December 21st, one of the pivotal days in the calendar. The shortest day, the longest night. From tomorrow onwards the days get longer, the nights get shorter and we head towards spring and the summer. Hoorah, is what I say. We do have the small matter of Christmas, which as far as I can tell has lost all meaning in terms of the birth of Jesus. Instead of celebrating the birth in a stable the objective now is to waste as much hard earned cash on tat no-one wants, food that won’t get eaten, and enduring the bullshit of jolly people and their “compliments of the season”. Yes, the excesses of Christmas drive me nuts. To make matters worse this year some stores are already touting their Easter tat. It’ll soon be October again and we get into the absurdity of Halloween. Now that is the epitome of bullshit.

On that cheery note there is rugby to discuss. Plenty of chess pieces to be moved around the board as rumour and counter-rumour of players moves here, there and everywhere abound. The URC continues over the Christmas period with the highlight being the Boxing Day Welsh derbies. The Dragons are in Cardiff.

On Friday evening we have a couple of Premiership games to keep us away from the pre-Christmas sherry: Newcastle v Bristol and Sale v Saracens. Can the Falcons get a win on the board and turn their fortunes around. Will Sale stay on top, or will Saracens continue their charge upwards.

On Saturday we have three Christmas crackers for your delectation. Exeter v Leicester, Gloucester v Saints and the game of the weekend Bath v Harlequins. Finn Russell v Marcus Smith adds a sprinkling of seasonal spice to that one. Won’t be able to watch any of those as I suspect I will be gridlocked somewhere on the countries motorway network.

As we head to the end of the year I thought I’d throw in a few comments about the rugby year gone and what to expect next year. Firstly Crowborough started 2023 in dire shape but as the year draws to a close things are looking pretty good indeed. Riding high in the league, silverware in the trophy cabinet, a squad that is looking robust, fantastic facilities, great junior and mini sections, and amazing support from the Exec, to the Friday Club, to the volunteers, to the casual supporter. Hoorah again!

Rugby has been in the spotlight with the World Cup and most recently the excellent offering of the European tournaments. Both very positive. The demise of Worcester, Wasps, London Irish and Jersey Reds has been a real negative, as have been the ongoing concerns about the financial health of the remaining clubs.

The major headache, and sadly this will run well into the New Year, is the ongoing concussion litigation. Without doubt this is a major concern for the game. I am concerned that players appear to be jumping on the bandwagon and that will detract from the case, and the plight of those suffering the most.

In the game itself the TMO has been a pain in the backside, at grassroots the new tackle law has, in my opinion, improved the game, but sadly match official abuse is on the up. My biggest bugbear is the mess that is the scrum, and kick, kick, kick and ffffnnn kick again. A special mention for walking rugby. The introduction and development at CRFC has been brilliant. Great way to get exercise, and more importantly another opportunity to socialise with likeminded people.

It’s still a great game and I look forward to what 2024 has to offer.

The news has been dominated by Ukraine, the Middle East, the immigration situation and hardship endured by many. Sadly I don’t seen any of these being resolved quickly but one can hope.

OK, that’ll do for this year. I am often asked how many people read this rubbish. The answer is: I don’t know. To those who do, thank you. To those who often comment, thank you. Whilst I am bah humbug personified can I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas, and lets keep our fingers crossed for a Happy and fulfilling New Year. Back on Jan 2nd 2024.

Wednesday 20th Dec: 09:15

Good morning on this brighter, drier day than the one that dawned yesterday. For most part yesterday was bloody miserable at best, downright depressing at worst. That said it was brightened by the arrival of family. My granddaughter who recently starred in her school panto, and my grandson doing amazingly well at school. Lots of rugby stuff to deal with sadly, some of it quite unsavoury.

Anyway, moving on. Today is another day. I’ll start with the sad news that Brian Price, former Newport and Wales legend, has passed away at the age of 86. The Welsh will recall Price as an uncompromising second row, once sent off in front of royalty when he poleaxed his Irish opposite number in a Five Nations contest. That was a stain on an otherwise glittering career, including playing for the Lions. As a young kid who had just started playing rugby there was nothing better on the weekend after playing for Bassaleg Grammar School in the morning to get on the bus to Rodney Parade and watch the Black & Ambers including Brian Price. A giant of a man in every sense.

