The following match accounts are reprinted here withoout the express written consent of the of the author, Michael Morgan, a sailor on the HMS Spartan. Both matches were played in the early 1980s. See http://www.mjmorgan.dircon.co.uk/
RUGBY: SPARTAN Vs OLD RED EYE-12 OCT 1982
Our usual pilgrimage to the home of Brevard County Rugby unfortunately ended in yet another defeat, but at least this year we gave them a game before the customary excellent social.
A large contingent of SPARTAN’s appeared for this years game and the players gave the supporters a fair amount to be happy with, before finally ending up as 22-4 losers.
The pack performed magnificently winning a good percentage of the ball, although what happened after, they don’t rightly know. When the ‘backs’ did get it together though the did look good. ‘Jock’ NAIRN playing in his first game for SPARTAN showed up well, are only try came from the ‘forwards’ however. From a 5 yard scrum, ‘Taff’ DUNN broke through to go over and score an excellent try. ‘Taff’ ROSSITER and Lt ‘Killer’ BLAKE also showed prominently.
The surprising factor this year however, was although obviously not as fit as Red Eye, Spartan stayed strong until the end of what proved to be a great game for players and spectators alike.
As darkness set in, the Social that followed got under way at the Rudder pub in Melbourne, newly adopted home of Red Eye RFC. According to Dick DAVIS their always well lubricated coach, Spartan’s visits have now become firm fixtures in their social calendar, and this one proved no exception. Red Eyes hospitality is second to none in Florida
Dick DAVIS would like to thank the 30 or so that turned up for making their evening a most enjoyable one. Oh! and of course SPARTAN won the ‘Boat Race’.
Smudge SMITH had a good game as well (there’s your mention Smudge).
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RUGBY Versus OLD RED EYE AT MELBOURNE
It was once again a great pleasure to play against our friends from the Old Red Eye Rugby Club. Temperatures were not really suited to the game, being in the 90’s throughout, and with the humidity around 85% the chances of a Spartan victory were slim.
With several regulars missing, some new faces were in evidence. The Slob slotted into the second row, with Nose Kennewell playing his first game since leaving School some 15 years ago. Also in the line up were Steward come Stores Accountant ‘Do us a favour’ Brough, and Hazel the Jazzer on the wing.
Unfortunately on the pitch things did not go well, even the new strip did not help. From this you will gather the worst……we lost.
But after a short trip in the back of the pick-up truck we arrived at the home of Red Eye Coach and suckler of many a beer-can Dick Davies. Who welcomed us with open arms (the idiot), with full use of the swimming pool, barbeque hut and all the beer we could drink. A good time was had by all, even if ‘Do us a favour’ spent most of his time in the orange grove.
Unfortunately the only injury of the day happened when one of their players was hurled with typical Spartan force into the shallow end. I don’t think I need say anymore! Under the influence of…..15 weary but happy Spartaneers arrived back at the Crossways Motel, in the back of the said Mr. Davies pick-up truck.
Although we lost we certainly enjoyed it.
Posted by Pedro at July 29, 2004 09:05 AM