The Royal Wootton Bassett RFC 'Old Dogs' Walking Rugby team played a 5-club fixture at Melksham RFC on Saturday.
The rain that had been coming down like stair-rods earlier in the morning had reduced to a drizzle, with the first rays of sun on the horizon as Bassett approached their first match against hosts Melksham.
Both teams had arrived in peak condition for this crucial opener. A grueling 14 minutes later, victory was Bassett's with a 1-0 scoreline. After celebratory hugs and high fives the team retired to the gazebo to stretch tired legs and refuel on jelly babies, shortbread and flapjack.
Next up was Chippenham. They had beaten Bassett earlier in the summer, piercing holes through the defensive line. A new strategy of fastball and lots of random shouting intended to confuse did the trick: 3-2 to the Old Dogs.
Next was Trowbridge who had been formidable adversaries on previous occasions, and hadn't lost any of their guile. The first Bassett score left them flustered and in disarray.
The frustration was evident as the referee awarded penalty after penalty in our favor. The Old Dogs capitalised and scored first in one corner and then in the other. 4-2 to Bassett.
Finally Kingswood, and the team had to rouse themselves one final time. With joints creaking and muscles tightening, all the evenings of training, stretching, and hobbling came good as Bassett went unchecked through to the tryline time and time again. 7-2 to the RWBRFC Old Dogs.
Melksham's bar was bustling with Full English breakfasts available for the players to refuel before they set out on the long journey home.
Melksham deserve accolades for being such good hosts and for organizing a most enjoyable morning of walking rugby.
With thanks to Andy Collier for providing the match information
Walking Rugby returns to Ballards Ash for training on Monday
The Old Dogs play their next fixture at Melksham on 23rd November. If you are aged over 45 and seeking a fun new challenge, come along and give Walking Rugby a try. Sessions run from 6pm every Monday. Read on to find out more.