If there has been a shock in recent days it is the announcement that Jonathan Thomas has left the Welsh coaching set up to be replaced by Robert Howley. He did the crime and served his time so fair enough. However, whilst he and Warren Gatland have always produced results when working together, Howley’s involvement has often meant turgid, unimaginative rugby. Time will tell.

Could Michael Cheika be heading back to Australia to walk straight back into the Wallabies job. His stint with Argentina is over, Filipe Contepomi is taking over by the way, so it would make a lot of sense. Los Pumas will be sorry to see him go as he has been at the heart of the resurgence of the Argentinian game. Australia need someone who can galvanise the troops quickly, has a steely determination to make things happen, but can take the players with him despite his sometimes abrasive style.

The leviathan that goes by the name RG Snyman, who has been out injured since the World Cup, is to leave Munster and head to Leinster when his contract expires. This is a surprise move for many, especially with his history of injuries.

The exodus continues both from England and Wales. The much reduced salary cap and the squeeze on outside investment is taking its toll. Tomos Williams may be heading to Gloucester, Louis Rees-Zammit may be on his way out of Gloucester and off to France.

Not sure if there is a “rugby writer of the year” award but if there is my vote would go to Robert Kitson of The Guardian. His latest missive highlights the ray of hope the game can take from the recent European games. High octane, top quality skills, close encounters, surprise wins, and plenty of stars current, and in the making on show. From the games I have watched he is not wrong. Take Henry Salde, a last second kick in Toulon to win in France, a late interception to turn defeat into victory against Munster. Finn Russell, Antoine Dupont, Marcus Smith have all shown some of their silky skills. The Cardiff V Bath game was outstanding. Yes, Mr Kitson, I think you are right. The European stuff has breathed new life into the game, and builds on the success of the World Cup.

The downside is most of the European games, especially the Challenge Cup, are behind a pay-to-view wall. Unless you have access to TNT Sports (formerly BT Sports) or Viaplay you will struggle to see many games. Fair play to S4C they have stumped some cash so we have access to the Welsh involvement but that I guess is pretty parochial. The reason I mention this is because there is growing demand that the Six Nations is put on the TV rights protected list thus keeping it on terrestrial TV. So far the support has been muted and generally the government response negative. Of course the Unions are between a rock and hard place. On the one hand they are desperate for cash and the increased revenue from one of the big players such as Sky or TNT would be wonderful, but losing the jewel in the crown from free to air TV could have serious consequences in terms of awareness and support.

Before I go, a special mention for Mary Earps, BBC Sports Personality of the Year. Well deserving despite turning up to the ceremony in what looked like beachwear.

That’ll do for today. Back tomorrow for the last blog of the year.

Monday 18th Dec: 09:55

It’s Monday and that means only one thing: a league round-up. Having read the missives from The Bard and Liberty, and pondered my view, that was a cracking game of rugby between two very good sides on Saturday. More importantly it was great fun with good friends.

What else happened in Counties Kent 1, other than Crowborough beating Heathfield & Waldron? On Friday night Canterbury II beat Thanet Wanderers 60-24 to stay clear at the top. Behind them we find Dartfordians who scraped past Charlton Park 21-22. Beccehamian are 3rd after their comfortable 46-0 win over Bromley. Ashford beat 11th placed Cranbrook 21-7. In the final game Dover beat Deal & Betteshanger 34-5. Thanet remain bottom, some ten points behind The Greenies in 9th.

In Surrey/Sussex 1 Eastbourne v Hove was abandoned due to a nasty injury. East Grinstead enjoyed an excellent win over Trinity and are now 7th in the league. Teddington are 10 points clear at the top after their convincing win over Twickenham. 12 games played, 12 wins, 12 bonus points, yes they are doing well!! Sadly Old Cranleighans seem to have thrown in the towel as they pull out of their game against Weybridge Vandals.

In Hampshire 1 Bognor beat Havant II which means they are 7th in the league. Petersfield are top but didn’t play as Alton cancelled, a sorry state of affairs I’m afraid.

Very few games in the lower leagues but I can tell you Rye beat Snowdon C.W 40-21, Hove 3s beat Eastbourne 2s 22-15 and Newick lost at home to Hellingly 40-0.

