STAFFORD (MARVELS) & TELFORD (STAGS) MIXED ABILITY XV vs TAMWORTH 3RD XV & VETS. 2ND SEPTEMBER 2023. FRIENDLY.

The Marvels & Stags opened their season with a home fixture against a combined Tamworth 3rd XV & Vets Team. The visitors were new to the mixed ability format of the game, but after some initial discussions embraced the ethos with gusto. Tamworth came without a full squad, so players from the Marvels & Stags swapped in and out throughout the afternoon to ensure an open game.

The weather was massively warm for the encounter and with the sun showing no signs of abating, the game was played in 20-minute periods to allow for much needed recovery. In the opening periods of the game, the Tamworth XV soon learned the error of targeting kicks at Gaz Phillips who carried hard leaving a pile of victims in his wake. Pete Mills was demonstrating all his athletic ability and following a particularly impressive line out was christened “the salmon” by a member of the visiting XV. Keith Richards, wearing Tamworth colours, caused general mayhem amongst the home side who he going to have to coach after the match. With Ali Oxley, Brad Clements, Ruben Sutton putting on a demonstration of stepping magnificence, bamboozling the opposition, the visitors had to work doubly hard to contain the attack. Dave Austen showed how master bakers play the game subtly crashing around the pitch ably supported by Alex Barclay and Adam Turton. The general traffic was marshalled in the right direction by Matty Hickman, Matt Smith and Richard Baker. This was sometimes with a great deal of noise, but apologies were always eventually made to the referee. Matt Smith got so enthusiastic that he unfortunately tweaked his ankle again, but after finding out that Brad & Reuben were up to the kicking duties he was able to rest for the remainder of the game. Simon Macdonald stepped up to show how throws into the line out should be done, but quickly morphed into a flying winger, showcasing his ability to cover any position on the pitch. A fine debut, by Tom Dellicompagni, saw the Marvels player clear for a scorching try, but he managed to find the only divot on the 4G pitch which bought him crashing down. The last mention of the game goes to Matt Powell who, deep into the fourth quarter, attempted to run the ball in from the half way line, a play which proved to be audacious in its ambition.

Special thanks must go to Jocelyn Turner, Izzy Austen and Laura Matthews for some superb officiating. The players player (selected by Tamworth) was Brad Clements and our coaches player (selected by Marvels & Stags) was Tom Dellicompagni. The final thanks must go to Tamworth who showed what an excellent rugby club they are. Adapting to the spirit of the match, playing a competitive but respectful game and generally enjoying the afternoon. They have led the way for other Staffordshire clubs to join in with this inclusive form of rugby.

The Marvels & Stags squad was: Adam Turton, Alex Barclay, Ali Oxley, Brad Clements, Dave Austen, Gaz Phillips, Keith Richards, Matty Hickman, Matt Powell, Matt Smith, Pete Mills, Reuben Sutton, Richard Baker, Simon Macdonald, Tom Dellicompagni. Scoring has been slightly nebulous from those in attendance … but we’re going with Ali Oxley x 2 tries, Brad Clements x 1 try & 4 conversions, Gaz Phillips x 1 try, Reuben Sutton x 1 try & 1 conversion, Simon Macdonald x 1 try and apologies to the mystery scorer who might have got the remaining try.

If you would like to join in with Mixed Ability we train every Monday night down the club, or just ask in the club who will point you towards someone who can help or drop Danni Bayley a line.

Next MAR Match; Saturday 23rd September 2023, Away vs Worcester.