Supporters and member of Ross-on-Wye Rugby Club gathered on Monday, December 26th, for the eagerly awaited Club’s Boxing Day game. This is an annual event where the Spring Chickens – those players under 28, who are full of enthusiasm and optimism, take on the Mature Cheeses, where optimism and enthusiasm have given way to gamesmanship and skulduggery.

As the sun shone and the crowd gathered, Roger Powell, the referee, did a quick check with the youngsters, that they had permission to be out without mummy and daddy, and also that all the Mature Cheeses’ medical insurance was up to date. As a few players had been born before the creation of the NHS there was some initial confusion. However, there was an undertaker on speed dial so Roger was happy that all bases were covered and the battle commenced.

For a post Christmas Day encounter there was a fair amount of skill and endeavour on show. The lead changed hands on numerous occasions as both sides worked hard to secure those bragging rights.

At the break it was the Spring Chickens who held a slender lead. The Club Sommelier served up some Christmas Port and the players were revived to continue their battle. As the Christmas excesses became apparent roll on and roll off substitutions became a godsend. The club may have a sommelier, but it does not have a mathematician, and it was rumoured that the Mature Cheeses took advantage of this, as the Spring Chickens were not permitted calculators on the field of play.

As the bodies tired, and the minds turned to post match celebrations, a raft of late tries were scored and at the final whistle it was the Mature Cheeses who had sneaked home winning 38-35.

All the players, and their supporters, then decamped back to the Drop Inn to relive the glory of the encounter.