Gobbledegeek 2.o

A second test defeat was always likely, particularly if you look at the form books but Wales still could have performed better. The All Blacks looked a little unimaginative and may I be so bold as to say hesitant?

In the dying seconds the score sat at a perfectly respectable 22 – 10, a score many Welshmen would have bitten arms off to take prior to kick-off, but a slip from Byrne was gratefully pounced on by Cruden for a late try that was a little hard to swallow.

The effort by the Welsh was considerable but I couldn’t help but feel that there was a little more to come. Like many of my school reports,  ‘Could do better’ summed it up nicely, but surprisingly more so for the home nation.

As to the ref, Caplan, I’ll say no more other than he listened to the crowd way too much and even the Kiwi supporters detest his refereeing style, which went a long way to ruining an otherwise good game of rugby.

The third half result was more even, with the Welsh fans just sneaking a glorious victory by drinking Hamilton dry of Guinness. A great night was had by all and one I hope to repeat next year at the Rugby World Cup  2011, here in New Zealand.

An honourable mention must go the Waikato stadium grounds staff. Despite the constant rain in the run up the the match, the pitch held firm and looked great. The folks responsible for the joke at the Etihad stadium could learn a thing or two.

Great view of the game!

It’s abso-bloody-lutely belting it down here in Hamilton but the overwhelming urge to trawl the local bars for Welshmen is too strong…..hmm, that came out wrong?

What I mean is, it would be nice to meet up with the Welsh rugby fans who have descended on Hamilton in their droves for the 2nd Test tomorrow and partake of a few sherbets while we reminisce about the green, green grass of home; God’s country if you will.

I’ll have to get a taxi!

Got ticket?

It goes without saying that an essential ingredient of going to watch a live International rugby match is the ticket but after days spent tracking down accommodation, I thought I’d left it too late….

Ticketek were telling me that only crap seats were available and that I might be confined to the temporary stand where die-hard fans actually stand and huddle around a 3 inch portable TV to share the experience. However, in the hope of a minor miracle, I called Waikato Rugby Union’s Sales Manager, John Mudford, who usually deals with the stadium’s hospitality goodness that us mere mortals only dream of affording. I explained my predicament and his response was short and sweet.

“Don’t worry, I’ll sort you out first thing in the morning”. It would have been rude to ask why he couldn’t sort it out there and then but he explained that he was out of the office and that I should send him an email with my preference.

Would you Adam and Eve it? This morning I receive an email confirming that they have reserved one of the best seats in the house for me. Apparently, they hide a few prime seats away from Ticketek and the like, for hospitality/corporate clients….and idiots who leave it very late, it appears.

So, for the icing on what could have been a rather disappointing cake, a big ‘thank you’ goes out to Waikato Rugby Union and especially, John Mudford and Sue Raynor.

I can only hope that Wales perform as well on the day!

Saturday’s opening match of the 2010 Country Victoria rugby season saw the Fighting Miners suffer a 14 – 26 defeat at the hands of Puckapunyal at Shadforth Park, Bendigo.

Defensive frailties on the fringes of the ruck and in the backline of the Miners gave the Boars repeated opportunities to score but the Miners held on to trail by only seven points at the break, 7-14.

Bendigo’s points were scored from a try to five-eighth Steve MacDonald when he sliced through the Puckapunyal defence at the back of a line-out and a conversion by Josh Manderson.

Puck opened the second half with an unconverted try to stretch its lead to 12 points at 19-7.

Bendigo responded with some strong running from improved set play. This led to a string of high tackles by the Boars’ players as the match threatened to become spiteful. Referee Wayne Pick took strong action, sending three Puckapunyal players to the sin bin simultaneously in the twentieth minute of the second half….

by W. Coulter

Read the full article here.

The Bendigo Fighting Miners are still in desperate need of players to sign for the proposed youth squad. If you aged between 14 and 16 and are interested or know someone who may be, please call Mark Luatutu on 5434 5822 (work) or 0427 315067.

Bendigo Fighting Miners rugby union team not only celebrate 40 years of outstanding country rugby in 2010, they are also putting out a call for youth players. So, if you, or anyone you know, would like to participate in a safe and positive environment, contact Mark Luatutu on 0427315067.

Alternatively, you can reply here or email me (admin at gobbledegeek dot com dot au) and I’ll pass your details on to Mark.

Even if you don’t know anyone directly, please help by spreading the word, as this multi-championship winning team receive precious little advertising and support as it is.

Incidentally, pre-season training begins Thursday 4nd February 6:00 pm at Shadforth Park and there will be a short touch game before the AGM at 7pm in the Club Rooms and all are welcome.