Broadstreet RFC

This hastily arranged pool fixture against National 2 South opposition was perfect preparation for next Saturday’s league opener against Barker’s Butts, and Broadstreet responded well to the task in hand with a pretty emphatic victory – running in a total of 10 tries.

In his first game looking after the team, Browny demonstrated extreme keenness by scheduling a meet-time 2 hours before the kick-off, however he informs me that this was merely to ensure that the multitude of pensioners in the large squad got plenty of time to stretch off and also to give Loper the chance to cram in a sneaky pre-match pint!

Broadstreet started the game impressively and held their own at set-pieces against a strong Hinckley pack.  Broadstreet’s backs gave Hinckley very few chances to score with some awesome defence, particularly from Paul Lydster and ginger warrior Stu Crawford (by far the most excited about the start of the season!), and Broadstreet forwards dominated loose play, with back-rows  Jerome Johnson and Quentin Doireau particularly lively throughout.  As a result, Broadstreet notched up 6 tries against a shell-shocked Hinckley defence, and the first-half ended with Broadstreet 30-5 up and seemingly certain of a win.

Browny demonstrated his lack of managerial experience by making a number of changes at a key point in the 2^ndhalf which allowed Hinckley to bag a couple of tries and sniff a chance of a comeback, however the boys killed the game dead with 4 great tries in quick succession.   Scrum-half Paul Lydster was in great form throughout and will undoubtedly be one of our lynch-pins this season.  He dominated proceedings and his excellent distribution gave Steve “Staystrong” Allen (making a welcome return to the club) the perfect platform to unleash our dynamic three-quarter line.  Jamie Dodd’s pace and running lines caused havoc all day and Danny Rowstron’s silky skills (especially in the final 10 minutes) were a joy to behold.  Another player making a superb comeback was loosehead prop Aidy Jones, fit again and raring to go – he had to be dragged off to give Phil Smith a run-out at the end!

After finishing last season as Warwickshire 2 champions, the forthcoming league campaign sees Broadstreet 3^rdXV take the 2^ndXV’s place in Warwickshire 1.  Everyone got a game in an excellent performance,  however there’s no doubt that we will need to consistently perform at this standard and then some if we are to repeat the success of last season.  No conversions from 10 attempts might also need to sharpen up our kicking for goal! ;o)

Under Loper ’s watchful eye,  Browny has promised to work on his motivational speeches......either that or leave them to someone else, however his saving grace may be the clever use of catchphrases.

MotM – Tied between Jerome Johnson....busy all game, & Paul Lydster....controlled the game brillantly

DotD – Downesy.....only 2.5 hours late!