Up in the Regional leagues it wasn’t a great day for Chichester losing to Winchester 40-19. Salisbury have also had better days losing at Tottonians. Both are perilously close to the drop zone. Jersey RFC are running away with this one.

In Regional 1 not a great day for Sussex with Horsham losing at home to Tunbridge Wells and Brighton losing at Havant. Horsham find themselves back at the foot of the table, Brighton are 7th and Tunbridge Wells are 3rd. Camberley lead the way in this league.

Up in National League 2 East Sevenoaks beat Guernsey, TJs lost at home to Canterbury and Worthing’s poor run of form continued with a loss at home to Dorking. As far as league positions are concerned TJs are 7th, Sevenoaks 10th, Worthing 12th. Leading the way is Esher.

As you would expect it wouldn’t be Monday without a quick trip to Shropshire where we learn that Bridgnorth won at Bromsgrove and stay in 3rd spot in Midland Regional 1.

A couple of follow ups from Saturday. Firstly I hope young San Edwards is ok. He suffered a nasty facial injury, a deep gash in the mouth area. By the way he has been playing really well this season so I hope he is ok for January. Secondly it was great to see my old mate and former teammate Kevin at the game. A very good scrum half in his day, despite the joshing he gets whenever he is at the club. He also bought me a drink. Top bloke.

As expected I watched all three games in the Champions Cup yesterday. What a comeback from Exeter. This competition is proving it is a notch up from the leagues with some terrific games. Harlequins were steamrollered by an outstanding Toulouse outfit. Antoine Dupont was magnificent in isolation but that was a team performance others should worry about. In terms of quality I thought the Stade v Leicester game was lacking, but in terms of excitement, especially in those closing stages, it was great. Unlike the round ball game I am not a Leicester Tigers fan but to come away from Paris with a win was a superb achievement.

Across the weekend I have been disappointed by some of the behaviour players. Players asking for TMO referrals, arguing with referees about decisions, and generally lacking in respect for the officials and the opposition.

Not a great weekend for the Welsh regions. Scarlets humiliated by Georgia’s Black Lion, Ospreys put to the sword by Montpellier. Whilst Cardiff and Dragons lost they did come away from their games with some credit in the bank. Cardiff played really well against a full strength Bath side. Dragons were robbed of a historic win in the very last minute against Pau. The domestic leagues return next week.

There might be a blog tomorrow, there might not be. If swimming is on then the blog isn’t. Must make some sort of effort to keep fit.

Sunday 17th Dec: 10:10

There is only one place to start and that is at Steel Cross. I hope that those who were there who also read this guff will agree that we witnessed an excellent contest between two very good sides. Before that however there was a very good lunch to consume in the company of good friends from both clubs. Jacqui’s lasagne lived up to expectations and she and Louise had the place looking just as it should be for the last game before Christmas: impressive.

The weather had not been as predicted so the pitch was somewhat tackier than expected/hoped for. This didn’t stop two young sides playing some excellent rugby, racking up plenty of tries. Based on league positions I think it is fair to say we started as favourites but as we discovered last week over at Broadstairs league positions can be deceptive.

The Greenies arrived with a steely determination to put one over their neighbours. The Steel Cross boys were equally determined that was not going to happen. The young back lines went head to head with both playing with skill and pace and a maturity beyond their years. The ball zipped across the back line but thanks to the equally precise and aggressive tackling attacks were thwarted. The forwards were equally matched with no quarter given and no quarter asked. Our wiley old front row kept the opposition young upstarts honest in the scrum, the rucks were fiercely contested, as was the lineout. The parity in the two sides would have normally been the portends for a dire slug fest. No! We were served up some amazing rugby which would have graced any ground across the land, or at least I thought so!

Throughout the game we exchanged scores, as always please read The Bards report for our version of the blow by blow account, but also read my good friend Liberty’s version of events from Heathfield & Waldron’s perspective. Anyway the game ebbed and flowed and for long periods it looked like another draw could be possible, or The Greenies could sneak a win. As the game headed into the final twenty minutes we finally put some daylight between the two sides and a win for the ‘Borough was firmly on the cards.

