Training Game

As we are unable to raise a team for the 10th of Feb , a training game has been arranged on Tuesday 13th Feb to ensure everyone stays in tip-top condition as we near the end of the season , Derbyshire Fire Service Allstar XV are providing the opposition, we are aiming for a 7.30 ko please make every effort to attend and play in this prestigious game, showers and copious amounts of alcohol will be available afterwards, as an incentive some current and an ex Buxton player maybe turning out for the Fire Service

A bit of a poser

Who is this then?

a. Henry VIII

b. Howard Graham

Answers on a post card.

Time for a change

Time to ditch the National Anthem in favour of something else. All the other Nations in the "Six Nations" have a decent rousing song to get them going and what do we the English have? The National Anthem, God Save the Queen. Its about as inspiring as one of Mick Barbers half time talks or Howard Graham talking you through his try. Just how do we think that singing about a bunch of foreign sausage eating royals will provide any sort of lift to our national team?

I have a better suggestion. Forget Jerusalem or Abide with me, lets keep the Royal theme but bring it upto date. We should sing "God Save the Queen" but the Sex Pistols version. Very topical considering the poitical nature of Tony Blairs "Fascist regime"

England Team to face Scotland

Ashton has announced the England Team to face Scotland on saturday. (See report on BBC website, follow link below)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/english/6308957.stm

Interesting looking team!

Buxton Thirds heroic defence not enough

Buxton 0, Bowden 6

If last weeks defensive effort was like a thin watery stew, then this was a full-blooded beef bourgogne of an effort. Buxton thirds gave nothing away defensively; strangling Bowden’s attacking intentions and forcing them to kick for territory. Allen and Charles led the way but this was a massive team effort, stung by last week’s poor performance and criticism. D Gyte was at his abrasive and kamikaze best and produced a number of try saving tackles and twice Bowden were held up over the line by the tight five working together. In the end Bowden opted for kicks at goal and they slotted two in the second half. Buxton had kickable chances in the first half but choose the attacking option and could not convert pressure into points.

Buxton had a solid platform to build upon. The pack was outstanding, and as the game wore on began to dominate the scrums. The Bowden pack was being shunted back on their own ball. The front row of Fussell, Uprichard and Wilkinson squeezed and tormented their opposite numbers, and Dilworth and Barber provided extra beef in the second row. In addition to his set piece duties, Wilkinson was outstanding in the loose. His tackling was hard and assured and he even produced a scissors move that would have graced the nimblest of backs. Dilworth played like an extra back row and with Allen and Henderson disrupted Bowden possession so that they only had slow ball to play with. In the conditions the lineout became a lottery and neither side gained the upper hand. Perhaps some variety could have been introduced, and maybe this is something that needs to be worked on in training.

Not to be left out the backs played their part. Preece and Poole are developing into a well-oiled and efficient half back combination, and Poole’s touch finding was excellent. Weston and Philips battered away all afternoon and Naylor was outstanding at full back, marshalling and organising the back three. Richie gave a good account of himself and Dawson had another good afternoon on the wing. He combined well with Philips and made fifteen metres down the wing but he ran out pitch and was bundled into touch. Had there been support on hand Buxton could have scored, as the Bowden defence was committed. Buxton began the second half well and had a chance of opening their account after a period of sustained pressure. They chose to go for a penalty in front of the posts. The ball drifted wide, but Gyte steaming in from the wing almost beat the Bowden defenders to the touch down.

A better effort, but it is not enough to be satisfied with the performance. The thirds need to find the mental edge to win tight games like these.

A special thanks to Steve Gyte. His support and encouragement from the touchline was invaluable. He almost made it onto the pitch as Dilworth went off at half time to search for Vaseline for a graze to his head. The referee chose to delay the kick off to allow Dilly to come back on. He didn't fancy refing Gytie for some strange reason.


Buxton Thirds were: Fussell, Uprichard, Wilkinson, Barber ©, Dilworth, Allen, Charles, Henderson, Preece, Poole, D Gyte, Weston, Philips, Dawson, Naylor (Richie) Coach S Gyte

Saturday 27th January at Home to Bowden 3rds

At last a home game. Nice weather for it too! Should have got a text from Mike. We are meeting up at the club at 12.45, Hawaiian shirts!!!

