In our first ever Dads V Lads game, us Dads showed the boys just how it should be done!
Result: Dads 10 Lads 8
Scorer(S)
Dads Lads
A.Brookes (2) J. Brookes (3)
M. Beckett (2) B. Wilson (2)
M. Dolan (2) C. Beech (1)
M. Darlington (2) C. Darlington (2)
K. Irlam-Mowbray (1)
A. Meredith (1)
I don’t think we will do this again next year, as both sides will be a year older, and would benefit the Lads more than the Dads! So us Dads will retire as Champions- with bragging rights over Christmas. So when these young men decide they know better, whether it be: what time they are due in, how much money they owe us, or even whose turn it is to own the remote control, just remind them who are the undisputed touch rugby champions!
From start to finish, the Dads dominated, only conceding the odd try out of pity. Andy Brookes showed why Stuart Lancaster keeps his number on speed dial, and Martin Beckett showed why he was dubbed the “White Offiah” by his protégé Jason Robinson. Mark Darlington recovered sufficiently from his spooning injury to show his competitive nature, second only to the Drill Instructor in “Full Metal Jacket!”. Kevin Irlam-Mowbray joined the festivities a tad late, making an entrance worthy of a prize fighter, and Aidy Meredith, after stealing Stanley Matthew’s shorts and David Beckham’s boots, showed a turn of pace to worry Usain Bolt.
The highlight of my game though, was sprinting 800 yards past 26 players, with a mazy run, to slide over the line ahead of Josh Brookes trailing in my wake. The crowd erupted, as the whole of the club stood in amazement. I have often said to Steve Diamond, “leave it to the youngsters”, but after this performance, I may find it hard to refuse him in the future, especially given Sale’s result yesterday!
Both squads were decimated before the game, the Lads with disease and injury and the Dads with age and oppression! Nonetheless, the game was played at a frantic pace, with some great, expansive rugby, especially from the Dads.
It was great to see everyone down to cheer us on, and end the year as CHAMPIONS!