By Trouble
April 20 2007

It wasn’t until just before kick off that I had remembered that I had volunteered myself to write the match report for the last home game of the season. I quickly asked Mrs Cheffy if she could provide a pen and the scribbling started.

 I would like to make a few apologies now – this is probably my first ( and last) report and it will not be up to the usual standards due to the events of the night before and the fact that I couldn’t take my sunglasses off due to the hangover but realised 15 mins in that I couldn’t actually see anything through then – not a great start !!

The previous nights exploits at the LISC End of Season Bash I’m sure can be imaged by some highly embarrassing pictures taken throughout the evening. It was a very enjoyable night with some excellent catering provided by Mr Cheffy and team, a raffle and some questionable dancing e.g. J and Classy Bird doing the ‘One Legged move’. So thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make the night a success ! However the night didn’t end there as Classy and I headed off to the place with the worst reputation in Reading –REFLEX. Without boring you for much longer I will summarise the evening to Sambuca, more one legged dancing and a guy small enough to be a dwarf trying to kiss me but only getting as far as my elbow.

Now to the next morning..... A few of the sore heads from the night before gathered at the Three G’s for the usual pre game beer. The Saints V Wasps game was being shown and many of the Worcester supporters had traveled down early to see this. The first beer was a struggle even on shandy, then we hijacked Gordon as he arrived at the station from the Isle of Wight and hopped in a cab over to the stadium. It was a scorcher of a day and I don’t think anyone was quite prepared for the beach temperatures that would be following.

As we took our seats by the drummers, which is the last thing you need with a hangover, a special little visitor took to the pitch for I’m sure not the last time. Eddie Weeble at 13 days old was introduced to the crowd and received a wonderful applause. Congratulations to Eek and Elsie and I heard them announce that he’s already on the Academy books.

It was quite a momentous occasion today as we were saying goodbye to some of the stalwarts of London Irish, some that we were aware of and others we weren’t. To Beefy, Baz and Bish Thank you for all of your hard work for the club you will be sorely missed. I would also like to say goodbye and all the best to Michael Horak, Michael Collins, Richie Rees, Olivier Magne, Riki Flutey and Jumbo.

And finally she gets to the RUGBY. I had high expectations for todays game after the result against Quins the weekend before and I think that everyone was hoping for the boys to provide something special. The ref for the day was Sean ‘ Wavey’ Davey and I think I’ll leave that as a ‘No Comment’.

The early pressure came from Irish and we finally looked like a team who was completely up for the game. There was a kick to the corner and we seemed to be on the move. The Irish lineouts were looking pretty healthy considering JFK started on the bench and the passing looked really sharp. Magic seemed like a man on a mission with a point to prove.

The next scrum was an Irish put in and there was more pressure very close to the try line and Sailosi crossed the try line 27 mins in. Riki missed the conversion. Then there was more LI pressure with Riki trying an overhead kick and was then obstructed when chasing after it. Worcester then started to come back with Matt Powell adding to the score line for Worcester and Drahm converting making the score 5-7.

Magic missed the next penalty for us and Russell was taken out by a high tackle before half time that left him on the floor for what seemed like ages. Unfortunately neither the Ref or the TJ called it which led to a bit of upset from the LI supporters. Worcester then put us under more pressure but Russell sneaked under for a try and with Mordt taking over the kicking duties we made it 12-7. Drahm managed to sneak in a quick penalty just before half time making the score 12-10 to us.

The sun was just starting to focus on the East Stand by this point and sun lotion was being handed round, a couple of guys in the far right corner had the right idea and had stripped down to their shorts – Costa Del Madejski !

And the second half began with Drahm penalty in the first 5 mins making the score 12-13. Then Kennedy and Danaher came on as replacements and LI started to apply the pressure again. However Worcester certainly aren’t taking this game lying down and they almost score under the post except they hadn’t bargained on Mapasua who managed to halt any such idea. Sailosi added his second of the day and Mordt stepped up to the mark 19-13.

 I have 1 & 6 going off for Worcester and what looked like Little and Large coming on – I’m sure it was funny at the time. Drahm added another penalty making the score close at 19-16. Hats went off to a huge round of applause and was replaced by Coetzee. There was an enormous drive from the LI pack but Mapasua’s try was held up (a questionable decision in my opinion). Then Dodge who had had an excellent game was replaced by Richie Rees. With 5 mins to go Bob Casey added another try and again Mordt converted making it 26-16 with a few mins to go they brought on Barry and Delon.

It was a great last home game and I can’t think of a better way to say farewell to some of the guys there. The presentations were made on the pitch as well as the LISC player of the year and young player of the year which went to Catty and Shane, it’s just a shame that they didn’t make the final walk around that everyone was waiting for !

As for Worcester – I wish you all the best against Sarries and hope that we will see you next year. You’re a great bunch of supporters and it wouldn’t be the same without you. Roll on Fat Boys !!!!!!!!!