The last fixture for Corby for 2014 could have been a whole lot worse. Up until 11:00 am on Saturday morning there were 13 guys available to play. A bit of phone calling and some Xmas spirit from our neighbours allowed us to honour the fixture.
The make shift band wagon all travelled to Stamford with their after match compulsory oneseys in good spirits, but knowing that their shift was not going to be an easy one.
Stamford got off to a good start and was soon putting points on the board. However, defiantly the boys fought back and Bruce Macintyre scored his first try for the club. Dominic Hearne was successful with the conversion. The game was evenly poised at this point and spirits were reasonably high that it was not going to be as bad as we first thought. Then Graig Tibbs had to retire with a shoulder injury about 10 minds from the end of the half.. Enter the fray Ricky Egan, not what he wanted to do but it was better than going down to 14 men. The luck went from bad to worse Willie Stewart popped his knee. It looked certain that Corby were going down to 14 (13 really with Egan on the park). However Willie got up and battled on.
Normally at this point I inform the reader of the half time score, but unfortunately I had no idea as I was on the park. All I know we scored one try and Stamford had scored more.
The second half belonged to Stamford but considering the strength of the Corby team they still made a fist of it. John Forbes got a decent try which he deserved for his efforts on the day.. Dominic Hearne was again successful with the conversion
Then wait for it, I will describe this try for future reference as I feel it may get somewhat embellished in the future. I created the space by getting in the way of someone then John Forbes picked up and carried the ball into the 22 . The forwards started to crash the ball up to the 5 meter line. Then like a Cheetah stalking his prey. Mick Stark adjusted his position to make a line for himself. Scott Choina crash up a few more inches and out of the shadows came Starkie running (yes running) like a stampeding elephant to take the pass and score the try . I can guarantee by the end of the Xmas holidays he will have ran in in from the 10m line..
Final Score Stamford college Old Boys 1st XV 56v21Corby XV 1s
Firstly, a big thanks to Craig and Willie for helping out today. I can only apologise for the injuries you sustained and I hope you recover soon!!
I am glad to see the back of this year and the first half of the season. We have a couple of initiatives that we are going to be pursuing in the new year and if they come to fruition we should be able to increase the squad. The next challenge will be to retain them
Man of the Match – Scott Choina