The first away trip of the season and an epic victory. The day started well as despite the deluge we were treated to a coach driver who knew exactly how to get to the ground. This almost made up for Spriggy, once again forgetting Mr Mac’s midget gems, even some sherbert lemons would have sufficed. Classic second team rugby was on offer even before the game started. With 6 players either ill, injured or getting christened we waited for another injury to rob of us the influential Tom Hammond at inside centre, Ned Whittle slotted in and for the second game in a row played like a veteran. Gary Connolly had already stepped up to make his first team debut leaving the Spartans with a backline of Sander Fowler, Harry Kenworthy, Ned whittle, Nick wright, Sam Walton and Mitch Bolus. Only the 6 ft plus frame of Olly Mills stood out in what was possibly the smallest backline in Spartan history. Indeed I was in two minds whether to play Dec Humphreys or Snow White at number 8. It may have been a typical second team selection shake up but as soon as the whistle went it was a typical Spartan performance. Bob Mortimer caught the kick off and waded deep into territory. The backs displayed some very nice skills with Harry Kenworthy and Nick Wright making some superb breaks. What was missing was the final scoring pass, if this pass was made some spirited defence or the increasingly inclement weather was forcing a knock on. The Cheadle tight head had the nudge in the scrums and possession was increasingly disjointed. Another dancing feet break from Harry perfectly fed Wrighty and the ball moved wide, the ball was switched inside and from nowhere the ball fell into to the hands of Tom Wriggers, on the full hoof. With 15 metres to go the big man drove like Ginger McLoughlin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsRF047xur4 . This was his first try for the Spartans and possibly his first try ever so apologies to anybody who has to sit and listen to Wriggers talking you through his try. Rumour has it by Saturday night his run started from under his own posts. That was the tale of the half – a lot of great back play, some good drives from the pack and a lot of scrums from knock ons.
The second half started well, the pack won a scrum with an inviting blindside, Dec fed Sander Fowler who sprinted for the line, he drew the cover defenders to find Olly Mills on a wide arc, more cover came across but they hadn’t reckoned on Millsy flipping the ball to Bob Mortimer who barrelled in from 10 yards – a near perfectly executed blind side move. Cheadle came back and their big runners made yards, their big kickers made even bigger yards as they took advantage of the freshening typhoon. Mitch Bolus and Sam Walton looked increasingly ensured but an effective kick and chase game was putting the Spartans on the ropes. Two deserved tries drew the sides level. It was certainly not a day for goal kickers as the kick sailed wide. With only a few minutes to go Cheadle had the wind on their backs and the wind in their sails. It was time to see if this crop of Spartans had any backbone. Sam Neill and Spriggy initiated a series of perfect pick and drives. Twiggy continued to make a nonsense of the lineouts, Owen Burrows was involved in everything yet still failed to say anything. Rajaan Hutchinson had worked himself to a standstill. But this was mostly due to him running across the pitch for a lineout when he replaced the skipper. Will Jepson continued to win a bit of 50-50 ball. And so it was as a series of tackles and skirmishes forced a loose ball. Millsy scooped it up with 40 yards to go. Off he went down the tramlines getting quicker as he went for the winning score and a mobbing from the team. It appeared to be the winning score but Bob Mortimer was having none of it as he spilled a horrible restart. Sander fowler was having none of it as he passed to the invisible man over the deadball line. Time for the Spartan collective to take over. Fowler forced a fumble from the five metre, the pack poured through and forced a very tricky deep kick to Sam Walton. It took a heart stopping couple of bounces before Sam gathered and put his laces through it. End of game. Champagne Moment: tough one this especially as there was a lack of comedy moments. Wriggers try may have claimed it but I am sure everyone will hear about it anyway. It must go to the Millsy pick up and 40 yard dash. It was noticeable that the entire team mobbed him but there was a disappointing lack of a pile on and rib digs. Well done Millsy, at this rate everyone will be wearing a waist coat at the Spartan do.
Man of the Match: very tough, Sander filled his boots with every blindside, Harry showed super balance and incisive running, Wrighty looks a genuine prospect, Dec is beginning to play like a genuine senior 8, Mitch was very secure in horrible conditions and of course Millsy had some golden moments. I am going to give it to Sam Walton. He stepped in on a late call and I think he was the only player to not make a mistake all game. Well played Sam and well played you Spartans. As ever a special mention must go to the traveling supporters, their presence always makes a difference and every credit to the ref who had a very clear and consistent game.
