We then ran through a few drills, practicing rucks etc, I managed to get a shin to the skull, and whilst it wasn’t enough to hurt my thick skull, it did trigger some pain in my back, but it’s a normal twinge for me, so I wasn’t worried about it. Pulled a few muscles along the way too, nothing too surprising for an “old” guy coming back to sports.
After we split into backs and forwards again, this time the forwards headed down to the scrum machine. To start with I was providing valuable ballast on the back of the machine, I like to think I did a good job ;). Then the firsts pack moved aside, and they called up the 2nds hooker and prop that was there, then asked if anyone fancied stepping in at tighthead… my fate was decided! Being happy to give anything a try (though I really don’t fancy hooker), I put my hand up. Started off with just the front 3, then 2nd row, then flankers. We managed to move the machine, and I felt quite comfortable and strong. I’ve never done any heavy lifting etc in the gym, but know the basics of keeping a strong back, and I’ve always had reasonable strength in my legs (and that fat arse I mentioned earlier).
Another team run at the end, this time with a few extra defenders, and I even got a few words of praise from a coach for making a nuisance of myself against the firsts. Another lift home, another broken body dragging myself through the hall to the shower (and no sympathy again! Heartless lot!). A few days later, I was listed in the 2nds team (reserves of course)! Thankfully, the game was cancelled, as the opposition couldn’t get a team together, but I was actually quite excited about getting out on the pitch again!
*Tiny feet - 2nd week for the youngster. Thankfully he was excited to be going back, hardly surprising though, he was running round most the other youngsters, and the coaches. Bit arrogant (I suppose I could be kind and call it confidence!). No DBS check for me yet though, so another week of enjoying spectating. Some of the kids are really handy, and one in particular seems to be making a great bond with my boy. They couldn’t really look much different, my boy is a real shortarse (as I was), thin, fast and agile, the other is tall and big. He runs faster than you’d expect though, and picks some good lines, always with a smile on his face though (although he’s apparently rather disappointed there’s not real tackling for a while!).
**********!!!!!!!!!! Please! Anyone with any tips, advice, hints, ideas, suggestions etc etc for playing prop, please feel free to comment, either here, or tweet me. These are historical posts for now, so I’m playing prop now and loving it, but am happy for any advice I can get! Or if you know someone that could help, please link them in.!!!!!!!!!!!!************
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