is another team chasing a promotion spot and as Old Es showed we need to be on our guard.

The squad reads as follows;

1. Jake Kellaway
2. Karl Saunders
3. Euan Brice
4. Nick Stroud
5. Gareth Flounders
6. George Perrins
7. Chad Crosby ©
8. Matt Hurdle
9. Rob Trigg
10. Luke McMahon
11. Masters
12. Connor Jones
13. Jake Hanley
14. Ryan Preedy
15. Rob Mustoe

Impact Replacements

16. Phillipe Brown
17. Chris Kent
18. Jack Medcroft

The 2nd XV host Lydney United, also at home and benefit from about half a dozen players who’ve featured regularly in the 1s this season making it about as strong a 2nd team as I can remember.

Both games at home in the expected wind and rain but please show your support.

Finally, the club has arranged a coach for the Exeter Saracens game, seats are £12 for adults and £6 for kids, contact Kev Norwood if you want a seat or require more information. Greg Barton’s old farts minibus is also travelling and seats on this are limited so he’s your man if you wish to travel with him. The junior section ladies will be manning the kitchen and serving breakfasts as before.