As usual, when two pick-up sides try to play as well as they know they used to be able to play, a certain rustiness is apparent: early contact is not necessarily to be encouraged and spurts are a touch risky for fear of 'hammy trouble'.  But class and pride will out – and so it proved.  There were several delightful touches, which the cognoscenti appreciated, and which the player(s) demonstrated as if they were performing everyday.   Some of the cut-away passes amongst the backs, unseen these days, were a delight.  Some of the close engagements involving heavy forwards were interesting and hookers, more often than not aimed well at the line out.

There were frenetic bursts of activity in the backs, with the Irishmen looking slightly the more dangerous.  The English appeared more secure up front, until fatigue or the effects of the night before began to show.  Then the ball was anyone's and the Irish staged a Grandstand finish.  From being a comfortable two scores and more ahead, it was John Large's final blast for 'no side' which stopped an almost certain Irish victory.  Final score England XV 26 – Irish 24.

Ireland Player, John O'Neil and England player Harvey Thorneycroft  fight for possession

The enjoyment of the players was obvious and Well Played, both sides.  However, once again it has to be said that the level of support from the ring was disappointing.  But whatever, the name of Wooden Spoon was once again being exposed and supported.

Thank you to all the players for giving up their time to volunteer to play for Spoon and for their generous support.