H&W were having nothing of it. As the clock ticked relentlessly toward the 80 minute mark they came storming back and took the lead, a three point advantage to be precise. Not only was the clock ticking away so the winter gloom was setting in. We raised our game again and camped in the H&W red zone. A penalty! Take the points, we’ll take a draw. Another penalty directly in front of the posts. TAKE THE POINTS!!! No, the young pups kick for touch. We take the lineout and drive forward, the vociferous crowd groan in unison as the ruck is formed. The ball reappears, it goes left and again is held up. Out it comes again and quick hands through two pairs of hands to the right and there is the outstanding Dave Bennett waiting to dive over in the corner. 29-27 and we have played our “get out of jail” card. The icing on the cake was Jonte Frazer sending the conversion through the posts from the touchline. Final score 31-27.

I think it is very fair, and very accurate to say no-one would have decried a H&W win. That said I don’t think anyone would deny us the win. It was a real shame that someone did win, and being very one-eyed I’m glad it was us. We remain in a very solid 4th spot in the table. The Greenies two bonus points keeps them in 9th, a good eight points ahead of the chasing pack.

There was plenty of chat before and after about the make-up of the league. A number of points were consistent. Firstly this is an incredibly competitive league with good clubs contributing to that. Concerns about the travel distances was a common theme but it was accepted “it is, what it is”. Both clubs were consistent in the view that Canterbury II shouldn’t be in this league. It is not doing them any good and certainly not benefitting the other 11 clubs. Let me stress, any criticism was NOT aimed at Canterbury but at the regulations that allowed it to happen.

Once at home I enjoyed Leinster v Sale, then Cardiff v Bath which was an absolute cracker of a contest. Plenty of good action lying in wait this afternoon. Quins v Toulouse is my pick of the day but of course I’ll watch the Exeter v Munster game.

So the Copout 28 is over and all the hand-wringing luvvies from around the world can get back into their polluting jets, and gas guzzling limousines and head home with a sanctimonious grin on their faces. Once home the reality of the situation will become clear as soon as their enormous expense claims have been resolved. That reality is we cannot live without fossil fuels, and growing and aging populations are going to continue to drive energy consumption upwards forever and a day.

Thursday 14th Dec: 09:55

Loads of great rugby in store this weekend. You know what the highlight is and it kicks off at 14:00 at Steel Cross. Outside of that the European stuff enters round 2, which if it is half as good as round 1 we are in for a treat. I like the look of Northampton v Toulon in the Champions cup on Friday. Will Toulon come firing back, or will they have shrugged their shoulders and decided to focus on the (lucrative) Top 14. In the secondary competition I’m intrigued by Scarlets v Black Lion, the Lion being the Georgian outfit brought into the tournament. If that’s covered by S4C I might watch that.

On Saturday several fixtures jump off the page: Saracens v Connacht, Leinster v Sale and Cardiff v Bath. You would expect Bath to stroll past Cardiff with something to spare but never underestimate a Welsh region when English gentry are in town. Can the Dragons continue to perform? They travel to Pau on Saturday. Any sort of result would be great.

Three outstanding Champions Cup games on Sunday: Quins v Toulouse, Exeter v Munster and Stade Francais v Leicester. All too close to call. In the other cup Montpellier v Ospreys will be interesting in so much as the French sides tend to dismiss this competition. Is there a possibility of a Welsh win on French soil?

As I say, a veritable cornucopia of rugby starting tomorrow evening.

What we have known since the World Cup has been confirmed. The weasel was having conversations with Japan and its now he conformed he will be heading there as Head Coach. That’s the Brave Blossoms buggered!! Sonny Bill Williams went as far as to say Eddie Jones was “full of crap” for taking the job after repeated denials.

As expected the Billy Vunipola red card was overturned. As suggested yesterday it failed to meet the level of danger to justify the sending off. Yes, it was reckless and therefore dangerous but any contact was minimal. I’m ok with that call.

Abuse in the game is getting out of hand and needs to be stopped now. Referees cannot keep turning a blind eye to the ever constant sniping in his/her ear. Matthew Carley certainly had enough when he refused to allow Leinster James Ryan any involvement in discussions despite him being captain. Quite right too, Ryan’s persistent interventions were out of order, albeit not crossing the abuse threshold.

Not a great deal more in the rugby pages so what else is going on. Leicester City moved back to the top of the Championship after their 3-2 win over Millwall. India Women have started well in the test against England, currently they are 310-5.