Bowden are currently ninth in the league and have 16 points from their last 4 league games.

Injury Update

Ali Bearman has a broken finger as a result of last saturdays game against Heaton Moor. He is doubtful for saturday.

Lacklustre Thirds lose heavily

Heaton Moor 60 Buxton 5

Another away game another defeat for the thirds. Buxton travelled hopefully as Heaton Moor were only just above them in the league, but things began to look ominous when it was realised that Moor’s second XV game had been cancelled and that they had enough substitutes to film a biblical epic. Even so it was a lacklustre performance on a good pitch considering the weather conditions of late. The defence which had been exemplary in previous weeks went awol. At one point the thirds were conceding tries faster than the supermarkets were dumping Jade Goodies perfumes.

It had begun quite promisingly. For the first ten minutes Buxton held their own and even dominated the territory. With Buxton having a solid base in the set piece, Heaton Moors first try came against the run of play. It was a long range effort which came from turnover ball. And that was the story of the afternoon. The pack worked hard to win possession,as soon as it was taken into contact it was lost and as Heaton Moor counterattacked the defence missed the crucial first up tackles. Within the half hour the game was over as a contest and it showed.

On the plus side there were some good individual performances. Ian Henderson did a solid job reverting to his favoured position at the back of the scrum. Buxton's only try came from a trademark Henderson close range drive and he burrowed through the defence to score.

Dan Gyte was outstanding, especially in defence. His tackling is ferocious and he never gives up. On the other wing Jon Dawson was as solid in defence and bravely counterattacked when he got the chance.

Matt Poole took up the challenge of the number ten shirt and grew in stature as the game progressed, his probing kicks over the advancing defence on another day could prove very effective.

Wayne Dilworth battled bravely all afternoon, and a word has to be said for the front row. Bearman fresh from his trip down under joined Uprichard and Fussell. Moor changed their front row three times but got nothing from the Buxton trio and spent large parts of the second half being put under considerable pressure.

Next week the thirds are at home to Bowden. Even with the advantage that Lilliput gives them it will take a hundred percent improvement if they are to get anything from the game. And just to add to the interest Sandbach recorded their second win to bring them within eight points of Buxton.

Buxton were Bearman, Uprichard, Fussell, Dilworth, Taylor (Brendan), Allen, Charles, Henderson. Preece, Poole, Dawson, Stratford, Weston, Gyte, Bennison

Next Game Heaton Moor Away

Buxton Thirds travel away to Heaton Moor 3rds on Saturday 20th January 2007. Heaton Moor are currently 11th in the League 2 places above Buxton. Like Buxton they are on a bit of a losing streak. Buxton beat them at home in September 6 -5 in a bit of an epic.

Meet at 12 noon at the Railway Inn, theme Tank Tops!

Disappointing Afternoon in the mud

Buxton Thirds 0 Knutsford 22

Buxton thirds travelled to Knutsford full of optimism that they could get a win. They came unstuck on a bog of a pitch against a well-organised and efficient side that made the most of their opportunities. Buxton also struggled to stay on the right side of the referee, finding his interpretation of the breakdown in particular somewhat bemusing. Things had seemed set for a good result for the thirds. They welcomed back Stratford from injury and second team duty, and Wayne Preece to add edge to the backs and had the luxury of three substitutes.

The makeshift front row of Henderson, and Fussell built around the experience of Uprichard, performed well, and Dilworth and Kidman were solid in the second row. The back row of Barber, Charles and Allen performed heroically in defence but on a sticky pitch found it difficult to get to the breakdown.

As with last week the all round defensive effort was excellent and Matt Pole was a rock at the back dealing with the frequent probing kicks and marshalling the back three who tackled bravely all afternoon. Dan Gyte belied his size with some strong running and Richie did sterling work out on the wing turning defence into attack.

The lineout functioned well and it was good to see McNicholas having a rest from his studies and returning to the fray. Buxton put together some good drives and though the forwards worked well as a unit, the moves broke down with some careless handling.

