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Even the stiff Westerly wind blowing through Barnes could not halt Thamesians 2’s march onwards in the league over a battered and humbled London French. After a warm up of epic proportions thanks to the immaculate planning and project management skills of the 2’s skipper (Inchey), the Thamesians machine rolled onwards with flashes of skill that are fast beginning to become the norm.
First credit must go the pack, whose dogged determination (aka boot, bite & shite) forced their opposition onto the back foot from the off. Some initial jockeying for power was soon quelled in favour of T’s through the seldom used but awesome destructive power of Bart Redmond’s right fist! Thankfully the lightning speed of Bart’s reaction was missed by the referee and indeed the intended player so a first yellow of the season was avoided. The first and most scintillating of the day’s tries came in the form of an overhead pass from Tubby to the lighting quick presence of Declan on the wing, who had just returned from a spate of high altitude training and breeding. Many mere mortals would have been tackled by the three oncoming Frenchies, but Declan’s speed, raw strength and guile ensured he touched down for the first try of the match. JJ slotted the points with the accuracy of a modern day William Tell and T’s were off the mark. Sustained dominance from the pack, coupled with some voracious ground work from man of the match Paul, Marlon and the out of position Baldy ensured that London French were bereft of ball throughout. Special mention must go to Marlon and Baldy, both of whom scored impressive scavenger tries. Apart from Declan’s smash and grab Lomu special, the back of the day award had to go to newcomer Smithey who crashed his way through the beleaguered French defence on no fewer than four occasions from a variety of distances and angles. In an interview after the game, Smithey said “ I have no intention of playing for the One’s as this is where the real rugby is played…I would see playing One’s as an insult to my talent and love for free flowing rugby”.
Special note should also be given to James who ran some fantastic lines to help contribute to the days overall tally. Unfortunately the game never truly opened up to provide the flying duo of Jono and James Chandler the space they required to make this a cricket score but one can only think it is only a matter of time…  The late introduction of an ebullient Terry only served to reinforce the French pack’s demise. The score could of course have been more, had poor Welshy held onto the ball three feet out from their line assuring him the new award of ‘Dec’s Dick of the Day’ and the infamous pink leggings…
A final flourish from the French and a lucky bounce saw the game finish with a hint of respectability for our Gallic competitors. All that remains to be said is “Not tonight Joesephine…” Team: Bart, Grant, John F, Inch, Tubby, Paul, Marlon, Baldy, Welshy, JJ, Smithy, Perry, Dec, Jono Chandler, James Jeffs Subs: James Chandler, Terry Newman Tries: Baldy, Marlon, Dec, Smithy (4) Conversions: JJ (5) Man of the Match: Paul
Muppet of the Match: Alex White (Welshy)
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2nd XV Rugby 
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