| Former England full back Simon Hodgkinson, assisted by Jon Eagle, Dave Muckalt and Nick Buoy, worked extremely hard in raising a most committed and talented squad and the boys did Wooden Spoon A-As proud. Cambridge, captained by the former Australian second row forward who gained 42 caps in his illustrious career, included 14 Blues from the squad that had narrowly lost the Varsity match. The Wooden Spoon A-As’ captain was scrum half Ross Blake, a past captain of the Light Blues. The match produced some cameos of excellent running Rugby and was enjoyed by the crowd and all the participants. It also helped to raise the profile of Wooden Spoon.
England Counties’ full back Adam Waites showed his pace to open the score and this was followed by a popular score by prop Glynn Owen who was on hand to finish off a lengthy bout of inter-passing. The third try was again scored by Adam Waites who exhibited great skill with a precision chip and chase. The fourth try owed much to a dithering defence and was scored by the alert Henry Bloom with Tim Walsh at last making the conversion. The first half ended with the visitors 22-7 ahead, as a result of the home skipper’s try which was converted.
The Wooden Spoon A-As extended their lead at the start of the second half with an individual jinking try by fly half Tim Walsh which was converted by himself. The Light Blues however then had a golden period with three tries bringing them to within three points of the Wooden Spoon A-As at 26-29, much to the consternation of the visiting supporters. We need not have worried because a neat grubber kick by Tim Walsh, and a pick up by Jack Smales, enabled us to re-establish the lead at 36-26. Cambridge were not to be outdone and scored another converted try almost at the final whistle. The evening’s exhilarating entertainment thus closed at 36-33. The whole match, and the positive approach of all the players and the referee, was in marked contrast to the type of Rugby we have witnessed in the recent Internationals!!
The Wooden Spoon A-As’ party greatly appreciated the hospitality both before and after the match. It was good to catch up with old friends again. We are also most grateful to the Cambridge University RUFC committee for their generous donation to cover our expenses and enable us to make a contribution to Wooden Spoon.
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