Twelve nil down at half time and Buxton were still very much in the game. Preece and Stratford were working well together but despite the opportunities there was no way through the Knutsford defence. Good set piece possession was lost in midfield. McCoy had a few good solo runs, but any ground he made was lost as the support failed to materialise. As time ebbed away frustration set in and Buxton’s discipline began to fray at the edges. Philips bravely returned to the pitch despite an injury, but he and Weston found themselves blocked by their opposite numbers.

Knutsford’s fourth try was a tough call as there were at least one Buxton hand under the ball and the referee appeared unsighted but still felt able to give the score.

A disappointing afternoon, as this was a fixture that Buxton expected to win. Training will be on Thursday evening up at the club from 7.00pm. Be there if you can. This Saturday the thirds are away to Heaton Moor .

Buxton Thirds were Poole, McCoy (Richie), Weston, Philips (W Preece), D Gyte, Stratford, Preece, Charles, Barber, Allen, Kidman, Dilworth (McNicholas), Fussell, Uprichard, Henderson,

Third Team Photo v Wilmslow Sept 2006

Back row - Brendan,N Bennison, I Henderson, R McCoy, M Barber (captain) W Dilworth, P Taylor, T Charles, J Baker-Pearce. Front Row M Fisher, S Gyte, A Tideswell, A Packer, G Richie, A Uprichard, J Weston, P Preece, S Fussell, O Chelton

THIRD TEAM PLAYER PROFILE

Ali “Beermonster” Bearman - Losehead

Cricketer. Nuff said really. Christmas drinks parties often end with Police raids! Then off to Australia to deny being a cricketer. Admitted to deliberately avoiding the Warrington away match! Stays sober during January! and February! A rock in the scrum.

Andy “ The Councillor” Uprichard - hooker

Claims to be team intellectual and token Irishman. (Is that possible?) Can talk for twenty minutes about why it was the second rows fault that we lost the ball against the head. Fluent in French and bullshit. Most likey too say "What happened there?"

James “Johnny” Wilkinson – Tight head

Silent but deadly on the pitch. Student, Says little but takes his punishment. One of Gyties favourites

Steve “Gytie” Gyte – Tight head / Hooker

Smooth, sophisticated, Good looking – no he is none of these, but he is a BRUFC legend, and human exocet. Has injured more of his own side than the opposition but hides heart of gold under a hard exterior. You do not want him to pass sentence on you at court. Things you don’t want to hear if you are injured “make way I’m a quarryman.” Has retired officially but no one seems to have told him.

Simon “Captain my ex captain” Fussell – Occasional Tight head / Hooker /Second Row / Back row

Basically will try and sneak in anywhere in the forwards. Very stupid! Started playing again after twenty years of watching the worlds greatest rugby team (Bath you idiot!) Favourite film Pirates of the Caribbean. Cannot hold his drink.

Mike “Captain my Captain” Barber – Second Row / Back row and Occasional Centre

Is likely to make an inspirational speech about the importance of substitution at half time. Will bravely take on anyone half his size, but speciality is picking fights with school kids on the pitch. Knows a lot about Fish. Best mates with Toby Stuart Jarvis (BRUFC Second Team Captain)

Chris “Brains” Allen – Back Row

Went pale and almost spat his dummy out when asked to play centre! Has hidden intellectual depths. Overheard asking John “the Vet” Kidman “so what do you do for a living then John the Vet?” Good destructive blind side but has confessed in Gym to wanting to play in the front row.

Dale McNicholas – Occasional Second Row

Was becoming a good rugby player until fell in love and became a student. Now more likely to be found studying in the Dome than on the rugby pitch. Disappointing. Needs to be dealt with on return

John “The Vet” Kidman – Second Row and flying winger

Team Intellectual and “vitinery”. Brings a much-needed cultural influence to the side. Prefers a cappuccino and the Guardian to the bar, but if required will drink to excess.

Tim “Nice But Dim” Charles – No 8, Back row, Fly half.

Usually scores more tries and kicks more goals than anyone else but never lets you know it! Rarely finishes a game without a broken nose. Likely to fall asleep if he comes into contact with alcohol for more than 30 seconds. Skilled at avoiding punishment in court.

Ian Henderson – Back Row and occasional Lose head.

Deceptive. Appears to be laidback but very destructive on the field. Is yet to be tested in Court. Claims to be Scottish.

