Just as last year (funny that), first up were the Flatulent Fairies and a determined set of Leopards ran out to face them. Last year we'd started slowly and lost, but this time round sheer class showed (snort) and we ran out comfortable winners 12-0. 

Then we came down to earth! For the second year running our group contained the eventual tournament winners - this time a team from Havant RFC with the underhand (but clever) tactics of actually playing 7s rugby. To be fair, the Havants couldn't be faulted for fatness -  more than pulling their weight in that department: it was encountering fatties that can run and pass - and catch - that took us by surprise. We were roundly beaten, but not humiliated - 31-0, but worryingly lost two team members for cracked and bruised ribs.

After lunch it was a tight game against Leeds Lardies, who'd won both their games so far. This was our closest match, winning by three tries to two (and fluking a conversion) 17-10. 

Lastly we rounded off a great pool performance with revenge over the Drunken Wasps (who beat us last year) winning with a resounding 27 - 7 score.

Through to the Plate.... but with 2 hours to rest, ummm drink, and stiffen up, before we faced Gingell's Gut Buckets, the home team. They started very confidently and we.....didn't and before we knew it we were 17-0 down. We couldn't recover from that and although we staunched the flow, and drew the second half with a try each, that wasn't enough and our campaign was over.

So played 5,won 3 lost 2. A big improvement over last year, and some fine rugby played. As we trooped off the field to wild applause Mike Scott (for it was he) was reported to be offering contracts (Broncos, of course) and the Leopards heads were high.

What could follow that, you ask? 

The London Blobarians, that's what - as the bulk of our team rebranded and scrubbed up, joined with some players from Wasps, Sarries and Irish for an exhibition 10-a-side game (it was like playing for the Lions, one of them remarked). Alas we lost - by four referees to one - but perhaps we caught a glimpse of the future fat bloke tournaments?

So, a great day: many thanks to the supporters who came to watch us, and to Viks our brave DoR. 

Many of us stayed overnight and enjoyed the band, the trial, the snorts, Gavin, Charlotte and........... so on.

Um... moving on....

If you took any pictures please email them to me - all the ones I have will soon be on our website www.greenideas.com/leopards.htm

We'll be playing again next year - if you would like to join us, send me an email kwin@greenideas.com, and watch out on CAW next spring.

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