The sun was shining, the cooler was stocked with beer, and the scene was set for a day of chaos, camaraderie, and champagne rugby in Richmond. From the first whistle, Thamesians showed they meant business, turning heads and leaving defences in tatters throughout the group stages. After a heavy week in Bournemouth, Ka-Cie finally got over his hangover and demonstrated that warm ups are for suckers, as he charged down the wing, showing up 5 minutes into the game.
Despite a few dodgy refereeing decisions (standard), the T’s stormed through the group undefeated. Felix, putting in the hard yards, galloped from his own try line, dotting down under the posts, sending the crowd into a frenzy and booking their spot in the semi-finals. The atmosphere was electric, the fans well-lubricated, and the boys in maroon and black were flying.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Ts tournament without a bit of drama. Alfie did his best to derail the entire competition by confusing tournament officials with a display of elite-level discombobulation, but the team stayed focused. Led from the front by captain Eddy Fogg, who bagged two tries in a dominant semi-final display, the T’s surged into the final with confidence and style.
The final brought a rematch against The Andy Goodes, a side the T’s had already dismantled in the group stage. But this time, the Goodes turned up with a few “new friends,” clearly hoping their ringers would swing the balance. Early on, it looked like it might work, with the T’s trailing at the half. But the boys weren’t done, not even Tommy, who at this point was 15 pints down and swerving (stumbling) around defenders, leaving them looking back in awe.
With the Twickenham crowd fully behind them (and possibly a few pints deep), the T’s rallied. Step forward Portuguese international Bernardo, who put in an MVP performance for the ages, carving up the defence and inspiring a second-half comeback. The final whistle sparked scenes of celebration as the Thamesians completed a perfect run to claim the Social Cup.
After a lengthy wait, a bitter Andy Goode’s captain was heard muttering to his team, “All of that just to lose in the final” as they sulked off empty handed. Maybe Alfie’s plan worked, not that we will ever give him that satisfaction.
A massive win, a bigger hangover, and a day to remember.
Ts ’are on fire.
