The date was the 11th of November, also known as Remembrance Day. It is on this day that we recall the end of hostilities of World War I in 1918 and we wear the red remembrance poppy that has become a familiar emblem due to the poem ‘in Flanders Field’ written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. It was also a day in which Los Angeles born actor Leonardo DiCaprio was welcomed to the world, and 43 years on was a day in which the Wildboys were hoping for a Titanic victory against Redingensians 3XV.

As the game commenced it became clear that The Rams were here to dominate. In the first 5 minutes the Wildboys had to soak up some hard hits and strong scrummaging to hold their own. A momentary loss of concentration from The Rams allowed George Hope to dart over to give the Wildboys a good platform to play off. Harry Hillier did the dignities and the score was 7-0.

The boys in black and white had their tails up, and wanted more. They worked hard to get in the right areas of the pitch and a last cry to go blind was called which saw Rob Nichols canter over for the second of the game. After last week’s conversion efforts the Wilboys weren’t holding out much hope, but like The Great Gatsby's love for Daisy, Harry Hillier couldn’t resist striking over a gorgeous looking conversion.

Redingensians then put a bit of pressure on the Wildboys and it was clear they had to work hard to defend their line. A clearance kick saw the ball sail into touch well within the Wildboys half. Following that the The Rams attempted a quick lineout which bizarrely found itself right in the paws of young Harry Lowe. With a quick look back at the referee, he jeered ‘Catch me if you Can’ and scurried over for his first of the game. Again, a delightful conversion trailed.

At the Inception of the first half the Wildboys were seen to be a little battered and bruised. Heavy breaths were being breathed, and cold drinks were being drunk. This was a game that they had to work for, and with a slight change of tactics around the breakdown and a few variations across the park the Wildboys went back at it. With a piston like approach the forwards were making a dent in the struggling Redingensians side. Like The Wolf of Wall Street, George Hope was over the line celebrating his second of the game. Mr Harry Hillier stepped up once again and slotted home making the score a comfortable 28-0. Next up was Max Wood. Whilst he darted through and bagged himself 5 points, Harry must have had flash backs of the week before as he put the ball wide for this conversion attempt.

George Mahendran got his chance at glory and made good yards before offloading to supporting runner Harry Franklin. He got held up just before the line, however George wasn’t done there. He picked up the ball, making sure it was his and no-one else’s, like the last remaining Blood Diamond in Sierra Leone and charged through for his first of the game. The conversion was sweet again from Harry Hillier and the score stood at 40-0.

In the closing moments of the game, Matty Mountford jinked his way through The Rams defensive line, and like Romeo & Juliet connected up with the portly Rob Nichols who galloped over for the final try of the game. The conversion was pushed wide, so the scores finished up at 45-0.

A superb performance from the Wildboys. It was a delight to watch the play link up and hats off to The Rams who forced the Wildboys to change tactics at times, and it was a contest in which they clearly had to work for.

It was obvious there would be several Man of the Match nominations this week and alas there was; George Hope, who as usual put in a tremendous performance. Tom White, who carried the ball well and who worked very hard around the breakdown which allowed for some very desirable rugby. Will Taylor, who along with Tom worked tremendously hard, but also secured the ball at every restart. Harry Lowe, for some great attacking rugby around the fringes. Sam Ludgate, for an enormous effort at scrum time, and made some exceptional yards in the field of play. Max Williams, who never ceases to impress and displayed a formidable work rate throughout the game, however, Rob Nichols once again took the mantle this week.

Mare of the Match was a slightly trickier accolade to award. There was nothing that stood out, so unfortunately this was bestowed upon Harry Hillier who had uncharacteristically dropped the ball towards the end of the game.

Next week the Wildboys have a well-deserved rest, which they’ll need when looking at the upcoming games prior to the festivities commencing. Maidenhead, Amersham & Chiltern and Bracknell who sit 3rd, 4th, and 2nd respectively. The battle to sit at the top of the table for the new year is firmly on, so it’ll require all efforts from the Wildboys to perform in their wild way.

Until next time, keep it wild…

You know you love me
xoxo
Gossip Girl

Man of the Match: Rob Nichols
Mare of the Match: Harry Hillier
Tries: G. Hope (2), R. Nichols (2), H. Hillier, M. Wood, G.Mahendran
Conv: H. Hillier (5)