OLD RUCKERS SUMMER CHALLENGE AND POOL PARTY
Our "brother" club is Minchinhampton Old Ruckers, who play at a much more sensible time on Thursday evenings! Despite this they manage to drag themselves up at dawn once a year for an annual challenge match v. the Dods - followed by BBQ bacon butties and a swim! As of 2007 we now play them "home" and "away" thus giving us a 100% increase in "fixtures"!!
2008 "summer" (?) challenge : Home fixture
Despite the pouring rain for the first "wet" Old Ruckers Challenge there were about 40 players at the Magpies on Sunday 5th July, 2008.
Three mixed teams were chosen from each club and played each other on a rotational basis - and the Dodderers showed true All Black qualities by ruthlessly winning 8 out of the 9 games!!
Then it came to the big one!!
Two 1st VI "A" teams were picked to do battle for the "Bit of Stick" Trophy....the one that mattered... and yes the Dodderers showed true All Black qualities - having "peaked" too early and LOST the finale!! So congratulations to the Old Ruckers!
Simo's "games room" (OK - shed) came into its own for the after match BBQ - leaving Mandy to cook the bacon in the pouring rain outside!! Photos show JP receiving the "Bit of Stick" Trophy from The Dodderers Captain (whose poor Team selection was clearly at fault) and the devastated Dods look appropriately crestfallen in defeat......
We look forward to winning it back and wiping that gloating smile off JP's face on August 28th at Minch!
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from www.dictionary.com: dod·der (intr.v.)
- To shake or tremble, as from old age; totter - To progress in a feeble, unsteady manner.
dod'der·er (n.) - one who dodders
DODS V RUCKERS II (Away Fixture) : Duel at the School - The Revenge
The Dods took on the Ruckers in the return fixture at Minch on August 28th. The match report (from our resident "spin doctor") is below. Despite his brave excuses ..... he's not fooling anyone - it seems the pattern was repeated from the July challenge - they let us win the preceding games - but we still failed to win back the bloody stick)
"With so few available players it was left to The Magnificent Seven to fight for the return of the stick last night. Sadly we were down to six before the game had started - Dick Baker, Si Tyler, Kiwi, Dan, Miles and myself. Yes no captain - delayed in a meeting!!
In gallant style we played 4 games with the final game (10mins each way) for the stick. WE did not lose a single game but tired and weary we prepared for our final challenge. In the end we held the Ruckers to to a 1 : 1 draw which sadly was not enough for us to recover the stick but, did show the mettle and determination of the Dodds Elite. Well done to all who played last night."
Nigel Rolphe (Past It Capt 2005/6)
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