By Elliott Josypenko
January 12 2005

A celebration for the players and parents was planned, a festive feast played on 23rd December under floodlights at Stratford. The conditions at Stratford were pretty near perfect with lovely ground within a stones throw of the RSC. Taking a quote from Richard III "'Tis better to be brief than tedious" so moving onto the game. The lads were well fired up despite one team member failing to find the toilets in time, perhaps first night nerves under the floodlights? Anyway the little scamp did as least clear up his own mess! Dolly the Sheep gave a rousing team talk unfortunately for the lady in question this was not her last act of the evening.

Bees played into a strong first-half wind but it was clear from the first tackle / breakdown that the referee's interpretation of the rules were not necessarily in line with the Bees players. Despite huge frustration and poor discipline by both sides this did not spoil the occasion or the quality of some of the play. Stratford pretty much dominated the first 20mins. first phase possession but every time they moved the ball wide Bees forced valuable turnovers, the Bees while living on scraps looked very dangerous with ball in hand. Stratford scored first with their big No.13 slicing open a disorganised central midfield defence. By this time Baz had taken the field to try and ensure Bees scrum at least succeeded in winning its own ball, constant "foot-up" by the Stratford hooker all evening caused the Bees significant problems, unfortunately the referee took no action.

Bees responded in fine style despite living of scraps with a great try from inside their own half, a couple of pick and drives, ball whisked up the short side with 2nd row Paul making lovely take and give to put Rich B. away in space, the fullback looked transfixed and never moved as Rich rounded him easily to score under the posts. Will had his kicking boots for the occasion and slotted the conversion comfortably.

Some changes at 1/2 time for Bees made for great start to the 2nd half, for 20 mins. the Bees Colts played some of their best rugby this season to date, two converted tries both from flowing back moves, both finished by Skids extended the Bees lead and the game looked over...............almost! Several changes in the Bees side to give everyone a game and some poor discipline allowed Stratford back into the game, indeed in the closing minutes they had penalty kick to win the game, thankfully the kick came back off the posts and the Bees cleared their lines to run out narrow winners.


Mars bar moment:
Wee man (Richard) up against the wall with Dolly in the shower
Lee, Nigel, Wee man, James and Noel for their yard of ale drinking...............Stratford beaten on and off the pitch!


Next fixture
Dunlop Colts January 9th


Team:
Luke (cap), Rich, Will, Danny, Woody, Andy (rep. Matt), Sam (Cappers), Lee, Nigel, James(Steve) , Ben (Adam), Paul, Dale (Ryan), Rich(Ethan), Elliot (Chris)

Final Score
Stratford 19 Bees 21

Season to date:
Played 9
Won 6
Lost 3
For 227
Against 141