Redingensians 10 - 7 Windsor.

Last season Maidenhead and Newbury, this season Windsor. We have now completed the grand slam of victories over our main Berkshire rivals in the last 2 seasons and the boys should be very proud. When we lose to Windsor, we get full post match attendance and verse after verse of Sunshine Mountain. When we win, we get a complete no show and doggy bags for all filled with bangers, mash and Yorkshire Puddings. Which do you prefer?

The pre match nuptials gave a lot away. A slightly falsetto “1, 2, 3 Squeeze” from Windsor was overshadowed by a more blood curdling version from the home squad. Quite simply, ‘ensians really wanted to win this one.

Early exchanges were uneventful although the home team looked more threatening. Kieran took off on a signature run which almost ended in a try but, as was often the case today, the move broke down and petered out. Windsor cleared and the ball went dead at half way. The Windsor number 7, otherwise known as “handbag”, then fondled the tonsils of Tom O only to experience the full retribution of Callum.

Although congratulations should go to Sue Wareham for spotting a blatant holding on by a tackled Windsor player in the 16th minute, there are already way too many referees on the touchline without you getting involved. Please refrain in future!!

Rugby was then reduced to a none contact sport as 10 minutes of uncontested scrums was enforced by the ref following one slightly miss timed “engage” at a scrum on the near side. Pete and Alan’s view of this decision was not wholly positive although this was not the low point of Alan’s relationship with the official……. more to come.

Soon afterwards, ensians were awarded a penalty in the Windsor 22 following excellent pressure from Hilt (what’s his name?). Oliver slotted the kick and all memories of the Windsor kicked penalty in front of the posts in the 47th minute of the second half for “none binding” by Danny in 2009 were almost eclipsed (not that I am still bitter or anything!!). 3-0.

Unfortunately, Windsor responded all too positively and a deft kick through the defense by the fly half resulted in an easy try and conversion. 3-7. Half time.

The second half started more positively with an excellent break of quick phases up the left flank by the home team which was cleared to touch. At this point at least 2 (positively 3) members of the coaching team were discussing the merits of transport development through the ages as a plane performed aerobatics above and a steam engine made its way slowly along the A4. Luckily the team demonstrated much greater focus and, on earning a penalty, took it quickly and passed the ball to Tom Doulton in a move never seen before. Demonstrating his usual silky running skills (??!), Tom then proceeded to take the whole defense apart to score an outstanding solo try. Oliver converted a difficult kick into the wind. 10-7.

The home touchline then became a nervous place to be as victory appeared in sight. Some sustained pressure from Windsor was bravely defended with Sharpe performing some heroic turnovers at the breakdown. The pressure was relieved by Hoot (Is that the right spelling?) who, like Doulton, lost sight of his main function and sped off down the field breaking tackles at will. He then passed to Aaron on the left wing who was taken down by a slightly high tackle. Step in the calm figure of Alan Jones…….the ref innocently enquired as to whether Aaron was in touch when tackled which was misinterpreted by Alan as a request for the injured player to be removed from the pitch. The steam coming from Mr Jones’ ears was only bettered by the traction engine which passed at half time. Mr Lee stepped in and banished Alan to ball retrieving duties at Sonning Golf Club saving him further sanction from the official.

The remainder of the game passed in uneventful manner, Rory was robbed of a certain intercepted try by an over zealous blow of the whistle and Dave Wareham briefly appeared as the 16th man having strayed into the 22 during a home attack. Other than that the game ended with a well deserved home win.

We’re climbing up Sunshine Mountain,
Where the little breezes blow,
We’re climbing up Sunshine Mountain,
Faces all a glow…..blah, blah, blah…..

Very well done to men of the match Sharp and Leicester.
Many thanks once again for all the support; great to see.