Two days of clear blue skies and high temperatures proceeded over the tournament with some great rugby played throughout. SpoonAAs opened the tournament on the Saturday with an impressive 43-0 win over a threatening New Zealand team, the Kaikorai Demons. With most of the Spooners having never played together before, the team went on to improve throughout the day scoring some fantastic try’s in convincing victories over the other two teams in the group, Spartacus (54-0) and RC UTM from Molova (78-0).
 As winners of their group, Spoon went into the quarter-finals on the Sunday to face Megatron who had also easily won all their previous games. An impressive 45-0 win saw the team safely through to the next stage. After a long 4 hour break before the semis, SpoonA-As had to regain their focus to face a dangerous Merchonians team, who were strengthened by some influential members of the Kukri Badgers who they had seen off in their previous game. With some ferocious talking and physical defence, particularly by Tom Rock, Shaun Cassidy and Matthew Stockdale, SpoonA-As made the most of their opportunities for a 26-0 victory.
The Wooden SpoonA-As faced a strong Olorun Sharks team in the final, who were slight favourites due to the fact they had been previous winners on several occasions. The Sharks started the stronger of the two teams, capitalising on SpoonAAs mistakes in a free flowing and physical game well refereed by international referee Wayne Barnes, taking a 10-0 lead into half-time. The break gave SpoonA-As a chance regain some composure with strong words from on-field captain Jack Smales. Despite this, the Sharks quickly scored first after the interval and it looked likely that they were going to regain their throne as champions once again. The Wooden SpoonA-As, on the other hand, had other ideas.
 With the Spooners showing real grit, determination and a never-say-die attitude, the fight-back began. Two quick tries from Adam Lewis and Steve Parsons got SpoonA-As back in the game. Then, top try scorer Jack Smales struck again with a converted try to give SpoonA-As a slender two point lead with three minutes to go. With the pressure mounting, the smallest player on the pitch, James Doherty, pulled out the biggest “tackle” of the day as the Sharks threatened to break clear, but this was viewed as being illegal causing a few tempers to blow. After the dust settled Barnes sent Doherty to the bin with the tackled Sharks player, who had retaliated. With the players tiring, player/coach Jon Eagle used the subs effectively and substitute Will Massey scored from a powerful five metre crash ball in the last play of the game. At the final whistle, Wooden SpoonA-As won 15-22.
The objectives of raising the awareness and funds for the Wooden Spoon charity were more than achieved, which was highlighted by the support given to the SpoonA-As particularly during their amazing final fight back and by sales of wristbands. Thanks to all those who contributed to the Wooden Spoon and also to the tournament organisers for their kind donation.
Team :
Jack Smales (Tynedale)
Hamish Smales (Launceston)
James Doherty (Wharfedale)
Dave Clements (Wharfedale)
Rob Boles (Plymouth)
Will Massey (Tynedale)
Tom Rock (unattached)
Steve Parsons (Otley)
Matthew Stockdale (Otley)
Simon Entwistle (Rossendale)
Adam Lewis (Fylde)
Graeme Smith (L Scottish)
Player coaches : Jon Eagle/Shaun Cassidy
Organiser : Jon Howells
|