Arnold School RFC Spartans v Cheadle Hulme
Date Saturday 17th September 2011 Venue Away Kick Off 10:30pm
Master i/c Mr Mac
Full Back Mitch Bolus
Right Wing Christian Mills
Centre Nick Wright
Centre Tom Hammond
Left Wing Alex Connolly
Fly Half Harry Kenworthy
Scrum Half Sander Fowler
Prop James Hart
Hooker Jack Sprigg
Prop Sam Neill
2nd Row Jake Mullen
2nd Row Tom Wrigley
Flanker Owen Burrows
Flanker Bob Mortimer
No 8 Dec Humphreys
Replacements Sam Walton Will Jepson Ned Whittle Andrew Cowburn
Meet at am prompt
Spartans report
Spartans 15 Cheadle-Hulme 12
Two games and two wins and this game was highlighted by some very promising and eye catching backplay
Nathan Bolus – like a rock under the high ball may have gained a yard of pace and loved a bit of niggle when late tackled
James Walker -produced a searing run and tidied up some rubbish ball in the final 10 minutes to ensure victory
Will Fairhead – just 2 passes away form having his best game – sensational break form a dummy scissors and a sensational 3 minutes spent writhing in agony to milk it.
Tom Wrighty – another superb game from the skipper and is providing a great focus both in attack and defence. Nicely taken try. Nobody fell asleep in his team talk either. Bonus.
James Kidney – a couple of good runs a couple of bits of solid defence rounded off another good game.
Andy Walkden- the young professor had an outstanding game – scored a fine try, picked passes off his toes, kicked the Spartans to victory, kicked to the corners then for some reason kicked to himself and got battered in the last 5 minutes. Karma.
Harrison Kenworthy- another debutant and another good performance if we ignore his shocker at a quick tap. Great tackle and chase to set up the try.
Tom Hammond – divine intervention saw Tom slot in the number 8 slot and he played out of his skin. Great engine, big heart could possibly get to ground quicker against the big lads upfront.
Bowen Fang- great lineout option and will provide plenty of good ball ran out of steam in the last 20
Ricky Hutchinson- found some boots and found his all action style, should make a mess of the lineout and provided a good focus for the young lads
Sladey- toiled away in the engine room must look to get through on lineout taps and a lack of his usual charges
Joe Shaw- much better game and took a good knock to his snozzer, fortunately this did not ruin his filmstar looks.
Spriggy- another one who took a knock to he snozzer steady in the lineout, enjoyed the rainbow move, indeed his head went through all of the colours of the rainbow due to his high workrate.
Wriggers- decent debut in one of the toughest positions, scrummaging got better as the game wore on
Shan Patel- tremendous close range charges, decent scrimmaging and lifting marked a splendid senior debut
Subs
Matthews - appeared from nowhere after SAS manoeuvres was cancelled, he was last seen parachuting himself in and defending the line, defusing a potential try singlehandedly and then clearing the trenches
Zander- strong arm stint at blindside followed by his usual accurate passing, must dig the ball out sooner
Penny- another great senior debut and this lad got stuck in winning some ball and a number of good tackles.
