Congleton RUFC Vets secure convincing victory

By Tom Avery

2nd Mar 2020 | Local Sport

With both the Congleton RUFC 1st and 2nd team games called off due to bad weather and poor pitch conditions, the Vets game was the only one to go ahead against Lancashire Typhoons.

The hardened veterans of rugby boarded the coach and supporters commented on the uncanny resemblance of the squad and the Hollywood blockbuster The Expendables.

Before kick off the squad was shocked to learn that talismanic scrum half Andy Bygrave was unfit due to a freak incident with a mop. However Tony Spielberg stepped in at late notice to provide cover in this crucial position.

Confidence was high as the team started the day with an unbeaten record this season. The outcome of the fixture was better than Liverpool FC performance on the same day.

The cold wind whipped round the posts and an empty lucozade bottle rolled across the pitch, the ref blew his whistle and the ball sailed into the sky.

Congleton displayed their excellent ball handling skills and were soon demonstrating their control of set pieces and open play. An early scrum resulted in a significant injury to one the Typhoons players.

A long delay followed whilst the referee reorganized the pitch to allow a shortened version of the game whilst awaiting the emergency services.

Both teams now played 10 a side and it was soon evident that Congleton were the stronger team. The final score of 7 tries to 2 was a convincing victory, with Tries scored by Richard Bygraves, Hector Msonzah , Tony Speilberg, Luc Davenport, Josh Lea and James Carly.

Team Captain and director of Vets rugby Darren Cashmore said: "We knew if we could just control the field position and possession as much as we could , we would be alright. I thought we looked after the ball well."

After another strong performance from the whole squad it was decided that for team bonding purposes a tour of local hostelries was necessary to rehydrate and relax aching muscles. The players demonstrated the same enthusiasm and energy shown in the match into this task.

The team have one more match before their annual tour. Concerns over travel restrictions have been cast aside. The squad are excited to be visiting Southport again and looking forward to seeing the Lawn Mower museum and other cultural attractions.