Argaum Squad Too Strong for the Old Boys XV

Another sunny October afternoon at Stonehouse Creek welcomed this re-configured fixture. What was initially a 2nd team game was changed to a Club XV match as neither the hosts or visitors had games for their firsts. Saying that, Argaum started with a genuine second string. Dan Smith being looked at at 8 and a late call up for Nick Hancock due to injury were the only first teamers in the pack and with JakeTurfrey wearing the fly half shirt and Tom Richards outside centre, both being looked at by Dave Sansom in different positions to normal. The othe 11 starters were regular Wanderers, although the way they started, you could understand DHSOB thinking we had put our entire first team out. From the off, there was power, thought and aggression to everything that Argaum did. It wasn't long until the scoreboard started to tick. Argaum largely played in the forwards keeping the ball alive thus creating space, then timely releasing the backs who looked slick. One of the highlights of the half was when Stuart Quarterman stole ball twice at the back of the DHSOB scrum, then ruck and after the ball was secured, it was span out wide for Tony Hickey to score his first ever try in the corner.

The break saw numerous changes for both sides. The home team now had their fist choice 9, 10 and 12 on the field, whilst Argaum welcomed the addition to Aaron Anderson-Smith, Gary Michael, Karl Sullivan and Steve Reeves. Argaum, starting to play 'the Argaum way' and continued with the fast paced rugby throughout the second half. The Old Boys scrum half tried to disrupt the rhythm but the Argaum team settled and went about their business. Michael controlled well at the base of the breakdown and his supply to Turfrey was faultless throughout the second half. Anderson-Smith chipped in with a trademark galloping try, whilst Richards scored twice. Very tidy fullback play from Tom Underwood dealt with all that the old boys half backs could fire at him. A hat trick of tries from Dan Smith saw him get substituted for the evergreen Martin Edwards. Mike Wood again skippered the side with enthusiasm and liaised with fledgling referee Mike Oliver well. Turfrey touched down twice with Ieuan Evans landing the last blow to end the game 68-5.

Pictures to follow.