On 10th September 1547 the mighty English affected a powerful victory over the unenduring Scots in the Battle of Pinkie, Midlothian. A mere 474 years later, there was another seismic clash between men with broad shoulders and thick skulls. However, this time it was not between two fractious sovereign nations but that of a landmark power struggle between those with studded boots and hardened hearts. The battleground this time was not the sodden grounds of the Scottish lowlands but England’s green and pleasant land, the impregnable citadel of Kingsey Road. At long last, the Wildboys returned to their hallowed ground. Their first task? To dance with the devil in a pre-season warm up game against each other. Fortune favours the brave.

The new helmsmen, Daniel (snake hips) Coulon and Harry (H) Lowe issued a call to arms and by Christ was it answered. Two full teams with rotating subs were fielded on warm and humid September evening. There were some old faces and new faces. Most players had not been involved in a full contact game for 18 months. The air was thick with fear in anticipation of the lactic underworld that was about to engulf them. There was at least 10 spectators, the excitement and tension was palpable.

But first, a mark of respect for a fallen hero, David Hyde who tragically lost his life in a National League 2 match earlier in the month. It is with great sadness that he leaves behind a young family. The players and attendees all joined for a minute’s applause in celebration of his life.

The format of the game was to flow through three 20 minutes passages of play with rotating subs. The teams were amalgamated with a team donning the away ‘golden’ jersey (Wildboys) and another in the famous white and black hoops (Outlaws).The Wildboys kicked the game off pinning the Outlaws deep into their half. It did not take long for this ‘friendly’ to descend into a rather fruity encounter.

The Wildboys were faster out of the blocks and punished ill disciple and lack of speed at the breakdown to cross over the white wash twice in quick succession, even with some strong albeit patchy defence from the Outlaws. George Hope and Full on Tom were proving to be handful. This finally motivated the Outlaws to kick into gear and respond with some well worked rugby and ended up camping the Wildboys 22 I the final half of the first 20 minutes.

A change of ends produced some more evenly matched rugby although the Wildboys were generally on top at ruck time. Big hits follows big hits and scavengery on the floor. Play was ambitious but rough around the edges. The intensity and pace quickened. The outlaws struck back with a well worked try in the far corner. Another change of ends resulted in a quick try for the Wildboys and the Outlaws’ backs were up against it. A shuffle round of personnel found some free flowing play and a delightful piece of skill from Harry Lowe found the ball cross kicked towards the impossibly quick Wilson who scored an unbelievable try.

The resultant try left a kick for Outlaws fly half, Archie, to secure the win. After a theatrically long build up, it was shanked, leaving victory to the Wildboys. However the real winner here is rugby.

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