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NEW SEASON, FRESH CHALLENGES, TEMPTING VINTAGES.
Stuart Vernon6 Oct 2022 - 13:47
The Alies cavorted into the Carolean Era with corkscrews unsheathed and fully primed to tilt at any windmills.
Following the death of H M Queen Elizabeth II on 8 September the nation began a period of mourning but the RFU decided that fixtures at all levels over the weekend could go ahead but emphasised that there should be a period of reflection and silence prior to kick off, and as was to be expected these were carried out impeccable by all concerned at every level of the code.
Clay Lane, home of Bowdon RUFC, carried out the advice issued by the RFU impeccably. A minutes silence was observed by players and supporters at Clay Lane, a moment of reflection and an opportunity to mourn the death of the Monarch, who held a special place in many peoples lives, in the history of the UK and a Queen who had strong links with the RFU, but the passing away of an individual. The stillness was only broken by the rumble of jet engines from nearby Manchester Airport and the gentle rustle of leaves.
Closer to home a family in North Lancashire were grieving the loss of a loved one following the passing away of former Vale player Dave McFall. Dave, who taught at Morecambe High School, was not only a popular member of Vale but he was highly respected in the community, in particular for his involvement in introducing numerous young people to partake in sport, not just rugby; he has left a legacy.
Dave made the rugby journey at Vale from a successful Colts side through to the first team where he made 91 appearances following his debut at Kirkby Lonsdale in November 1992, playing his part in a 10-6 victory; his final outing was on a four game Prague tour in June 2004 which ended in a 24-12 win Perlouc. He was a splendid tourist and always found time to have a chat with the Alies.
Dave was a most reliable goal kicker but he faced fierce competition to get a hoof on the kicking tee, however he was the leading point's scorer in the 2001/02 season with a total of 224 comprising 3 tries, 34 conversions and 47 penalties. His final haul for the first team was, 9 tries, 57 conversions and 60 penalties.
Included in the penalty count was the one he kicked at Fleetwood in a Lancashire Cup tie on a cold, snowy day on 28 December 2003 to secure a 3-0 victory. Those of us who were at Melbourne Avenue not only witnessed a unique occasion but also ensured Dave's place in the history of Vale.
R I P Dave.
A group of 11 Alies boarded the coach which displayed the club's name in dainty L E D lights above the front windows. The usual suspects were on parade but the Platelayer and Woggle were absent. Almost before the coach had left The Lane, President Anks had lost his coat, it was on the front seat as it happened! Wally Batty was present on a special day because son Jack was making his full debut; a proud moment for Dad who has done so much for the Club, which has largely taken place below the radar. Robocop, notebook and Thesaurus poised, was joined by his one of his many cub reporters, Pennington Flash.
Rocket Ray was making his first away trip, proudly wearing a shirt that prominently displayed his racing number. He was quickly into his stride as the bunter broke out. He was made comfortable in his seat by a caring Dwaine, who stowed away his electric chair. Dwaine was at his professional, patient best throughout the day.
It was a long haul to Bowdon following the closure of the M6 between Galgate and Preston, but once again driver Dwaine displayed excellent professional composure on a cluttered scenic route that took in Condor Green, Cockerham, Hambleton, Big and Little Singleton, Wesham, Kirkham and some hamlets north west of Preston; Piston Slap, Upper and Lower Camshaft, Torque Barr, (These last were four were made up!), before the sanctuary of the M61 was reached and the big wheels could start turning again.
Once the twisty sections of the A588 had been negotiated and with Maximus on alert for any chicanes, the Sommelier began separating the beakers. A fine selection of fruity reds with lip smacking notes were lined up, but the grape-heads were advised to hold onto their plastics because there was a shortage in the rucksack.
Traffic problems caused the pre match lunch to be put back slightly but President Nick and his team sprung into action once the Alies curved into the clubhouse. Pints were quickly ferried into waiting hands before being ushered to the tables where an excellent meal of sausage and mash awaited, followed by cheese and biscuits and off course, bottles of wine. It also provided another opportunity for Doctor Foster to rekindle the memories of his time playing for Bowdon.