The Covid witch hunt continues. I thought the inquiry was to seek out the lessons to be learnt so we were better prepared for the next one, and rest assured there will be a next one. No! This inquiry is about apportioning blame by totally ignoring the facts that forcing mask wearing was a waste of time, lockdowns did significantly more harm than good, and that harm is now likely to affect the country long into the future, and way too much reliance was put on dodgy data peddled by dodgy scientists, Prof Neil Ferguson for one.

Scanning through the news I had to ask myself have we gone back to the 50s and the segregation of the Deep South, or the apartheid of South Africa. It seems so. The Mayor of Boston has held a “no-whites holiday party” for elected officials. Sorry, but this in today’s society is a disgrace and totally unacceptable. It is apartheid by any other name. It is a perfect example of why the world is going to rat shit.

While I’m on a roll the time has come for a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel can no longer justify their actions as retribution, especially in the light of revelations that their IDF forces have been destroying food aid and screaming racist abuse at innocent women and children. I keep on saying it as I believe it, all they are doing is cutting off heads of the hydra and what comes behind are two more heads, both significantly more radicalised than the last.

Right, that’ll do as I fear the club might say enough is enough and close me down.

Oh, One more thing, champagne, cheese and carols on Sunday. See the news page for details.

Wednesday 13th Dec: 08:03

Let me start at Steel Cross where the CRFC Walkers held their end of season (light hearted) awards. Great fun with a bunch of guys who have really bought into this new format of the game. Special mention for Mike Berry for his commitment in making it happen. Big thanks to Jacqui and Louise for opening up and providing the food. Thank you to our sponsors too: CareUK. A full report will appear on the website later today.

In other less important news Henry Arundell has ruled himself out of the Six Nations and any further involvement with England until 2026. The temporary lifeline thrown out by the RFU was removed when Arundell signed an extension to his Racing 92 contract. It was thought a hybrid RFU and Premiership club contract would be enough to tempt him back to England but it wasn’t to be. I for one think the decision is the right one, both financially and for his long term career in the game. The French leagues are where “its at” right now so with good coaching and plenty of game time his own game can only improve.

It is suggested in the Torygraph that big changes are afoot in the Premiership. The new deal being negotiated between the clubs, the RFU, and the Premiership mandarins could result in squads being reduced to 35 players. This is in part in order to cut costs but also to ensure more playing time for squad members and a clearer pathway for the academy players. Some clubs like Sale and Saints who run on thin squads already will be relatively unaffected. Clubs like Bath and Saracens will have much bigger decisions to make as they carry large squads, in Bath’s case 70+. With fewer teams in the league and the overlap with the international (Six Nations) window gone the argument for bigger squads is diminished. If you can access it, it is well worth a read.

As is Robert Kitson’s piece in The Guardian about the rising sun of Japanese rugby. The biggest rugby attendance of the weekend globally was for a Japan Rugby League One (JRLO) game. With a generous sprinkling of global superstars now plying their trade in Japan, heightened interest following the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, and solid backing from big business the game is definitely on an upward trajectory. There are ambitious plans for games between the Japanese sides and New Zealand franchises, and with TV interest from outside the country becoming more prevalent then the financial model can only improve. Who says Owen Farrell and Maro Itoje won’t be heading east sometime soon.

Billy Vinupola is in front of the discipline people this week after his red card against the Bulls. I for one remain unsure whether he did enough wrong to justify the red card. It was reckless, and it was dangerous but reckless and dangerous enough? Debate

A Munster fan has been given his marching orders. The idiot decided to grab the shirt of a Bayonne player during a dust up on the side of the pitch pulling him to towards the baying mob in the crowd. Not acceptable. He’s been banned.

Tik Tok is on its way out, Guinness is on its way in. The Women’s Six Nations will have a new sponsor with the deal with Tik Tok coming to an end. This is a massive forward for the women’s game as the Irish brewer will bring its globally renowned marketing machine into play, a marketing team who have great knowledge of the game and how to sell it.

The Stadium of Light in Sunderland will host the opening fixture in the 2025 Women’s World Cup. A cracking decision. Wouldn’t it be fantastic to see the RFU do the same for the Men’s Six Nations. England v Italy in Newcastle or Manchester for example. It ain’t going to happen but one can dream.

The European stuff continues this weekend. More on that tomorrow. Don’t forget Crowborough v Heathfield & Waldron on Saturday, kick off 2pm. The weather is set fair so it should be a cracking day with good friends. Lunch is on so book your place. Jacqui’s DELICIOUS lasagne.

