The highs and lows of grassroots rugby could not be exemplified better, than Saturdays fixture versus Tring 3’s.
Losing 2 players to last minute unavailability’s, on top of a long list of already unavailable players, it was looking doubtful the game would even be played out. Determined to ensure the fixture went ahead for the Old Boys reunion day, three players that would have normally spent the afternoon reminiscing with others and enjoying an ale or two on the sidelines, pulled on their boots to help the boys in need. Dean Andrews, Danny Greaney & Darrel Rendell, along with four players from Buckingham RFC, donned the jersey to ensure an afternoon of rugby entertainment was played out.
Tring, also keen to ensure that their players were going to get some game time, travelled with only 15 players (no reserves).
With the weather gods ignoring the current energy crisis and cranking up the thermostat for the afternoon, you could have easily been fooled into thinking the clocks had been wound back to mid August! – It was a gloriously sunny afternoon.
Despite all that had gone before (including losing another 2 players in the warm up) both sides were keen to get things underway. Littlemore kicked off first, and unsurprisingly, it wasn’t long before Tring had made their way under the posts for their first try. Littlemore came back into the game with continuous efforts inside the opposition 22, but the speed at the breakdown was to be the story of the first half. Tring were quick to turn things over and get back upfield on numerous occasions. Littlemore’s defensive efforts shouldn’t go unnoticed. A footrace to the try line saw Littlemore winger Martin Hemsley-Read, stop his opposite number inches from the try line after a 50m dash. Notable forced errors and some good turnovers themselves, Littlemore managed to stall, and if not, slow a few of the attacking waves that Tring were unleashing upon them.
The first half wasn’t to go completely unrewarded. Our stand in no7 from Buckingham (Woody) touched down for what was to be Littlemore’s only Try of the game. The conversion from man of the match Nathan Adams was missed. (That reminds us. We must get them boomerang balls sent back. Some people were left wondering if it was a kick to touch rather than an effort at goal! )
The second half played out much the same. Tring were down to 14 players from just before the break (Littlemore nearly started with 16 if it wasn’t spotted at the restart-and they could have done with the extra man!) Tring were by far the stronger side in the end. Powerful runs from the forward pack, and some fancy footwork and speed in the backs eventually zapped every last bit of energy. The lads completely emptied their tanks.
 
 
Each side had earned the respect of the Old Boys crowd. Both Littlemore & Tring were applauded for their efforts for the full 80 minutes, and even treated to an Old Boys tunnel formation to walk through off the pitch.
The obligatory post match shenanigans kept the entertainment going before the biggest game of POP-UP-Pirate we’ve ever seen, got underway in the clubhouse. Celebrations continued late into the evening with friends and family joining club stalwart & match day sponsor, Roger Gillett, celebrate his 70th Birthday.
Thanks to all for your support again this weekend.

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