The hospitality continued after the minutes silence with the Major and Scoop ferried inside by an attentive Bowdon member, seated at a table with a view of the game. Out on the paddock Bowdon appeared to be having a rewarding afternoon but the pain slowly decreased as the wine began to take effect. A shuttle run of wine ,cheese and biscuits was organised and gradually events out on field of dreams slipped into the background as the imbibing duo slipped into a grape induced Shangri-la that only ended for the un- dynamic twosome when they were disgorged outside their respective homesteads.
The next fixture was at home against Broughton Park which provided the perfect opportunity to fill in the missing hours of the previous week. It appeared that the demon drink had affected most of the Alies, reducing Minimus to drinking water and Maximus to enjoying the delights of the conservatory and the Major tucking into a slice of toast before donning the jim-jams.
Some were able to recall a “scum run,” a sing song which included a Rolf Harris's tear jerker. Neigh! However, there is no coherent record of what took place from late afternoon to early evening. Suffice to say it had been another staggering day at Clay Lane, already a kitty is being prepared for the return fixture on December 3; forget the mistletoe, think wine!
The Broughton Park game produced a veritable feast of rugby but prior to kick off Betty Boo had let her culinary skills off the leash to create a perfect pre match lunch of faultless rugby sustenance. Tasty or what?
A high scoring game, in which Ross Pillow, who always finds time for chin-wag with the Alies, was making his 150th appearance after a brief retirement, ensured there would be plenty of work for the Platelayer who was operating the recently rebuilt scoreboard complete with a new set of numbers which were not only hoisted at regular intervals but at the end it balanced with the official score. Forget the digital age, this was pure retro in all its unabashed glory.
More integers came leapfrogging over the lunch table when Maximus began completing the referees expenses forms. Multiplying the mileage allowance by the distance covered sent the decimal points into orbit. Luckily the Major and Scoop's son in law, both former bankers, were juggling and crunching the numbers and a quick tootle on the calculator confirmed their mental gymnastics were correct.
Post match, when the euphoria of victory had waned slightly, anticipation ahead of the Douglas fixture began to gain momentum. Numbers were down from previous visits but that did not stop spears being burnished, visors oiled, pommels polished ahead of a thrust into the Isle of Man. The warriors were bouncing up and down, although concern was expressed by the Sommelier that lamb cutlets were off the menu when he last looked.
The eight intrepid musketeers returned from their sojourn in the Isle on Man at different times, virtually unscathed, although Major and Platelayer, who pleasured themselves with a ride on Rocket Ray's turbo powered chariot, came close to spending a night on a hospital trolley.
Gradually the weekend was pieced together at the next home game against Firwood Waterloo. Apparently, at times, transport arrangements caused some adjustments to be made but quick thinking sorted out any serious problems.
In addition to the slurping that took place, Rocket Ray being in his element, the comestibles on offer went down well. The Sommelier had his usual double buffet breakfast, Woggle tucked into the same offering for two consecutive nights, Maximus downed a few slammers, and the Major discovered and devoured a gargantuan tuna sandwich. As always the Platelayer took everything in his stride, always looking on the positive side of life, offering encouraging advice, a real calming influence.
For Presidents Anks the pre dawn departure for Liverpool Airport, combined with his official duties, took its toll on his young body causing him to search for matchsticks by the middle of Sunday afternoon.
Cabin Boy Brian was making his first visit to the Isle of Man as foot passenger and was full of praise for the staff of the Steam Packet Company who made the whole experience stress free on both outward and return journey.
Following the victory against Douglas confidence was high ahead of the visit by unbeaten Firwood Waterloo but in a fast moving, quality contest, the lads worked hard but were unable to prevent the brigade from Blundellsands preserving their record with a 30-20 victory.
The Alies enjoyed another Betty Boo special pre match lunch, with the Scarlet Pimpernel rustling up a tasty looking cheese board for the Major, who is not into trifles or puddings.
After the game the rounds failed to take off, drinking in pairs does not produce the continuity of having a kitty, with people bobbing to the bar at irregular intervals. All this coming and going upset the Sommelier who was itching to procure a few bottle of red to celebrate his upcoming birthday. Such a philanthropic gesture from a recently retired gentleman was put on hold until the next gathering at the Round Table.
