Teams 
Excellent conditions were again prevalent at the first home match of the season. A bigger squad descended on the King George’s field to welcome our visitors Launceston U15’s. We however were missing Messers Sandy, Charlie and Lucas – One of whom was playing with a piece of willow and another with a dentist’s ‘off games’ note! Even so, the crowd were in abundance and still on a high from the Tavi weather the week before – oh and the result. Jonathan ‘Ive grown 2 feet’ Taylor was also welcomed back into the front row.
The size of the Launceston pack raised a few eyebrows and the first scrum and contact areas were important to establish the style of the game. Launceston threw their mighty forwards into a pick and go mentality that was met by some awesome defence and excellent counter rucking early on, with Joe ‘I’ll hold the whole pack up’ Westcott and some ably assisted tackling by Monty ‘Le crunch’ Olde, were not quite enough to stop the dominant Launceston pack sneaking over for a try in the corner.
Bidee took a stern look at themselves and responded with some silky handling behind the scrum – this was the way to take on the heavier opposing pack. From a well-crafted lineout, Rueben ‘Non ponytail twinnette’ exceled in his quick-thinking lineout, with the ball hitting the ¾ line at pace giving Caleb ‘unsure of his position today’ Jarrett a half gap that he cantered through to off-load to Harvey ‘stormin’ Foreman to gallop to the try line – Conversion ably taken by Caleb ‘Curley’ Jarrett – 7-5 Bidee.
The rest of the half played out with some strong attacking forward play by Launceston, but equally excellent defence by the Bidee boys with Tyler ‘left wing’ Short and Jayden ‘looking cool’ Cook, giving their all with selfless tackles. Finn ‘sliced-down ’Johnson was also a contender for the biggest tackle.
Half time came and once more scrutiny in rucks and tactics were part of the team talk by the coach’s, Paul ‘Neon tank-top’ and Steve ‘speediest coach’, whilst Harry ‘no mates’ Waters stood on the half-way line alone not being able to comment due the fact he was reffing; oh and his birthday!
A few team changes brought on Marley ‘first game back’ Carrs and the two Hens, who had been clucking on the side-line into the affray for the start of the second half. This was now a Brood of Hens on the pitch, including the awesome Hen ‘Loosehead prop’ Pope. A high Launceston banana kick into the sun found Harvey ‘giraffe’ Foreman collect the ball and speed down the wing to score a second try – A conversion was made by Curley ‘I am allowed to go nearer the posts’ Jarret – 14-5 Bidee.
The Harvey show continued as he shrugged off a tackle assisted by Will ‘snakey hips’ Buck, aggressively gazelled along to score his trio of tries (in my day a jug would have been purchased) – extra 2 points via ‘hit man’ Jarrett made the score 21-5.
Launceston never gave up their fight to dominate the game and some good strong running via their speedy backs, gave Bidee some cause for concern late on. Concentrated defence, good communication from Capitano ‘Moose’ Waters and a supply of support work from the power horses, namely Will ‘Rock Pool’ Bliss, Sam ‘ Pony tail’ Twinnette. A mention must also go to both James ‘I’ll boss from the wing’ Creswell and the ever-present Tom ‘my dad’s always watching my brother’ Holme for their impact play and friendship despite the fact the ‘hand-bags at dawn’ fracas nearly sent a Bidee or two for an early bath (or shower!).
Launceston’s tenacity paid dividend with a final try to seal the score 21-12 to Bidee who were clapped off by the female autograph hunting groupies from both GTS and Bidee College!
Finally a big thanks to our behind-the-scenes team – Gillian ‘I’ll get teamer out at half-time’ Taylor for her support during these last few weeks.
Two out of Two for the boys in Cherry and White (well clean for now eh Ali!!) – Great start to the season and we look forward to seeing some more epic rugby, pitch side banter and dodgy match reports! – Bring on Tivvy at home…..
