WIDNES 41 – VALE OF LUNE 52
RFU PLAY OFF
The Alies assembled as the sun was inching its way above the yard arm, but they were minus The Major, who was on an overseas mission, having being spirited away in the dead of night to Manchester Airport.
But ever the professional he issued the Grand Cru with a list of instructions before his departure which thoroughly confused Platelayer, who decided he would opt for the first item on the list, strimming. This choice suited the Cru, because going fifteen rounds with the strimmer was not a task they readily volunteered for. So after finding the two stroke mixture, plus the aforementioned strimmer and a set or ear protectors, the Platelayer buzzed away happily in his own world.
On Friday a benign Red Baron flew in. He quickly fettled up the push mowers, fired up the chainsaw, mixed a gallon of two stroke, sorted out a water problem, helped Heskey with his IT homework, pinned up the route maps for Widnes, all this before coffee time!
During the week there had been a health scare surrounding Gilly, but he was led across the car park by Cowps, arriving in time for roll call and in good order on Saturday morning. The Plumber, looking years younger having shaved off his moustache, prodded Enty along, who was rolling his shoulders about the selected side; in fact we were well down the M6 before the names of his mates, Gordon and Alistair cropped up.
Shagpile supplied a chunky red number, all blackberry and plums with a hint of bonfires, from his well stocked cellar. It was only when he was studying the label that he discovered a mistake had been made. “Bloody hell,” he sputtered, “I’ve picked the wrong bottle. This is my best stuff, not the cheepo wine that the Oil Tycoon brought me.” Very tasty!
The Fitter was picked up at “The Boot and Shoe,” struggling aboard with a carrier bag full of sensible provisions. At the same bus stop was Barry, a relative newcomer to the Alies world, but goodness me, he fits in perfectly, and so he should, being a long standing friend of the Solicitor.
On the way to Widnes there was a gentle zephyr of conversation wafting up and down the coach. Sutty and the Fitter moved to the front as junction six on the M62 approached, perhaps they remembered the last visit to Widnes when the correct turning was missed. No problems this time around, but the coach had to reverse into the car park at Heath Road. Jamie’s skill with the wheel not only earned him a standing ovation from everyone aboard, but the applause also broke the dam of tension that had been building, and ensued we all left the coach wreathed in smiles.
The mood continued for the Alies when they were welcomed into the clubhouse by President Mark, an enthusiastic bar staff and a range of well kept guest beers. Time flew by in a most convivial atmosphere considering the importance of the fixture, and unlike the build up to the Tyldesley game everyone appeared relaxed, with the exception of the Solicitor.
The Widnes programme proved to be a splendid read, even the Vale’s web sit got a mention. Widnes are celebrating fifty years at Heath Road and the programme was packed full of little gems, in particular the fifty one songs chosen by members, one for each year from 1959 through to 2009. For 1971 “Ernie by Benny Hill was selected, the Nolan Sister’s hit, “I’m In The Mood for Dancing” was chosen for 1981, but what of 1998, “After The Goldrush” by Neil Young; would Emma be persuaded for another performance? Widnes RUFC is holding its breath!
Out on a superb playing surface there was no time to stand and stare after Andy McIntosh’s early try had set the jamboree in motion. Play switched kaleidoscopically back and forth, spare a thought for the scoreboard operators who had to cope with a scoring sequence that followed its own bizarre progression; 7-0, 7-7, 7-14, 14-14, 14-17, 17-17, 24-17, 24-24, and then it was half time, phew!
There was no let up in the second half as both sides continued to move the ball around without a care in the world. The scatter gun continued to pepper the scoreboard throughout the second forty; 24-31, 29-31, 29-38, 36-38, 36-45, 36-52, 41-52, until referee Andrew Daniels called a halt to a mercurial contest that was a credit to all who participated in it.
Neale Foster converted all his side’s seven tries, in addition to kicking a penalty goal. Neil Hull scored the first try followed by, Andy Garnett, Neil Bennett, Alistair Richards, Ian Bird, Alex Cowey and finally Dave Halliwell. There was a downside to the victory which secured promotion because Gavin Barton dislocated his knee cap, one week after making his fiftieth appearance.
On a special day Andy Garnett was named man of the match and everyone made it back to the Vale to honour the memory of mum Sue, on the occasion of the Sue Garnett Memorial game.
Vale of Lune: N Foster; A Richards, N Hull, I Bird, J Hodder; N Bennetts (Capt), O Hughes (Rep J Bleasdale 85); A Cowey, G Barton (Rep P Watson 52), D Halliwell; L Acton (Rep D Perry 82), L Farnworth; A Garnett (Rep J Ferguson 84), D Lin, M Fowler.