Before going look up Asher Opoku-Fordjour. He is the 19 year old Sale prop who is ripping up trees right now. Joe Marler recently commented that this young man has the brightest of futures. Praise indeed.

Elsewhere Leicester City v Millwall tonight. England lose again as the West Indies win the first of the T20s. Rishi Sunak dodges the bullet, and for now we avoid the tedium of a General Election. What struck me last night when the post match (vote) interviews were being done were the vast number of different factions on both sides of the house there were. No wonder nothing gets done with so many self-interests to please.

Monday 11th Dec: 10:15

It’s Monday so it’s time for the league round-up. In Counties Kent 1 Canterbury II continue to blaze a trail out front, as you would expect. Their 36-10 win over Bromley puts them eight points clear of Dartfordians who beat Deal & Betteshanger 29-7. Beccehamian leap frog us into 3rd spot after their bonus point win over Ashford. As you know we are in 4th having beaten Thanet Wanderers who sadly are now bottom. Cranbrook lost at home to Charlton Park who have moved up into 10th spot just behind Heathfield & Waldron who beat Dover 12-7. The quality of Thanet who are at the foot of the table highlights how competitive this league is.

In Surrey/Sussex 1 it is very disappointing to see HWO with Old Cranleighans pulling out of their fixture with Eastbourne. In the Sussex derby Hove lost at home to East Grinstead 12-26. Teddington remain perfect at the top with Eastbourne in 6th place, EG in 9th and Hove in 10th. Unsurprisingly Old Cranleighans are adrift at the bottom.

In Hampshire 1 most games, including Bognor’s, went the way of the weather.

More luck in Sussex 2 where only Crawley v Haywards Heath was postponed. Burgess Hill lost at home to Brighton II, Shoreham beat Worthing III, Uckfield beat Seaford 22-7. Pulborough had a bye week but remain top. Crawley look forlorn at the foot of the table.

Now, thanks to my very good friend Richard, I now have access to all the results around the county and beyond. So in Kent 3 Hastings & Bexhill at Tunbridge Wells II was postponed. Back in Sussex Lewes lost at home to Ditchling 13-15, Barns Green beat Horsham III 22-5, and if you are interested, Damper, Burgess Hill II lost to BSMS 10-12.

Moving up into the Regional leagues we find Chichester losing at London Irish Wild Geese. Salisbury beat Guildford in what sounds a closely fought encounter. Jersey remain perfect and 14 points clear at the top. Reading prop up the table but just 4 points behind Chichester.

In Regional 1 Tunbridge Wells v Havant was postponed. Brighton beat lowly Marlborough 25-12. Sadly it was a tough day for Horsham coming home from London Welsh with a 61-12 defeat to ponder. They remain 9th despite the loss. TWells are in 4th, Brighton in 6th.

Onwards and upwards is what I say. Up in the National leagues Worthing had the better day comfortably beating Wimbledon 51-33. Barnes narrowly beat TJs. Sevenoaks lost at Westcombe Park 22-20. In terms of bragging rights TJs in 6th are the best placed of the three clubs. Worthing in 12th will be looking over their shoulder as the season progresses.

It wouldn’t be a Monday if I didn’t bring you the news that Bridgnorth beat Syston 40-23, moving them into 3rd spot.

Wow!!!! What a weekend of European rugby. The Dragons beat Oyonnax on Saturday!!! Hoorah. Harlequins v Racing 92 was a classic. A brilliant game and an excellent result for the Premiership outfit. Sale beat Stade Francais slightly more comfortably. The La Rochelle v Leinster game was enthralling. Considering the conditions there was much to applaud. Unfortunately plenty of tetchiness too. A great result for the Irish in front of a very hostile French crowd. Dare I say Matthew Carley managed the game very well indeed.

Plenty around these parts and beyond are lauding Bath’s outstanding win over Ulster. Plenty of praise for Exeter Chiefs coming away from Toulon with the win. Henry Slade, the man with nerves of steel. So much for the power of the French leagues versus the Premiership!!!!!

I’ll trawl through the rest of the rugby news tomorrow but a couple of snippets for now. The snivelling Eddie Jones is off to Japan. Yep, as expected the weasel is heading east. In sadder news the legend that is Syd Millar has passed away at the age of 89. A giant of a man across the game.