Tony North's excellent photograph captures the "East Terrace Think Tank" in all its Autumn glory in the fixture against Firwood Waterloo.
Clay Lane, home of Bowdon RUFC, carried out the advice issued by the RFU impeccably. A minutes silence was observed by players and supporters at Clay Lane, a moment of reflection and an opportunity to mourn the death of the Monarch, who held a special place in many peoples lives, in the history of the UK and a Queen who had strong links with the RFU, but the passing away of an individual. The stillness was only broken by the rumble of jet engines from nearby Manchester Airport and the gentle rustle of leaves.
Closer to home a family in North Lancashire were grieving the loss of a loved one following the passing away of former Vale player Dave McFall. Dave, who taught at Morecambe High School, was not only a popular member of Vale but he was highly respected in the community, in particular for his involvement in introducing numerous young people to partake in sport, not just rugby; he has left a legacy.
Dave made the rugby journey at Vale from a successful Colts side through to the first team where he made 91 appearances following his debut at Kirkby Lonsdale in November 1992, playing his part in a 10-6 victory; his final outing was on a four game Prague tour in June 2004 which ended in a 24-12 win Perlouc. He was a splendid tourist and always found time to have a chat with the Alies.
Dave was a most reliable goal kicker but he faced fierce competition to get a hoof on the kicking tee, however he was the leading point's scorer in the 2001/02 season with a total of 224 comprising 3 tries, 34 conversions and 47 penalties. His final haul for the first team was, 9 tries, 57 conversions and 60 penalties.
Included in the penalty count was the one he kicked at Fleetwood in a Lancashire Cup tie on a cold, snowy day on 28 December 2003 to secure a 3-0 victory. Those of us who were at Melbourne Avenue not only witnessed a unique occasion but also ensured Dave's place in the history of Vale.
R I P Dave.
A group of 11 Alies boarded the coach which displayed the club's name in dainty L E D lights above the front windows. The usual suspects were on parade but the Platelayer and Woggle were absent. Almost before the coach had left The Lane, President Anks had lost his coat, it was on the front seat as it happened! Wally Batty was present on a special day because son Jack was making his full debut; a proud moment for Dad who has done so much for the Club, which has largely taken place below the radar. Robocop, notebook and Thesaurus poised, was joined by his one of his many cub reporters, Pennington Flash.
Rocket Ray was making his first away trip, proudly wearing a shirt that prominently displayed his racing number. He was quickly into his stride as the bunter broke out. He was made comfortable in his seat by a caring Dwaine, who stowed away his electric chair. Dwaine was at his professional, patient best throughout the day.
It was a long haul to Bowdon following the closure of the M6 between Galgate and Preston, but once again driver Dwaine displayed excellent professional composure on a cluttered scenic route that took in Condor Green, Cockerham, Hambleton, Big and Little Singleton, Wesham, Kirkham and some hamlets north west of Preston; Piston Slap, Upper and Lower Camshaft, Torque Barr, (These last were four were made up!), before the sanctuary of the M61 was reached and the big wheels could start turning again.
Once the twisty sections of the A588 had been negotiated and with Maximus on alert for any chicanes, the Sommelier began separating the beakers. A fine selection of fruity reds with lip smacking notes were lined up, but the grape-heads were advised to hold onto their plastics because there was a shortage in the rucksack.
Traffic problems caused the pre match lunch to be put back slightly but President Nick and his team sprung into action once the Alies curved into the clubhouse. Pints were quickly ferried into waiting hands before being ushered to the tables where an excellent meal of sausage and mash awaited, followed by cheese and biscuits and off course, bottles of wine. It also provided another opportunity for Doctor Foster to rekindle the memories of his time playing for Bowdon.
The hospitality continued after the minutes silence with the Major and Scoop ferried inside by an attentive Bowdon member, seated at a table with a view of the game. Out on the paddock Bowdon appeared to be having a rewarding afternoon but the pain slowly decreased as the wine began to take effect. A shuttle run of wine ,cheese and biscuits was organised and gradually events out on field of dreams slipped into the background as the imbibing duo slipped into a grape induced Shangri-la that only ended for the un- dynamic twosome when they were disgorged outside their respective homesteads.
