Deepings Vets v Peterborough Vets

In memory of Martin Tebbs.
Tebbsie, the cornerstone of the pack and the bar!

An appropriate one minute silence was conducted before the game and Martin Tebb's mother, aunt and sister were introduced to the players. Martin was a member of Deepings RUFC who died of Cancer on the 5th December 2010.
Deepings easily had the best squad of players ever to grace the field, the only absence was Andy Craighead who unfortunately had work comitments. This was a godsend as Peterborough who lost to Deepings in the previous game, had beefed up their pack and didn't take any step backwards in this area during scrum time.

Deepings started the game with ambition, Jonny Macadam at No 8 picking at the scrum and driving continually making lots of yardage, Andy Meikle also worked in the loose well combining with Chris Towers. However, despite lots of pressure, they continually failed to make the final pass, little knock ons or Peterborough holding Deepings up at ruck time caused frustration. Eventually the pressure paid off and Brian Ward scored a great try from a ruck. The ball went wide right to him and he bounced off some poor tackle attempts and forced his way over near the posts which Mikey Broughton converted (Without a kicking tee because it wasn't brought out!!?)

The first half went quickly and changes were then made, Sean Lynch and Paul Rogers went into second row, Sean Enright to scrum half, Stu Magabe to hooker, Mark Barnes wing, Jason Whaley wing, Darren Theakstone flanker just before the half as Andy Meikle dislocated his finger.

Just after the half, Deepings stepped up the pace a bit added some phases and Nigel (Hollywood) Thornton scored a fantastic solo try which Stephen Spielberg would have been proud of as the acting afterwards had everything; blood sweat tears, emotion, man's struggle to survive, pain anguish exhaustion !!!! Nigel drove, kicked ahead, chased and regathered to score near the posts.
Nigel staggered back carried on for a little then collapsed in a heap and had to be scooped off the field... wonderful stuff !

Some minutes later Ed Purchase gathered the ball on the left and went off on one of his long and winding runs. He ran straight, handed off one player, then angled right then right again, Peterborough backs tried to keep up, but like the Road Runner, he left them behind. The Peterborough full back was given a friendly hand off for good measure and at the last gasp Ed scored!!

Towards the end of the game Deepings continued to attack and break up the Peterborough midfield but again was frustrated by the scrum which kept collapsing. A few minutes from the end Stu Magabe drove straight and low at the Peterborough midfield after Deepings strung a series of phases together, with the defence sucked in at the breakdown Deepings pinged it left, where Chris Towers passed across the line for Brian Ward to score to the left with ease..

Peterborough attacked towards the end and scored a consolation try in the corner which they deserved.

Final score Deepings Dinosaurs 24 Peterborough Vets 5

Man of the match - Ed Purchase

A great time in the bar afterwards, saw a good England win against the mighty All Blacks. Followed by a trophy presentation from Martin's family.
Vets Captain Paul Rogers said after the preesentation, "I offered some words to thank everyone and I feel that the day was a total success for all. I hope that next year we will do the same thing. Special thanks to the Peterborough lads who stayed behind to mark the occasion."

Deepings Vets next match is on the 15th December against Stamford 14.30pm kick off at Deepings RUFC.