The second outing of our 2020 season saw the Bs invite Barnes to Hazelwood for a (post official season) friendly on Saturday 12th June.  Barnes had arrived with short numbers (only 10 players) but such was the hunger to play any game these times, the Bs were more than happy to bolster their number in order to play full 15 a side. Playing on the 1st team pitch both teams appreciated the full contingent.

With a turnout of exactly 20 players for the Bs, no man was left standing on the side. Great for the game time but inevitably without any subs on either side a tough prospect.  Once again the COVID rules applied (no scrums/Mauls) which suited well our agile squad which also included the welcome addition of a sprinkling of youth in guest players Eamonn (cousin of Barnes nemesis, Rury) and Livi (‘very’ younger brother of Joe Biutanaseva). In good sporting fashion we split the youth across LIARFC (Eamonn) and Barnes (Livi) to even up the advantage.   

Having agreed to play 4 quarters of 15minutes in the glorious sunshine we kicked off what turned out to be an equally glorious game of big hits, great attacking runs and well-matched defence. A fact that may have been hard to believe after Barnes immediately worked the ball out wide and with some good handling and interplay managed to squeeze in at the corner for a 1st try in under 1 min! This wake-up call for Bs was touched down by none other than our own Liam Moore-Saxton (playing for Barnes). I took the opportunity to help Liam back to his feet and we both knew it was a try that would not be without implications!

The quick try gave the Bs the needed inspiration and despite a prolonged period of pressure in the LIARFC half that followed, we were able to prevent further breaches of our line with good organised defence and some great cover tackling especially by Paul McDermote whose Gaelic born physicality coped easily with would-be try scorers throughout.  Gaining ground with good clearance kicks and fast line speed defence, we worked our way into Barnes territory and were rewarded when Adam Anderson was able to pick and go from 2yrds out; impossible for Barnes to defend. Eamonn then took us into the lead after using quick feet to dart around the fringes and touch down in the corner. Score 10-5 at the end of the first qtr.

The second quarter mirrored the first with evenly matched attack and defence and both teams suffering from last pass fumbles that should have given the ascendancy.  The try count ended even with another each by the halftime whistle. Barnes crossed wide out and Eamonn went over again near the posts allowing Tanner to convert easily for the Bs. Score 17-10.

Into the 2nd half with injuries starting to impact our numbers we found ourselves in a much more open game. Haldane the first to leave the pitch after pulling a calf. With no subs on either side we pre-agreed with Barnes to match numbers in such case and went down to 14 a side and thereafter fluctuated between 12 and 13 players a piece as Jo Biutanaseva, who had been causing real trouble bouncing off Barnes defenders whilst charging through the middle and Giles, equally as daunting in attack, both left the pitch after respective knocks.  

On the wide first team pitch the small depletion in our numbers made all the difference and both teams realised quickly and utilised fully the speedy young blood. Swift handling became the order of the day to shift the ball wide and into the hands of the speedsters.  Barnes with our Livi on their side made quick use of him and in a punishing 3rd quarter pulled back 3 trys but only 1 converted due to wide out dot downs caused in part by the Bs effort to cover back in defence but also due to the fact that even when in the clear, Livi seemed to prefer the corner than under the posts!  Score 17-27

In a sporting gesture Barnes Captain acknowledged their advantage and agreed to swap back Livi to the Bs in the 4th Quarter.  Their gesture was reciprocated when Rury (yes ‘The Rury’) who was due to play from the start, found a Dog sitter and was able to run out for Barnes to even the balance.

Whilst of course the young boys played a part in the 4th quarter it also saw brilliant return to confidence in the Bs and in a resurgent final 15 min, the interplay and cohesiveness of the squad was truly evident. Thursday night touch skills and running lines a plenty, reinforced with continued drives and recycling of the ball that was in the end too much for a weary Barnes to handle.  The pressure resulted in another final try for Eamonn, 2 more for Livi (I am preparing his B’s contract to start in 15yrs), and a very well earned one for Paul McDermote, showing the young lads the pace they still need when their contracts take effect.  Final Score 43-27.   

Usual brilliant hospitality was offered to Barnes after the match who had only praise for the way in which the game was played and thoroughly enjoyed the day.  A great bunch of lads who I am sure we will enjoy many more games against next season.

Thanks to all those guys who swap teams and turned out for Barnes making the match possible and enjoyable. (Liam, Darren(Debut), Livi, Noel, Batch, Trevor)

Roll on Trowbridge (26th June).

London Irish Amateur RFC Bs are generally made up of those players looking to play at a decent standard but with more than one eye on enjoying the social side that the game brings. Their season is filled with a mixture of friendly matches, league matches against local clubs and tours. They play touch rugby on Thursday evenings at 7.30pm on the 4G pitch at Hazelwood.

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