“Selection Meeting” – 17th Feb 2025
Lead out for the last time by outgoing skipper, WBro Matt Fothergill, the Spirit of Rugby first XV produced an all action display in our latest fixture. It was a chilly day in Tovil and things got off to a stuttering start with Matt Mitchell missing the start for the match (he blamed traffic but he probably got his compass points mixed up again) so there was an early substitution with Roger Waltham taking his place. With Roger not being in the original 23 and therefore not being fully “match fit”, the early passages of play were a bit shaky but he soon found his feet and the boys settled into a good rhythm during the opening phases. With a short break in play to recognise our official for the day, Mick Smith – our VO, we then welcomed our newest squad member, WBro Tony Playford. Tony has been a regular amongst the away team for a couple of years, and we’re delighted to have poached him into the SoR Squad!
The next few phases of play were dominated by our skipper, Matt, who put in a true Captain’s performance, putting his VC, Mark Lawson in a superb position to finish things off. Matt wasn’t quite done though as he called on some serious experience to support him set things up for Mark, bringing on our four APGMs (past & present) for the perambulations; they didn’t disappoint either and despite being given no time to warm up, they showed their expertise in the set piece and their brief cameo appearance was met with hearty applause from the spectators.
With Matt’s hard work done, it was time for him to take to the bench for a well-earned rest and the captain’s armband was then taken on by WBro Mark who saw the game home with his own unique style of play. Mark selected his starting XV for the year – with some moving positions and some staying put – our own “rolling maul” performing well, with the work being shared between the team. The fixture finished in impressive style with 3 brilliant solo efforts from WBro Mark Costelloe, WBro Peter Rhodes and WBro Andy Notley delivering the addresses.
With the match over and the away team cheered off the field of play, we then retired to the clubhouse for much needed refreshments. Mark celebrated his captaincy by providing jugs of beer on the tables for all to enjoy. Our newest recruit, Tony, was presented with his Cap, having immediately got involved and been selected in the first XV.
The after proceedings went off in their usual lively, fun fashion and the performance on the field of play was more than matched by the performance off it! We held 2 raffles, managing to raise £340 for the community account (which, as always, will help us to engage with Rugby clubs around the Province) and £250 in the raffle for a “Cymbolic Penalties CD” which will go to support the 2025 Festival.
Things took a serious turn briefly as court was called into session, and the club Secretary, Andy, was held up on the serious charged of neglect and hypocrisy; after a “fair” trial, the accused was found guilty on all charges, convicted and sentenced to the most severe punishment applicable; the “Hat of Shame” (i.e a Welsh bucket hat) was to be worn for the remainder of the evening AND for the 6 Nations day the following Saturday. After briefly trying to explain his actions but getting quickly silenced by all present in the dock, the punishment was accepted with a rueful grin. Smile through the pain…
Then, the Skipper, having pointed out the lack of the “traditional” song following the appointment of a new captain, then performed “Sunshine Mountain” ably assisted by his 2 new Vice Captains, Terry and Garrie which, by the end, had everyone on their chairs and was a sight to behold!
All in all, it was another hugely entertaining and enjoyable fixture with champagne moments scattered throughout; the final whistle being blown at 10.30pm. We’re all looking forward to our next one in April when we’ll be welcoming our newest member to the squad – come and join us if you can!
(P.s. Yes, we appreciate the rugby metaphors are all over the place but, if you’ve ever been to one of our fixtures, you’ll know that it all just works somehow! If you haven’t been to one, why not??)
Next fixture: Monday 28th April 2025, Sittingbourne