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 11.30 on a Sunday morning is a great time to "tee off", especially in sunny Spain. But when we are talking about a Senior Rugby match and you have to travel to Elche, not a round of golf, then it does not feel quiet so good, especially with temperatures reaching the mid twenties by half time !
Nevertheless a motley crew of 16 players and 4 supporters, the smallest travelling contingent of the season, made the journey by coach with the prospects of an afternoon in Benidorm as the reward for the early start. The "List of Excuses" Book was utilised to full capacity - work,babysitting,birthday party, wedding,ill,injured,Mothers Day and, of course, my personal "favourite" - simply could not be bothered to turn up ! The valiant 15 started well, with an early penalty from Eddie, but, after a particularly callous illegal hit, Denia lost Ian with a heavy blow to the lower back. A penalty was little reward for the loss and the player concerned has a reputation for such actions. With Ian, the Denia flyhalf, unable to continue, a quick reshuffle was needed bringing sole replacement Nacho on for his debut on the wing, Eddie going to 10. Elche finally found some territory and after a period of concerted pressure scored a try under the posts for a 7-3 lead. Again Elche battered the Denia line but the defence was outstanding and they could not add to their early score. Denia had an opportunity late in the first half, but at a line out on the Elche line the throw was crooked and the opportunity lost. The second half saw our old friend, the referee, play a major part in the game. The younger, fitter Elche side realized that Denia's ageing side were already beginning to tire and started the second half moving the ball wide and quickly, scoring a try early on, but indiscipline and persistent back chat were regularly punished by an English referee who clearly understand the global Laws of the Game on such matters unlike many of his Spanish colleagues. Denia failed to narrow the gap when a long range penalty from Eddie first hit the upright and then the bar - twice - before agonisingly dropping in play for Elche to clear. Elche again moved the ball across the field at pace and increased their lead with a converted try, 19-3. But Denia were not finished and utilising the bright sun and some clever box kicks put pressure on the Elche back three. An easily kickable penalty was turned down in favour of the try attempt but this time it was Elche who defended their line well. A last minute try wrapped up a well deserved victory for Elche but Denia's players were able to head to Benidorm with their heads held high after a gutsy performance from a side with far two many players in the late 30s and 40s - not to mention the 52 year old centre, Mac ! Bring on the youth ! Denia RC: Glenn,Adrian,Pescata,Dale,Mateo,Dirk,Andy,Gevino,Shaun,Ian, Yovanny,Mac,Eddie,Charlie,Leo & Nacho.
Eddie D'Arcy - 680 739 821 -
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www.deniarugbyclub.com
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