Close but no cigar (YET!)

Carrington 21 Buxton 12

With the skipper and his trusty loose head lieutenant exiled to the murky wastes of the seconds and the Midlands, the thirds travelled (with no problems on the way at all) to Carrington. Arriving with thirteen players ECMC was greeted by the news that an elderly, short, but highly experienced scrum half was on his way to their aid closely followed by Ewan, Jason, Jacko, Dan, Gytie (young and fast) Ryan and Paul. All the thirds had to do was to hold out until the cavalry arrived. Ex Captain My Captain explained patiently in his pre match speech about the need for focus and intent and wanting it more and as he reached his peroration expounded the simple truth, not to let the other chaps score first, or first and second. Ten minutes in and the thirds were 14 -0 down. Need I say more. Then of course we woke up and with a little help from the cavalry took the game to Carrington. We played some excellent rugby, the support was, well there, and to be honest it hasn't always been this season. There was continuity and determination. We should have scored before half time as we battered at their try line, but some well organised and aggressive defense held us out by inches. We won the second half! But the damage had been done in those first ten minutes, and how many times has that happened this season?

Full match report to follow, but despite the score line a fucking excellent performance. Next week we win!