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News Article |
| MORAY GOLDEN OLDIES MAUL HIGHLAND |
| Fri 8th Feb 2013 |
Before a ball was kicked in this season's Six Nations, the Moray Maulers Rugby team turned back the clock last Saturday and made their mark as a newly formed Golden Oldies team. The aim of Golden Oldies is very simple: to have FUN, FRIENDSHIP and FRATERNITY through the game of rugby union which is growing in popularity throughout the country. The game is played for the over 35 age bracket and there are players in their seventies still active in the ever-growing number of teams being formed around the world. There are national, European and world festivals every year and the game has several modifications to the normal XV a-side game, such as uncontested scrums, no quick lineout or lifting in the lineouts, no kicking unless in your own 22, no quick taps for free kicks or penalties, unlimited substitutes, no contact on players over the age of 65, and all played in three 20 minute periods. As expected, the pace of the game is slower but the banter and passion of the players is absolutely still there.
Before the fifth Scottish Golden Oldies rugby festival in Inverness on 1st June 2013, the Maulers plan one match a month to build up some momentum and game time. Our first match versus Highland Bald Eagles, a well established Golden Oldies team, kicked off in bright sunshine at Morriston. The anticipation and enthusiasm was high as both teams competed for early possession. Within seconds of the kick-off and at the very first contact phase, Lossiemouth chip-shop owner Jeff Mansfield, playing in his first game of rugby in over 34 years, tweaked a hamstring and the battered player had to limp off; better luck next time Jeff. Martin Daley bolstered the midfield power and Marc Burgoyne kept his hands warm on the wing with a lovely pair modern-day rugby gloves. Maulers lock forward Dougie Belford secured valuable ball, scrum-half Chris Gaffney spun the ball to Manson, who fed Morren as the back line sped into action to leave Neil Martin with an easy first touchdown. More was to follow as the powerful Jamie Carruthers exploded through the centre field gap for the second. Maulers forwards dominated the breakdown. Ex-RAF Lossiemouth RFC front rows Neil Boyd and John Pymm were back to their old and bold ways, with Jason Fletcher and Andy Stevens making yardage to ensure the team went forward. The solid Richard Burgin ensured home ball and Brian Chalmers, playing in his sixth decade of rugby apparently (some say he didn’t start playing until he was 15), sprinted twenty yards with the ball in hand from a kick-off, or was it eighty yards Brian ? Carruthers and Martin scored the third and fourth tries as they again finished off another couple of slick back moves with aplomb. Martin should have scored his third but he squandered the opportunity with a dropped ball when a score was inevitable if caught.
The fifth was soon to follow in, quite literally, slow motion as Athol Manson floated through the gap and under the posts. The Maulers were coasting by now, looking good and up five scores to nil. As the home team’s momentum took a dip, Highland upped the tempo to score three converted tries in a row to give them hope; however, a final flourish and second wind by the Maulers secured the home win. George Whitecross scored a brace, Martin and Carruthers completed their hat-tricks of scores each and the final try of the day was touched down by man-of-the-match Chris Gaffney, who intercepted and sprinted in from the half-way line. Nine of the ten try's were converted to leave the final score of: Moray Maulers 68, Highland Bald Eagles 21.
A big thank you to Gavin MacDonald and his fellow players from Highland RFC for organising a team and for travelling to play us. Golden Oldie referee Steve Reynolds got a workout and we thank him for officiating very sympathetically indeed. With the biggest job of all, team physio Roy Hunte worked his magic to ensure we kept a full team on the pitch. In addition, the Moray RFC Committee and helpers excelled in the clubhouse to ensure a thriving, homely and welcoming event for all - thanks Graham, Fraser, Billy and Ryan. As the jubilant home coach Ronnie Lawson exclaimed, "It's only the start of things to come". An excellent first outing from the Maulers with a hungry and dominant forward platform, sharp minds, fast line speed and players who know where the try line is. The teams enjoyed a well deserved refreshment in the bar as England v Scotland kicked off.
Next up, the Maulers second match will be against another Inverness team, Craig Dunain, on Saturday 16th March, kick-off 3pm. If anybody over the age of 35 fancies a run-out with the team one game a month, please get in touch with the management team of George.Whitecross@moray.gov.uk, 07527 387549 or Johnny Morren 07779609605. You will be warmly welcomed to scrum on down with the Maulers.
Moray Maulers Golden Oldies RFC from; John Pymm, Brian Chalmers, Neil Boyd, Richard Burgin, Dougie Belford, Andy Stevens, Jason Fletcher, Chris Gaffney, Athole Manson, Johnny Morren, Martin Daley, Jamie Carruthers, Marc Burgoyne, George Whitecross, Neil martin, Pete Young, Jeff Mansfield.
George Whitecross
Moray Rugby Development Officer
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12 |
46 |
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11 |
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Last 1st XV Game |
| 1st XV Season (2021/22) |
| Banff 33 - 39 Moray |
| 5th Mar 22 - KO: 15:00 |
| Venue: Duff House |
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