It was a fine day for Rugby this past Sunday, and what a great turn out! For the opening game of the season, we had around 40 players, and a number of past players. There were even a couple of new faces; great to get some fresh blood into the Old Boys.

The sight of our president and past-president on the side lines certainly was an inspiration to us all, lifting our spirits as we slogged up the hill towards the end of the game. I can still hear Andy's words encouraging us on with cheers like 'get your finger out!!!!. Then, he ensured that the referee's calls would go our way with advice like 'it's only Rugby that suffers sir!!!'.

We saw a lot of good open backs' play, and a balanced/thoughtful level of forwards' dirty play in the rucks and mauls, which kept the game moving well - having subs certainly helped.

Of particular note for us:

1. Hans putting Eric down for the count-that'll teach Eric not to respect the power of thered shorts...

2. Great interplay between Mark at #8 and Dave at scrum half kept us on the forward foot all day.

3. I think we won pretty much all our ownlineouts and some of theirs; best I've seen in many years.

4. Good chasing of kicks on both attack and defense by the backs.

5. Good controlled mauls, from which we scored a couple of nice opportunistic tries by the backs.

Three things to think about for next game:

1. Too many uncatchable offload passes. Some of this is just early season rustiness, but we still need to think: Better to go down with a playable ball than cause a turnover.

2. Runners going a bit too far and getting isolated - we need to go into contact in a more controlled way, and stay on our feet rather than trying to get the extra 3 yards and going down unsupported or turned the wrong way.

3. Stop yapping at the referee (current and past Captains being among the worst offenders). They're almost always doing it for free, and it doesn't change the calls - it just costs hard earned yards in penalties. I will be instituting a 'voluntary contribution' from the worst offenders to be used to buy the refs beer after the game. Kevin and I 'volunteering' to be retroactively assessed for Sunday, I will start enforcing this on my return from vacation.

Of particular note for the NOB's:

1. Good to see Keith and Barry back after not playing last season. Particularly nice of Keith to hand the ball over to me inside their half-it must be my natural charm.......

2. Pablo rarely off-side (despite his best efforts...must not be game fit yet).

3. Neil always off-side (and true to form never called), and at virtually every breakdown.

4. Clarence's show case try near the end.

A good XL contingent was out for the day bolstered by friends from various other clubs. Great to see other clubs supporting away fixtures, and we'll have to ensure we do the same for the season. If you didn't pay up your subs yet, reply to  Joe and he will make arrangements with you.

Man of the match to Hans, and honorable mention to Dave; both well deserved. The NOB's put out a good side and it felt like the two sides were well balanced-just as old boys should be. Many thanks to those who helped out in the bar and cleanup afterwards; in particular Heather, Joe and Kim. I think it's important we make the effort as a club to 'make a day of it' rather than just have the game and go home. The more we can do, the more attractive we are as a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon for players, families and social members. So lets all be sure to volunteer when requested; we don't play all that many home games so it shouldn't be too much effort for any of us to help out when asked.

I'll be away the next 3 weekends, and so Kev has kindly offered to revive his role of Captain in my absence (and more importantly wash the kit). We're in Markham this weekend NOON KICKOFF, and I would ask everyone to make a real effort to attend-there were more Markham players out Sunday than I have seen at an away fixture in some time and we really need to show our appreciation by reciprocating.

Long winded first note-promise to keep following ones short and sweet........

Your beloved Captain,  Chuck