“Wham, bam, thank you Dam!”

After a longish Christmas break Evergreens were back in the saddle away at local rivals Wasps in a fiercely contested league match, with the Ealing Vets outfit eventually winning a tough game. After 20 minutes of mainly Ealing pressure, especially at the scrums, no points had been posted by either side. Wasps then scored a well-taken try, with a number of good passes in open play starting from inside their half. It remained 7-0 until half time, despite both teams having other opportunities to score, with all of us still wondering what happened when Alex Adide took a penalty just to the side of the posts 20 metres out. Lovette (who otherwise played well) made Jake’s choice of DotD easy by earning himself a referee-enforced 10-minute breather either side of half time. Half time also allowed a rejig of the Evergreens backline with Beck arriving in time to lead the line, buoyed by a double espresso taken on the run to the game. He played well.

The scores were soon level with Jordace going over in the left-hand corner after a blisteringly strong individual run, reminiscent of Jonah Lomu in his prime but a try scoring celebration that really belongs in the Premier League. Another key substitution at half time was eventual MotM Dam(ian) Connolly, now a year five Vet, who not only slotted over a tricky conversion, but soon after finished off a beautifully crafted (& converted) try in the other corner, with the ball going sweetly through five sets of hands. He played really well. With the forwards much improved at the breakdown led by Jake, Adam, Neville and John Fenlon Ealing looked to extend their one score lead. However, once again it was to be the boot of Connolly that saved the day, posting a final three points from another Wasps infringement at a ruck, despite the boos and protestations of the opposition; remember, “points mean prizes” - take note, dissenters. The game closed 17-7, which was a fair reflection of how close a contest it was. Good to note in dispatches that John Ronane (a solid block of muscle who played well during his stint on the flank) was back from retirement. Many thanks to all those who put a shift in, even if game time was hard to give them given the tight score-line. Apologies, and thanks to BOF for sitting this one out - a starting place is yours next time if you want it, and Andy for running the line without the protection of a gumshield.

Subsequently, having toasted the win with a left-handed slug of Port (thanks Jacko), we were treated to simply the best sausage roll I have ever had, courtesy of Ash & his students. I have not seen layering like that in pastry ever - take note Greggs.