SPARTANS REPORT
Spartans 34 Cheadle Hulme 19
A welcome first win of the season and it came from a 40 minute period of dominance either side of halftime. The Spartans looked to be depleted at the start of the week, Peterlee College of further education was having an open day, so the cleverest Spartans paid the rolling campus an inspection visit. Further Spartans were tied up on a Geography course. So, things were looking grim until the Under 16’s received their call up papers. The triumvirate of young Goodier, young McNulty and young Cave looked good in training. Young Hesketh actually turned up to training wearing the correct kit so he got a run out too. Confidence was high and some veteran Spartans were present to pull on the brand new shirts. And so it was, resolute defence saw the Spartan pack win a scrum deep in their own 22. Jack Procktor picked from the base, Olly Bentley carried on the Skipper (Tom H) barrelled on and the pack piled in only to cruelly knock on. A fine counter attack saw Cheadle use the dangerous runners, 7, 8 and one of the centres to name but a few. 7 -0 to the visitors. No panic necessary as the pick and drive had made huge dents. The 08/09 vintage pack did not disappoint, pick and drive, pick and drive was the mantra and countless hard yards were made. Perhaps this was due to Benjy Nowell thinking it was pick and mix (claims that his pockets contained 5 sherbert lemons and a chuppa chop have yet to be proved). A penalty was won and young Goodier stroked it over, 7-3. The Spartans could not wait to get back in the fray. The Chui man was relentless, Benjy faultless, and the pack followed their lead. Inevitably the Chui man, riding low in the water burst over from 2 yards 10-3. A few injuries had led to team changes, Cockerill moved to the wing young Wanny came on at 9. Ash, the Spartans favourite last line of defence injured himself in a tackle and young Wright took the 15 slot. Some splendid defence by the back row and 4th backrow man Beve stopped a couple of dangerous attacks. Half time called and Joe Dowson continued his tour of playing positions by taking up his place in the boiler room. Some adjustments were made to the breakdown with the cleanout becoming more ruthless, Prokter, Beve and Skipper Tom made great yards, Benjy, as ever, offered selfless support and Joe Blanthorn tidied up at the base. Olly rumbled over after Joe Dowson was felled after a 20 yard charge. Young Wanny enjoying his armchair ride finally made a quick decision to have a dip himself the pack piled over and the triumvirate did some basic but perfect pass and movement. Held up 15 yards out the pack steamed into the ruck and the skipper went in under the H – 22-3. Young Luke Smith came on to prop. Cheadle did not lie down and threw everything at the Spartans their 8 picked from a scrum and waded 30 yards. Quick movement and a deserved score 22-12. Proctar, helped by the pack and some incisive running form wingers Rob Scott and Joe Cornthwaite sealed a splendid performance with a 7 pointer. 29-12 and game over? Cheadle didn’t think so and strong running worked some space on the left. A bit of “tumble tackling” led to a fairly soft score with 10 minutes to go it was 29-19. Time to stuff the ball up our jumpers and time for the young backs to run hard and true. Kevin Wan
found himself 5 yards out, nobody in particular to pass to he flopped over 34-19 game won.
Champagne moment: Joe Dowson’s run, Tom H had a move stopping tackle, surely it goes to the Chui Man, not for his driving play, not for his try but for him turning up on time.
Man of the Match: all the young guys played superbly, Beve carried on the family dynasty, skipper led from the front, Bentley, Benj, Blanthorn everywhere, Jack claims the prize for a whole-hearted performance. This does not mean he is allowed to speak in team talks though.
Well played Jack, well played everyone. Come on you Spartans!
SPARTANS REPORT
SPARTANS 31 CHEADLE HULME 7
Get out the scissors and the marvin medium this match is one for the scrapbook. This was by no means a great start from a very strong looking side who had trained sporadically all week. Some young lads feel it is a good idea to sit in the common room listening to distorted loud music. Cheadle certainly had the best opening 10 minutes and the Spartans’ defence was tested. Eventually something had to give and penalty was given away under the sticks. The resulting miss gave the pack the kick up the backside they needed and we started to play. The lineout won plenty-oball and when Titters moved to a defensive 2 there was tap ball-galore for the Spartans to pour through. The scrum was just about holding its own, credit to Young Smurthy, Jimmy and strong play from Niall was allowing Wardell and Tom the opportunity to have a few darts. Coley, Ed and Westy looked very secure in attack and were beginning to make a few half breaks. Shelly made ground and then made a couple of intelligent chips through. A series of good rucks made good ground and Tom was held up when knowledgeable spectators (including Grandad Tom) felt he should have scored. From the scrum Wardell waded into the try zone, super defence held him up but the pack piled in. Titters grabbed and pounced to make it 5-0. Confidence was growing but it was not yet being matched by the forwards loose play which was a tad lazy for the rest of the half. A horribly high kick and wicked bounce offered Luke little chance and some good handling put Cheadle into the lead.
