Stillbillies Match Report

Puffin Gannets versus Stillbilies (Terry Hills, New South Wales, Australia)
Tuesday 3rd September 2008

The Puffin Gannets inaugural Golden Oldies fixture was played at Roseburn against the Australian Stillbillies. The visitor’s team included Australian rugby legend Mark Ella and were also supplemented by several younger Gentlemen of Northern players.

The Golden Oldies rules took a little time to get used to but after several good passages of play PGs took the lead through Chris McGhie who barged over from close range. A fine handling move saw Nobby Clarck go over for a second try and a third try was scored by Jason Martin who broke down the left wing after good ball was won by the forwards. The Stillbiles started the second 20 minute period with some more fresh legs with the help of some Edinburgh Northern players who were cheered on by Ronnie Pugh who played for Northern in the early 1970's. Ronnie is the brother of our Chairman Nigel who was also on the touch-line making noises.

The Puffin Gannets continued their stylish play and further tries were added by Simon Glynn and Ken Lauder who fell over the line in exhaustion after supporting a great break from inside his own 22 from Jason Logan. The Stillbilles kept at it and were eventually rewarded after good work in midfield my Mark Ella to put Trogsy the winger in for their first try. Puffin Gannets 'Man-of-the-Match' Pete Sanderson scored a further breakaway try before the end of this period of play.

Puffin Gannet selector Grant Denholm started the 3rd period by replacing Iain McLean with Gavin Hastings. The former Scotland and British Lion pulled on a Puffin Gannets shirt for the first time and desperate to impress the selectors for future matches and no doubt fuelled by the nerves of a first PG cap, took out a Stillbilly red short wearing OAP with a chest high tackle. The referee rejected his plea of colour blindness and the penalty was awarded.

The Billies came back strongly with their ‘man of the match’ Trogsy a continual threat and he created the space for their second score. However Chris the Builder who’s strategically placed knee took the wind from his sails ensured that he was slowed down for the remainder of the game.

As both sides began to tire, Bobby Dooner powered over from the base of a five yard scrum then with two minutes left on the clock Chris McGhie showed his strength to drive over from close range for a his second and the teams eighth try. The Stillbillies  fought hard to the end were rewarded with a try on the final whistle.

The large crowd who had by now gathered showed their appreciation of a good game played in the best of spirit with many converging on the food hamper and bottles of port which were exchanged by the two captains.