RM1 rolled out capt. Phil, Chris, Ben and Darren to face Avon, who joined the league part way through last season. The clubs had never met before, so new ground for all...
Captain Phil's report:
Match report for RM1 'away' against Avon. Phil and Chris came out strong taking both 1st rubbers in 2. They had to pray to the badminton gods against their "2nd" pair as C/P found themselves 8-14 down however prayers were answered and took it 23-21. Ben and Darren stepped up and in to cover half a missing squad although couldn't bring it together against the oppositions stronger pair to drop the 1st and only rubber of the night. 5-1 to Trinity. The rest of the night our pairs settled in D/C took their split comfortably in 2. P/B had a game plan, stuck to it, the weights were offđł and stretched it to 3 games but consistent play won out 'Ben wanted his monies worth'! Some unusual faults and general calls were made about feetđŁ and a super smash by Chris clearly in was called out much to Chris's disbelief and made his outrage clear although with his own teammate 'D' selling him outđ and not going with it. Daz managed to draw blood 'his own'đ¤ˇââbut soldiered on. A friendly team to play against...but we still smashed em'đđ¤
Check out the video of Phil & Ben's last game on our Facebook page.
Afterwards at the pub, there was some good review of the tactics employed by both sides, and hopefully that can help Sam's RM2 when they visit Avon next week!
Both teams changed squads from last week. RM1 dropping Sam C, and replacing him with Ben, whilst Phil, Chris and Karthick held their places. RM2 lost Darren this time, and fielded a side of Brad, Nathan, Sam W and Rob.
Winning captain's match report:
2nd outing for RM1 and 2. Both squads fielding different players due to injury/availability. RM1 improved on their first outing taking a 6-0, thought I'd get that in early fellasđ. Ben standing in for Prem supported the effort. There were a few shocked faces when RM2 arrived. Bens commitment shining through with warm up laps in the car park! It was going to be a struggle. Khartick and Ben had a comfortable 1st game against Sam and Brad, however S/B dug deep and stressed K/B to a 25/23! Chris and Phil remained consistent despite launching the odd bird out and not clearing the tape on a few occasions. Nathan stepping up to fill a void for Sam so a full squad could be made and Brad unsure as to road test a new racket on a match night... Still don't know which decision he went with đ¤đ¤ˇââ. Both teams played well and have taken away some competitive practice with feathers.
The 6-0 win for RM1 helped cement their start to the season, and gave them the best chance at topping the division, which RM2 will start the season with a mountian to climb, but hopefully winning their other matches will mean they are still competing for the promotion slots.
Our first match of the season and we haven't even had the fixtures meeting!
Last night Rugby Mens 1 took on Rugby Mens 2, and here is the match report by Phil Hutchinson, captain for RM1:
"1st match down tonight, RM1 and RM2 battling it out. Phil coming back in with feathers after missing a few weeks training, cost the team a few points! Khartick saved the day though. Sam W (Cap RM2) fielding his first team out to stretch the legs which proved closer than was first thought. Darren and Sam W both wanted a win, however Phil and Sam C couldn't power through to take it 6-0. Final result, 5-1 to RM1. Some tight games had, everyone had fun and appreciated the play."
RM1 had a late change of squad, when the veteran Prem called in sick with a shoulder injury that will see him out for a while. Sam C stepped up at the captain's request and completed the squad with Phil (cpt), Karthick, and Chris.
RM2 couldn't field their first choice team due to impending holiday, but Sam W (cpt) still fielded some experienece with Rob and Darren, also giving one of the new guys, Brad, his first taste of the competitive scene.
From the sidelines, it looked like a hard fought battle for pride, with some healthy banter having filled the Whatsapp groups prior to kickoff.
Well done gents, I'm looking forward to watching the return leg next week!