Wednesday evening saw the final run out for the Men’s Blues before The Varsity Match. This was the last chance for players to stick their hand up for selection and as such it was always going to be a cagey affair. Our visitors - the famous Penguins International XV - were well suited to such a cold night. 7 different nations were represented in their ranks, as well as 14 clubs including our own, with several current OURFC players running out in black and white. A familiar face donned the Penguin 2 jersey, with last year’s Blue’s hooker Harry Scoble seemingly jumping at any chance to return to the hallowed Iffley turf.
Right from the first whistle it was clear that this was going to be a bruising encounter with both packs going at it hammer and tongs against the other. A certain Blues’ player is available for involuntary rhinoplasties should any reader be interested in their services. What is black and white and red all over? A penguin with a bloody nose.
It was our visitors from the Antarctic who initially looked dangerous, but a Tom Mewes cover tackle prevented them crossing the whitewash early. The Blues drew blood first; a break from Wolfe Morn in the 5th minute putting Danny Stokes under the posts.
2 minutes later Mr Morn was rewarded with a meat pie of his own after a galloping Otis Walker unleashed him on the left wing. The Blues continued their early momentum with former Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School pupil, Michael Fankah, scoring a pick and go at the 12 minute mark. Clearly riled, one flightless bird was penalised at the next kick-off; I put it down to aerial jealousy.
The Penguins replied at the beginning of the second quarter, waddling over for a pick and go of their own under the sticks. This marked the beginning of a good 20 minutes for our visitors. Another two tries followed for the avian side, with their Swedish international second row stretching over just before half-time. Impressive wingspan, but what use are wings if you can’t fly? The Penguins clearly picked their towering second rows from the Emperor species, both standing at over 6ft 5.
The scores were level at half time: 19-19.
Having had the opportunity to regather themselves, the Blues were quick to open the scoring in the 2nd half. Danny Stokes once again showed his incredible wheels (should probably rename him Spokes at this point) after finding himself on the end of a pass from the skipper, Luke Wyllie.
Jack Hamilton was the next to get himself on the score sheet as he sniped over for the 5th dark blue try of the evening. A maul try followed for the Blues, with Mike O’Donnell crashing over to make the score 31-19. The metronomic boot of Harry Bridgewater brought it to 33-19.
Their feathers freshly ruffled, the Penguins scored another brutish pick and go shortly after. The score finished 38-24; a much needed win for the Blues as they enter the final stages of their varsity preparation.
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