Dursley Rugby Football Club
Dursley R.F.C.
Registered as a Community Amateur Sports Club CASC since 2004
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Cometh the hour....
18th December 2012
Let’s make no bones about it, this was a day of heroes. From the scrum half to the wing, from the hooker to and from the kitman to the pressbox there were exceptional performances. Defeat is rarely glorious but there is a manner and spirit in which a team can face that disappointment with pride and honour and Dursley managed that in spades this Sunday. Facing a very strong Hucclecote 15, emerging from last season’s county cup victory, the Dursley boys played with spirit and courage, and whilst ultimately succumbing, this was the most noble of defeats.
Our first hero took his accustomed spot in the press box following a late night of pre-match vodka fuelled karaoke, forgoing his normal birthday fried breakfast for the sheer joy and pleasure of standing in a wet field. Quickly exchanging handshakes with our illustrious kitman who also shared this birthday these two unsung heroes took up their vigil with aplomb. Next our heroic referee strode forth sporting a fresh blue and black number that would not have been out of place upon the Milan catwalk. Our referee needs commending early for a faultless display in difficult conditions, aiding the boys in their rugby and playing a supporting actor role in a fabulous match.
Stride forth the true heroes, as Dursley took to the pitch against their Hucclecote visitors. Dursley kick off and Hucclecote return with interest and the Dursley defence is immediately tested. Standing firm the boys hold their line but repeated infringements lead to Hucclecote penalties and the pressure remains intense. It is therefore no surprise when Hucclecote open the scoring with an unconverted try, 0-5. This only serves to ignite the Dursley fire and wave after wave of attack leave the Hucclecote defence mauled but holding firm. The second quarter sees Dursley steal the ball near their own line before a timely interception by the Hucclecote Centre sees them extend their lead to 0-12. If Dursley were on fire before, now they went nuclear and the waves of attack began in earnest. A fabulous run by Darryl and repeated forward pressure was eventually rewarded as Hucclecote concede a penalty try under their posts and Nathan converts to bring the score to 7-12. Dursley regain the possession deep in their half and a so begins the most exciting sequence of the match as a swift backs move find Henry Momber whose punt forward is chased with pace by Harvey who takes advantage of hesitant Hucclecote defending to kick on and dive on the ball as it crosses the try line to huge cheers from the faithful. Tom K is unlucky with a difficult conversion and the half ends 12-12.
Hucclecote are rattled and they begin the second half in determined fashion with only a fabulous tackle from Harvey to hold up the Hucclecote attacker preventing a try. But the pressure eventually tells and Hucclecote retake the lead 12-17. Dursley keep their heads and are very unlucky to further concede against the run of play as the lead is extended to 12-24. Dursley’s players really show their character now as the tiring limbs and pressure from the opposition begin to show, but the determination to compete with their opponents remains strong. Hucclecote add further tries in the fourth quarter and the game ends 12-45 but this is an injustice to a closely fought game between two well matched sides.
Some defeats really hurt, but when you play this well and ultimately succumb to an impressive opposition then you can leave the pitch with your heads held high. The Dursley boys played with spirit and pride, never letting their focus drop or their discipline wander. It is easy to be proud of our team in victory, but it is a deeper pride when they can be defeated and yet play this way. George Edward Woodberry “Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure” a charge that could not be laid at the Dursley boys on Sunday, the real heroes.
Key Stats
Score: Dursley 12 Hucclecote 45
Birthday cake: Yummy
Cards: Yes
Presents: YES
Candles: 44
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