PENGUINS AGAINST CANCER

On Saturday 8th of February, the Penguin diaspora rallied at HOP with great hopes of a third successive victory in the annual competition for the Fergus Scholefield Memorial Cup. The team comprised a skilful blend of age, wisdom and the occasional younger recruit adding speed to the undeniable cunning and guile inherent in all Penguin sides. 

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The game was a competitive affair -the Penguins pack making powerful early forays into opposition territory with surprisingly efficient set piece play at the scrum and lineout providing a solid platform for two early forward-based tries from Keir – barrelling over the line, leaving freshers in his wake. The young Guys team were clearly awed by the early power and precision, but quickly retaliated with some expansive backs play, exposing occasional pace mismatches and prompting a redoubling of defensive effort from the flock.

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Shay Reading earnt gins for a great attempt at a third try, which was sadly ripped from his arms just over the try line, this the only blot on an otherwise exemplary copy book. A third try eventually came from a driving maul, Rhys Davies using his vertical advantage to take clean line out ball and a powerful drive to the line resulted in success. 

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Half-time provided a welcome breather and fresh legs arrived with Peter Davis putting in a several minute shift which included in typical style, confrontation with a fresher on the floor, retaliation in the form of a superbly-timed tackle during the next phase of play on the same young man, a try scored wearing only one boot, and an early repatriation to the dressing rooms with a mild concussion.

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With twenty minutes to go the Penguins held a two try lead and it was time for Chester Scholefield to join the fray. Almost immediately Chester created a beautiful chip and chase from twenty yards out, touching down and subsequently converting his own try, one of a brace for our youngest Penguin. 

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After a thoroughly enjoyable 80 minutes of rugby played in the best GHRFC spirit, the award of the Fergus Scholefield memorial cup was once again made by his Grandfather to the delighted Penguins captain.   

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Ed Sheppard

Penguins Fergus Cup Captain