The Nose Bowl claims another victim...

On Saturday morning Marek came downstairs with a (more) deformed nose than usual. His wife Magda politely asked him if he had insulted Will Smith's wife. Marek chuckled and instead informed her that last night was the Cobham fixture. Magda nodded knowingly and said, "The Nose Bowl at Cobham, claims another victim".

The Originals are very fond of their traditional Friday night fixture at Cobham followed by a Curry. As fond as we are, anyone who has played in it before is always a little apprehensive. It would appear that part of the tradition is for an Original to receive some amateur nose reconstruction during the course of the game. Alas, we fulfilled (and won) the fixture and put together a performance that suggested we had played 15 games this season, not three.

Aside from it being known as The Nose Bowl, this fixture took on special significance. In the weeks leading up to the game, my predecessor Rich Fenech (Finchy) had informed me that he was intimidated by Cobham and their penchant for our noses and wanted to protect his fine looks. So Finchy had decided to duck the fixture but he needed a reasonable excuse. So, he decided to drive his own vehicle to Ukraine with medical supplies and support the effort on the ground.

I jest about his reasoning but not about the trip itself. Anyone who knows the man, knows his altruistic nature, big heart and fearsome ability to transform ideas into action. Finchy: I speak for the Originals and the Club at large, we are all incredibly proud that one of our own has stood to post in Ukraine. We await your dispatches and safe return.

We decided that we wanted to acknowledge Finchy's endeavour with a photo at the end of the game showing a Ukrainian flag and a Maltese flag (Finchy is from Malta). As we huddled up with our Cobham mates for the photo, we were informed by the Cobham skipper, Hugh, that one of the Cobham boys - Craig Robson - had just got back from a volunteer transport trip to Ukraine. Craig is in the middle of the photo holding the Ukraine flag. The spirit of rugby and rugby players is personified by Rich and Craig.

This brings us to the game itself. Our oppo had assembled a strong squad for our game. And, Cobham have been more successful than the Originals in fulfilling fixtures this year. But sometimes in rugby, a team clicks. And unfortunately for Cobham on a perfect Friday evening on a lovely surface, things just clicked for the Originals. It ended 60-19 but as is often the case, the scoreline flatters one team (us, in this case).

It would be remiss of me not to mention our brethren from the Occies. We lent on them to bolster our numbers - thank you Monty and Luke. We also had two debutants in Daniel Atkinson Hope who has not played rugby for 15 years started in the front row. He received a mild concussion for his efforts, but at least he left with his nose intact. We also welcomed John Williamson who looks like he is cut from the same uncompromising cloth as Nick Morgan, thank you John. And a special mention for Mark Harrison who put in a serious shift for the team in the row.

This brings us to the changing room after the match for another significant event. 'Mr Rugby' Gus Graham cracked open beers for the boys and informed us that Cobham was going to be his last time wearing the green and gold of Barnes. After circa 750 games wearing the shirt (Yes, 750 !), the last orders bell had been rung. Although some Veterans will recall that he has rung this bell before.... we will keep a shirt warm for you Mr Rugby. Gus is perhaps imitating Tom Brady and will be back next season. But like Tom Brady, he should continue to work on his pass.

After a, errr, tricky season as Originals skipper, I am looking forward to us all regrouping over the summer for touch rugby followed by a thorough analysis in the Red Lion.