Paul “Tay” Taylor – Second Row

Will get injured during pre match warm up, during the game and after it.Unable to play in very windy conditions as he gets blown away and has to be tied to a flagpole. Good in the air. Plays his heart out and very good at getting opposition sin binned. Don’t complain about his beer! He’ll set Big Lizzie onto you.

Philip “Pikey” Preece – Scrum Half

Great Clubman and Stalwart. Keeps threatening to retire until reminded of all the other things that he could be doing on a Saturday afternoon, like DIY, shopping, trips out with the wife, shopping, shopping etc. Oh by the way he is not very tall! He has “been there and done that” and seen it all, except that he has no recollection of what he did on a Saturday night for the past thirty years. Rumoured to be planning to definitely retire and spend more time with his caravan next season.

Geoff “Lionel”Ritchie – Wing

Very enthusiastic! His wife claims that he shouts out “Geoff” and “Pass” in his sleep. Don’t let him stand behind you at training though!

Wayne Dilworth – Will play anywhere except the front row. He is not proud.

Most popular member of the team. (So he tells his mate at the fire station) Always has constructive advice to give and likes to share it. A trifle injury prone. Will no longer attend court because he claims he gets picked on. Always carries a selection of nail and skin products i his kit bag.

Matt Poole – Full back, Wing and Fly half

Cricketer. Amongst other crimes are - Falling asleep in flat of certain lady rugby player and failing to give satisfaction and failing to drink punishments in court.

Be warned never ever tell him any of your secrets!

Note to Captain he will require a note from his mum before he can play.

Howard Graham –Centre

The World Greatest Rugby Player from the Worlds greatest Rugby playing family from the Worlds greatest rugby town – Wigton (Where?) or so he will tell you if you let him.

Has retired, but if the sun is shinning and we are playing Sandbach and there is a chance of a piss up after wards, will turn out. Will pull you to one side in the bar and say either; “Have I talked you through my try yet?” Or “You don’t like me do you?” The correct response is “Let me buy you a Stella!” Be warned though he can drink a lot of Stella and remain standing.

Jonathon Dawson - Centre / Wing

Late starter. Made impressive debut but then broke fingernail and had to have two months off. Seems to have made good use of it. See entry for Poolie above. Where Poolie failed Jonny "Depp" succeeded. Looks as if he can drink, so should go far.


Wayne “Dingle” Philips – Wing / Fullback

Enjoys laying out eighteen stone props on the field. Off it, likes to dress in women’s clothing. But then he is from Longnor.

Nick “ Benno” Bennison – Quality back

If he is not hiding from the police behind a shed, he is on a cultural exchange trip to Thailand. Better not ask exactly what is being exchanged though. Seriously dedicated and talented player. Puts a lot back into the club coaching the U17 side. (Girls of course)


Ryan McCoy - Wing / Fullback

Was sent off after twenty minutes on debut for first team. (Club Record?) Sent back to thirds to learn how to behave! Fast and strong on the pitch, claims to be confused about his role off it? Will nip off to China to study the culture and natural history every so often.

James "Rocky" Weston - Centre, Wing

A Member of the Gyte clan. Says it all really! Hard man, likes to fight, once he has the ball it has to be prised from him. Will often kneel facing Mecca in court. Favourite film "Broke back Mountain"

Dan Gyte - Wing

Thin and Wiry (but he's a Gyte!) fearless and ferocious tackler. Seems to have a prodigious capacity for alcohol. "Favourite Film Broke back Mountain."

Ali Packer - Full Back

Not been since before Christmas. Probably asleep in a pub somewhere.

John Baker Pearce - Tight head prop

Still best prop in the club despite advancing years. Hanging in there to play in same team with his son.

Martin Fisher - Fly half

Mercurial fat fly half, prefers touring to playing. Not been out much this season.

Wayne Preece - Wing, Centre

Son of Phil. Fast and deadly finisher. More likely to be found with the seconds or firsts but will always turn out for the thirds if he can.

Alan Tideswell - Tight head

Ex Navy, now an undertaker and publican. Has a surprising turn of speed. Inside that props body a winger yearns to get out and express himself.

Gareth Stratford - Fly Half, Centre

Quality back, good skills and still has plenty of pace. In spare time is a Rock Star with Buxtons top rock act All or Nothing.