First game! Uncontested scrums, a mixed blessing.

So my first game ended up as uncontested scrums. At first it was planned to be contested for the 2nd half, when our 2nd prop turned up. I thought that would be a great way to be introduced, half a game, so even if it went all wrong (and it would have done!) it was only 40 minutes. Along with good conditions, there wouldn’t have been too many either, especially as the question only arised with 20 minutes to go. However the opposition, who were getting hammered at that point, and were mahoosive (seriously, their tighthead was well over 6ft and generously proportioned), opted to continue uncontested.  Well, since we were far smaller, winning easily, we weren’t exactly going to force the issue when it would have potentially turned the game a bit.

The game itself was great fun, except for playing on artificial turf. I got quite a nasty burn across the top of my hand, but thankfully my knees were clear.  Our team has a number of youngsters, who are rapid as shit off a shovel. Multiple times the ball would go out, and within seconds I’d just stop and clap, there was no way I was going to keep up with that. A couple of times off lineouts I gave it the old college try, but started losing yards quickly, and just gave up as once again they shot off.  It’s definitely an enjoyable way to play though, and I guess every front rows dream, a game where the backs just disappear in the distance scoring tries!

Our hooker was a club stalwart, who’d I’d not met before. He apparently started off at fullback, when he was a few stone heavier, and he’s hardly slender at the moment! Lovely fella, and eager to help me out and make sure I was alright. The team manager had apparently told him beforehand that he may need to tell me where to stand and where to go, but not to worry about much else. Great praise in my mind! Was also a joy to watch as he moved to fullback for the last 10 minutes, stood up some of their backs, toed the touchline, and only had the fullback to beat! Unfortunately, he did actually toe the touchline (though he swears blind he didn’t) and was pulled back.

At the 79th minute, we finally actually had some phases on the opposition line (rather than the 50m breaks before). We were punching up to get to the line, and I saw my chance to give it a go too. Sod the 9 screaming at me, I was taking this one up. Grabbed it, hit the opposition, rolled and twisted, the line within tantalising reach... Kept pirouetting, no doubt with the grace of a baby elephant playing, and saw my chance, went down, reached over the line…. TRY! The real relief came when it was pointed out that I’d just carried it up when there was a 5 on 2 available on the outside… I’d have got a bit of stick if I’d not scored that!

Had a good chat with the opposition hooker after the game, he was really passionate about scrummaging, and offered a few tips of ensuring I had good low body position. He was surprised their prop had said they were happy to keep going uncontested, and was quite disappointed too, but wasn’t about to argue it (think they were all a bit blown away by that point).

We had a good amount of muscle relaxant after the game, and continued on for a while once back home. A walk home after, and a hero’s welcome at home (well, at least I wasn’t laughed at for being a wreck, which I reckon counts!). Following morning I believe I was still a bit muscle relaxed, so no hangover, and no serious pains! First game, a debut try, and a comprehensive away win. No scrums, but definitely a great start to my new career!

Injury list (will try and get photos of the more interesting/visual ones!):

Nasty turf burns on the back of my hand.

Numerous bruises on limbs.

Pulled quad.

*Tiny feet - Still no DBS clearance, so still on the sidelines enjoying my son running circles round the other coaches (I knew my turn would come!). He’s still enjoying himself immensely, which is all we can ask for.  Better turnout this week too, probably due to the nicer weather! Some parents/grandparents do seem to treat it a little bit as a cheap daycare service though, I have to say it was a bit of a shock to see someone bring the child along in jeans… However overall, we’ve got a great group of kids, they all seem to have fun, and whilst there’s obviously a range of ability, they’re all pretty positive so far!

Each week, the coach gives out a player of the week award, which the child can obviously take in for show and tell etc, and my boy hasn’t had it. This time the coach told him that he’s really close, and he just needs to keep trying. I went upto the coach after the session and mentioned the player of the week, think he was a bit defensive, and said that he’s always close. I pointed out that I’d rather he didn’t get it, he can be cocky enough dancing as he wins/comes close to winning the rats and rabbits games etc, doesn’t need his head expanding further!

*********** As always, any advice on propping is more than welcome! Please comment here or contact me on twitter. Or if you know someone that could help, please link them in. **********

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