North Manchester Rugby Union Veterans.
North Manchester Vets 24 vs. Aldwinians Vets 19
In North Manchester’s first ever Veterans fixture they were able to raise a side boasting ex-first and second team players from the past four decades of the club’s playing history. The North Vets took a little time to get organised and into their stride and gave the visitors too much space and respect in the opening exchanges. This resulted in an early converted try for the visitors after their No 8 had burst through a number of weak tackles. As the first half progressed the North forwards began to gel together and exert more pressure at both set piece lineouts and scrums. Their reward came from a push over try from No 8 Pat Stokes after prolonged pressure in the visitors defending twenty two. Another lapse in concentration by the North Vets saw an immediate reply from Aldwinians with another converted try created with a similar build up to their first try. This set back did not deter the home side and they continued to push the visitors back in the scrum with resolute scrummaging from Props Dave Salt and Dave Wilde with able support from second rows John Doohan and Mick O’Rourke (Club President). Just before half-time North replied with another try created by the forwards with Pat Stokes getting his second try from a pick up and drive from the back of the scrum. The try was converted by Graham Shaw to see them two points behind the visitors at the break.
The second half saw more expansive rugby from North Manchester Vets with half backs Greig Hayes and Graham Shaw linking well to set the backs away on a number of dangerous moves. The addition of Dave Garvey to the back line for North at half time added more pace and guile and a good interchange of passes following presentation of quick ball by the forwards saw Graham Shaw score in the corner to take North into the lead for the first time. This was the best try of the game. Further pressure in the scrum resulted in a switch to uncontested scrums as the Aldwinians front row felt the pressure late on in the game. The North Vets extended the lead after a neat interchange between scrum half and the back row which saw flanker Barry Sharman break through a number of tackles to score a try that was duly converted by Graham Shaw. A late unconverted consolation try from Aldwinians made it a nervous finish for North Manchester Vets. It did not, however, deny them the win that was thoroughly deserved in an entertaining game played in good spirits by both sides. .
