ON a brilliant Indian summer's day, Bromsgrove Rugby Club held a minutes' silence before all their games in memory of Bob Rutter, who died last weekend.
Bob was a keen club man who, with his fitness training programme, set the bench mark for players' targets some years ago that are essential for stamina and to reduce injuries often prompted by fatigue.
He would have been delighted to join a minor festival celebrating five wins and the ability to field an extra team at short notice, chosen from a few colts and older players against near neighbours Chaddesley Corbett.
This side was led by the normal thirds captain and club chairman of selectors Mike Woodall -- another unsung hero.
Bob's son Matt Rutter, despite a niggling back injury, played as a hooker and led the thirds to the first team pitch which included some aspirant first teamers such as prop Paul Brighton and centre Steve Gauder.
The thirds recorded a good win against a Camp Hill side fielding a mixture of young and experienced players.
In the game's best traditions it was agreed the set piece scrums would be uncontested, taking account of Matt's injury and the loan of prop Ian Riley to the visitors.
As a consequence, the forwards had plenty of energy to scamper around and give the backs a good run for their money and work up a thirst in an entertaining free-flowing game.
Four of Bromsgrove's five tries were scored by flanker Dan Griffiths (two) -- both before the interval -- Paul Brighton and prop Andy Schnabel.
Fly-half and place kicker Rich Smith was top points scorer for a try and almost five conversions, when one rebounded from a post. The sole Camp Hill score was a forwards try.
Although lineouts were keenly contested and rather unreliable, second row Kevin Foster showed his speed in loose play and scrum half Tim Hall coped well under pressure.
He was also creative in spotting attacking changes which too often ran out of steam with handling errors.
Heartened
The team will be heartened by this result, which was their third win in eight outings, including one heavy early season defeat in a mismatched fixture which could have been dispiriting, especially for less experienced players.
With the exception of colts and first teamers, few players attend mid-week training sessions, meaning games are the only opportunity to hone personal skills, regain fitness and practice team tactics to make the best use of abilities.
Perhaps the club coaching staff should devise appropriate specific programmes which will suit and attract other team members.
This Saturday the First XV travel to Derby, well rested and keen to maintain their excellent league record. The other teams have a full fixture list.
Results, Second XV: Camp Hill 0 Bromsgrove 29. Third XV: Bromsgrove 31 Camp Hill 5. Fourth XV: Kenilworth Pirates 14 Bromsgrove 45. Crusaders: Bromsgrove 26 Camp Hill Vets 0. Colts: cancelled by Luctonians, who had a cup fixture. Fifth (extra) XV: Chaddesley Corbett Seconds 0 Bromsgrove 47.
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