The next fixture was at home against Broughton Park which provided the perfect opportunity to fill in the missing hours of the previous week. It appeared that the demon drink had affected most of the Alies, reducing Minimus to drinking water and Maximus to enjoying the delights of the conservatory and the Major tucking into a slice of toast before donning the jim-jams.
Some were able to recall a “scum run,” a sing song which included a Rolf Harris's tear jerker. Neigh! However, there is no coherent record of what took place from late afternoon to early evening. Suffice to say it had been another staggering day at Clay Lane, already a kitty is being prepared for the return fixture on December 3; forget the mistletoe, think wine!
The Broughton Park game produced a veritable feast of rugby but prior to kick off Betty Boo had let her culinary skills off the leash to create a perfect pre match lunch of faultless rugby sustenance. Tasty or what?
A high scoring game, in which Ross Pillow, who always finds time for chin-wag with the Alies, was making his 150th appearance after a brief retirement, ensured there would be plenty of work for the Platelayer who was operating the recently rebuilt scoreboard complete with a new set of numbers which were not only hoisted at regular intervals but at the end it balanced with the official score. Forget the digital age, this was pure retro in all its unabashed glory.
More integers came leapfrogging over the lunch table when Maximus began completing the referees expenses forms. Multiplying the mileage allowance by the distance covered sent the decimal points into orbit. Luckily the Major and Scoop's son in law, both former bankers, were juggling and crunching the numbers and a quick tootle on the calculator confirmed their mental gymnastics were correct.
Post match, when the euphoria of victory had waned slightly, anticipation ahead of the Douglas fixture began to gain momentum. Numbers were down from previous visits but that did not stop spears being burnished, visors oiled, pommels polished ahead of a thrust into the Isle of Man. The warriors were bouncing up and down, although concern was expressed by the Sommelier that lamb cutlets were off the menu when he last looked.
The eight intrepid musketeers returned from their sojourn in the Isle on Man at different times, virtually unscathed, although Major and Platelayer, who pleasured themselves with a ride on Rocket Ray's turbo powered chariot, came close to spending a night on a hospital trolley.
Gradually the weekend was pieced together at the next home game against Firwood Waterloo. Apparently, at times, transport arrangements caused some adjustments to be made but quick thinking sorted out any serious problems.
In addition to the slurping that took place, Rocket Ray being in his element, the comestibles on offer went down well. The Sommelier had his usual double buffet breakfast, Woggle tucked into the same offering for two consecutive nights, Maximus downed a few slammers, and the Major discovered and devoured a gargantuan tuna sandwich. As always the Platelayer took everything in his stride, always looking on the positive side of life, offering encouraging advice, a real calming influence.
For Presidents Anks the pre dawn departure for Liverpool Airport, combined with his official duties, took its toll on his young body causing him to search for matchsticks by the middle of Sunday afternoon.
Cabin Boy Brian was making his first visit to the Isle of Man as foot passenger and was full of praise for the staff of the Steam Packet Company who made the whole experience stress free on both outward and return journey.
Following the victory against Douglas confidence was high ahead of the visit by unbeaten Firwood Waterloo but in a fast moving, quality contest, the lads worked hard but were unable to prevent the brigade from Blundellsands preserving their record with a 30-20 victory.
The Alies enjoyed another Betty Boo special pre match lunch, with the Scarlet Pimpernel rustling up a tasty looking cheese board for the Major, who is not into trifles or puddings.
After the game the rounds failed to take off, drinking in pairs does not produce the continuity of having a kitty, with people bobbing to the bar at irregular intervals. All this coming and going upset the Sommelier who was itching to procure a few bottle of red to celebrate his upcoming birthday. Such a philanthropic gesture from a recently retired gentleman was put on hold until the next gathering at the Round Table.
Tony North's excellent photograph captures the "East Terrace Think Tank" in all its Autumn glory in the fixture against Firwood Waterloo.
Further reading