Tas Uni Rugby Club: Spirited like the Wallabies. Came 2nd like the Wallabies

Sandy Bay: 18th July 2009: Uni RUFC front Taroona in an excellent game of sport; spirited, well natured, vigourous, and enthusiastic.

It was one of those absolutely perfect winter days in Hobart, frost on the ground in the morning, melted by lunchtime, and the sun warming one's back whilst the Red Men take the field against the Penguins.

An enthusiastic side-line committee watched a very entertaining match, although regrettably without the benefit of much scoring on the Uni side. Defence, however, was at times miraculous, but simply not consistent.

The years of soft living were showing!

The game was played fairly, and the referee managed it with distinction - permitting the play to roll on without unnecessary stoppages.

It was good to see Flacko back in the pack, hunting and squirrelling for the ball - a shadow of his former selves, but able to run, jump etc like a superman!

The Action at the bar in the clubrooms was fast and furious too: with the First Wallabies v All Blacks match on the screen from 5.30pm, there was every reason to settle in and enjoy the comfort - comforts not experienced in some people's homes!

The first half of that match we great for Australia, but we simply weren't far enough ahead to feel confident, and as the New Zealanders were defending in their own territory they didn't give up, and kept the pressure on to the last minute.

But as that game progressed, and the beers flowed, the BBQ sausages were consumed: the charm of a Uni Rugby Club became apparent: these were real gentlemen, exploring those essential aspects of manhood evident in such environs.

But why the rugby ball and rubber gloves? [see first photo above] Is this what Seals was referring to at the 75th Annual Dinner last year: that 'Baldy' from the Uni Aussie Rules Club was out hunting with a ball, gloves and a jar of vaseline with some wild plan of retribution for the greater literary skills of the rugby club reporters?

Games over; Taroona 1, Uni nil. All Blacks 1, Wallabies nil.

Thanks, once again, for the hospitality.

Orangeboy XXXIV