The ground staff at the School had worked wonders to present an immaculate pitch, the rain held off, and, after a minute’s silence honouring the life of our First President’s widow, Joan, the two teams produced a marvellous exhibition of carefree football in front of a sizeable, knowledgeable and appreciative crowd – certainly bigger than the W.S. Legends had attracted to Murrayfield the day previous!

In the early stages, the strong running by the Old Sedberghians  backs and aggressive play by the forwards, had the Spoon A-As on the back foot;  they deserved their early 7-point lead.  Thereafter, the Spoon A-As settled and, with some strong forward drives of their own, supported well by some speedy backs, contrived to score three tries by Ashcroft, converted by Ben Squires, Waites and Wilson;  this ensured a seemingly comfortable 19-7 lead at half-time.

The second half saw end-to-end stuff, free flowing, attractive football, worthy of a bigger stage.  The Old Sedberghians mounted attack after attack and were justly rewarded in levelling the score at 19 apiece by the 70th minute.

The pace had to slacken, but still attack was the watchword and the A-As were required to defend doggedly – none more so than our worthy Director of Rugby, that ex-Harlequin and Leeds veteran, Jon Eagle, now playing in more modest surroundings, who brought off three try-saving, bone-crunching tackles before dragging up sufficient energy to streak in for what appeared to be the match winning try – this after the Spoon A-As had failed to score with three pushover attempts in quick succession.  The last word, however, was with the Spoon A-As, Billy Wilson surging in for his second try, thus producing a somewhat deceptive score line of 29-19 for the Wooden Spoon Anti-Assassins.

Both sides had given their all, congratulations to everyone, but the Spoon A-As retained the Cup, held aloft by a thoroughly deserving Danny Collins.

Apart from the ground staff, thanks must go to our hosts, Sedbergh School – the Founding Past President’s alma mater – led by the enthusiastic Headmaster, Christopher Hirst, and Dan Harrison, who raised the Old Sedberghians side. The Spoon A-As own Hon. Life President, Ken Woolley, was wondrous in his role as Officer of the Day and Messrs. Eagle, Muckalt and Young are to be congratulated for producing such an effervescent mixture of Wooden Spoon Anti Assassins, seven of whom qualified for their ties, which were presented by current President, Malcolm Phillips,  at a revived ceremony during the post match meal in the Queens Hall.

SpoonA-As Team