The witch hunt that is known as the Covid inquiry continues. The lily-livered such as Gary Lineker and the Archbishop of Canterbury continue to berate the Rwanda plan yet remain silent on any sort of alternative, nor an invite to open their doors to the illegal migrants who keep on arriving. Crime on our streets is getting worse. Sadiq Khan has the brass neck to ask the government for more memory for the Met when he is fleecing hardworking people through his highway robbery scheme, aka ULEZ.

Sunday 10th Dec: 10:05

Firstly a very Happy Birthday to The Bard of the ‘Borough. Too many rings on that mighty oak to count but somewhere north of 70. Have a great day my friend. Also a big thank to him for his decisiveness yesterday. At 10am we were on the verge of not going to Thanet but thanks to his decision we went, we had an amazing lunch, we saw the boys win, and we stayed dry, which at 10am looked a very, very long shot. Real shame the the Vintage XV game was called off yesterday after all the hard work that had gone into getting the pitch ready. Hey Ho, but it was the right decision.

Anyway, so to Thanet Wanderers, a banana skin in waiting. Whilst we beat them both in the league and the cup last season you never underestimate a Thanet side. The Bard will give you the blow by blow account as always but here are the vaguest of highlights. Yet again injuries forced the coaching team into changes and within a few minutes of the start George Jones limped off with a nasty sounding knee injury. Our carefree backs started brightly with some excellent incisive running. A wonderful try was ruled out due to a forward pass, that actually wasn’t forward. The forwards were matching Thanet up front and fears of an upset were pushed to the back of the mind.

We scored early supporting the argument that this would be a good day. That soon changed when a couple of wayward kicks and sloppy decisions opened the door for Thanet to take a grip of the game. We were soon on the back foot and they were ahead. Two well taken tries exposing weak tackling and poor alignment.

With the ever stiffening breeze at our backs in the second half we looked the better side, if a little predictable. Will Creasy was eager to get his hands on the ball and take us forward. The old stagers of Mark Rosier and Richard Tasker, with the young scamp Sam Edwards supporting them, dogged away up front. The scrum certainly was a powerful weapon. Why after several scrum infringements the referee failed to reach for his cards was of serious debate amongst the ‘Borough faithful. The pressure finally told and we crossed the line twice for two well deserved tries.

Thanet were not going to lie down and accept defeat, in fact they kept knocking at the door and it was time for our defence to match that of Thanet. I digress here to say the tackling from our hosts was outstanding. It was hard but always legal and always first time. With the score at 19-10 and the clock ticking away a win was now looking certain. There was one last sting in the tail with Thanet earning a well deserved losing bonus when they opted to take the three points on offer as time was up. They knew they couldn’t win but going for a try could have resulted in a turnover and therefore no points. Good decision. Final score 19-13.

Based on yesterday’s performance I cannot understand how Thanet Wanderers are now bottom of the league. They had some real talent on show both in the backs and forwards. We slip to 4th in the league despite the win as both Dartfordians and Beccehamian won with bonus points. Full league round up tomorrow.

Just in case you need a reminder it is our very good friends Heathfield & Waldron next week. kick off 14:00. Why not book in for one of Jacqui’s outstanding lasagne lunches, not a scrap of turkey in sight.

We made good time in getting home so we geared up ready to watch Quins v Racing 92. Silly buggers, that is today at 17:30. Instead we settled for the Bulls v Saracens encounter, followed by an absolute cracking game; Bristol v Lyon.

Bath got off to a flier against Ulster yesterday, as did Northampton on Friday up in Glasgow. In addition to the Quins game Leinster v La Rochelle is a “must watch” game this afternoon.

In other sports news the Mighty Foxes are back on a roll. 4-0 against Plymouth Argyle. John Rahm has sold his soul to the devil by signing up for the Saudi back LIV golf tour. England netball lost to South Africa yesterday. The West Indies beat England in a rain affected ODI to clinch the series 2-1.

The civil war within the Government rages on whilst the boats keep on coming, crime is on the up and up, the NHS on the verge of collapse. What is the fuss all about? It’s about self-centred, mealy-mouthed, often pretty useless politicians finding themselves unemployed after the next election. They don’t give a damn about us the taxpayer.