The second half started a lot better. Westy and Coley continued to make a lot of breaks but they were also making a lot of tackles without a great deal of help from the pack. A couple of good lineouts and a good kick made good territory, a couple of breaks put Titters in for his brace and Ed stroked the Spartans into 12-7 lead. For the first time this season we didn’t fluff the kick-off. With the wind on our backs the Spartans sensibly camped in the Cheadle half. Corless finally treated the crowd to an Andy Ripley charge (for most of the game he had played like Fay Ripley) a quick ruck and a lovely break by Mcguire offered Hughsey a sniff. The Spartans very own Des Drummond beat one man on the outside then 3 more on the inside as he headed through the H. He now needs to develop the ridiculous Drummond grin after scoring. In the early season no Spartan victory is without cruel human error. Fatigue and heads the colour of beetroots stopped all appreciation of the break down. Harbourne, who had made some big tackles all game, might as well strapped a duvet to himself and bedded down in the middle of the next ruck. Cheadle could sense a turn in fortunes and were awarded a series of 5 metre scrums. Twice they picked up and drove at Deacon Brodie and twice they were repelled. The 3rd attempt saw the Spartans pile in and secure a turnover. The lineout was won and Bezza headed up the field. Hughsey Drummond got the ball
again and scored again. A superb Spartan score. Time for magic. Danny Preston, a strongman in the lineout was finally let of the leash and had a couple of charges. A scrum was won and a move that had worked well in training sent Ed in untouched through the H. 31-7 a good result against good opposition.
Champagne Moment: The tries are good but those watching appreciated the moments of defence. Those 5 metre scrums showed plenty of Spartan spirit.
Man of the Match: the toughest one to call in recent memory with at least 10 candidates including Mr Mac. Ed was a leader, Tittley and Des each with a brace. Wardell and Harbourne had their moments. It is a half share to the young half backs. Well done Tom and Coley and well played you Spartans.
SPARTANS REPORT
SPARTANS 21 CHEADLE HULME 22
A bit of a sickener but perhaps we were the architects of our own downfall. For most of the first half we were still on the M6 pulling advertising hoardings off the luxury executive transport. Tickling not tackling was a sad feature of the first half and a lucky try after a good steal by captain Talbs. The Spartan lineout stole a few throws with taps the Broon from Troon would be proud of. At the end of the first 35 minutes the Spartans were looking down the barrel. Only big JW, Olly and Jimmy Leg featured. Spartans were 19 – 0 down. Jock Stein delivered the half time team talk. Spartans should never panic and have some belief in themselves. We were still in the game and Spartan spirit started to shine through. Just like the way he likes his spuds Chappers roasted onto the ball, with the strength of Cyrille Regis he took 3 or 4 defenders out and laid the ball back. Jimmy Legend picked up and the Spartans were playing proper rugby with the backs looking threatening every time we got the ball. Throwing the ball to 4 in the lineout was paying dividends and the pack was all over the opposition like a bad suit at Webster’s 18th do. (Thanks for the invite Craigey and bring a warm tracksuit and a flag to the next game). Pressure was on and the ref awarded a penalty try, 19-7 down. The Spartans became relentless; waves of tacklers were cutting the opposition down at source. We were queuing up to attack and running straight and hard. Young Room on the wing was seeing a lot of ball on the wing and the scent of a famous victory was in the air. Pailing smashed into a ruck deep inside our half. Legend picked up and went down the narrow blindside, Casey continued the movement and farmed the ball out to Astbury with one man to beat he was offered the outside. Astbury shook hands on the way round and thanked the wing man for his inept defending. 19-14 down. The opposition didn’t like the pressure and were using language more suited to a re-union of the Scots Guards. Spartan spirit was everywhere, young Meehan was tackling like he hadn’t been fed for a week, and the pack was following his lead and winning 50/50 balls at will. The myrtle juggernaut rumbled up the pitch and unleashed Olly up yet another blindside. This Spartan had another performance that guarantees top table status at the Christmas do. He beat 3 or 4 defenders, 21-19 and time for some cool heads. Young Wes Taylor showed a cool head by catching the kick off and roaring off straight into opposition territory. Tittley demonstrated a cool head by pushing the opposition hooker into a hedge and then throwing a left right combo. Such an act of idiocy could have cost us dearly. For the next 5 minutes the Spartans dug in. A penalty was awarded to Cheadle dead on the middle of our 10 metre line. Their full back stepped up and with the last kick of the game he claimed victory. He fully deserved the warm applauds of the travelling support for what was a great kick.
Champagne Moment: Wes’s run, Meehan’s tackles, Rooms runs; Olly’s try all get consideration. Astbury takes it for steaming past the last defender on the outside
Man of the Match: Olly looked a genuine threat but Cartmell was inspired up front and he claims the plynth.
