“Always look on the bright side of life”

You can say that it was tempting fate. Somewhat apprehensive we left Cambridge, the fog had lifted, winter sunshine and perhaps a fulfilling day in prospect. As we overtook the team coach, a serious accident on the A14 before Fenstanton, meant a 30 minute delay for all. Were there more upsets to come?

Would our opponents, Manchester RC offer any serious opposition? Would the theatre of dreams live up to expectations? A unique double experience to come for the home touchline team. Rugby in the afternoon followed by early evening football at Old Trafford

With conflicting aims and emotions, it was not a question of just winning for the first time at Grove Park or securing 5 league points. The nature of the victory was of equal importance. For me to take satisfaction from the match, our win had to be convincing but not gloating. One year earlier (December 13th) Manchester had lost to Bedford by just 20 points, their 16th defeat in a row in the old National 1. Since then Manchester's determination to be an amateur club and financially prudent has drawn controversy and argument across the English game. Less so recently given the moves into administration by Birmingham and Coventry. Opinion was divided, the doom merchants arguing that the RFU should oblige Manchester to withdraw from the leagues in the face of certain physical and psychological injury to players. Few appreciated the shrewd strategic choice of a managed descent from National 1 to probably National 3 in two seasons. On yesterday's showing, the home side demonstrated enough skill in movement and defence to win a good proportion of their games next season and aim to stay in National 2. As to Cambridge, they did the minimum to win comfortably but failed to deliver anything like their best for the season.

No score for the first 7 minutes. A perfect day, strong sunshine and no wind as Cambridge tested the nature of their opponents. First impressions gained on the touchline was of an opposition organised well enough to check routine attacks and even to minimise unforced errors. In an emotional conflict between inspiration and exasperation, the latter seemed destined to be the more likely influence upon the Cambridge team. Then  Handre Schmidt, the man most likely to score, did so with pace on to a rolling ball from a well placed raking kick from Captain Shanahan. The second try to Tom Powell, enjoying luxury on the wing, nevertheless made the touchdown following a forward drive. Difficult not to be drawn in, magnetic attraction for any disciplined back row in such circumstances. Third try to Alex Dodge as his strength carried him over between the posts. One for Craig Evans to secure his first conversion of the day. Cambridge were far from dictating the game, equally prone to hesitation and predictable in movement as they went through their limited routines. Flat passing though quick and reasonably accurate has become easy to read and seriously lacks a touch of the unexpected.

The visitors plodded on. Handre scored his second. One goal at least achieved in keeping our right wing well ahead in the league highest try scoring table. His pace from a standing start gives him something that the majority lack. He turns on the power whilst those around him stick in first gear. It is for that reason alone; deception and variation have to be built into the Cambridge repertoire for the second half of the season. A blinding glimpse of the obvious to take from an otherwise forgettable 40 minutes of league rugby. Oh, Manchester put points on the board with a penalty on the stroke of half time.

Half Time Manchester 3 Cambridge 29.

Perhaps the second half would better reflect the quality of the two sides and the gap between amateur and semi professional rugby. Perhaps it would deliver some vitality to match the strength of the sun as it closed on the western horizon. In spite of fielding quality replacements in the 52nd minute, Cambridge, to a man, decided to embark upon a training exercise in defending their line. For the entire third quarter they stayed routed to the spot. Turgid, imperfect rugby in near perfect conditions. Perhaps though the credit has to go to the home side. Manchester engaged with their one hundred or so supporters and put in attack after attack. This was more a Rorke's Drift than an Isandlwala. Tom Powell had been yellow carded, but the 14 remaining had no answer to the pressure imposed upon them by the Manchester Corinthians. Relief came in the 65th minute. Within seconds of crossing the unfamiliar half way line, the Cambridge attack fired on all cylinders and Stef Liebenberg, to prove a point, went over close to the right hand post. Karl Rudski followed two minutes later, seemingly our only player capable of running at angles that break open opposition defences, illustrating just what and how much Luke Fielden contributed last season. Flood gates open. Hardly, just 3 tries in 3 minutes as Tom Powell scored his second and the best of the afternoon following a midfield short side break by Stef Liebenberg.. Enough’s enough. Fifty points on the board. Let's go home, or in my case move on to the theatre of dreams.

Full Time Manchester 3 Cambridge 50

Good to return to the club that provided my schoolboy baptism into the national game. Manchester are the second oldest rugby club in the world, their history like many others there for the visitor to drool over in the clubhouse. Their generous hospitality remains unchanged. They are a much improved side from the start of the season and could run a few of their lowly opponents close in 2010. Their coaching back up is visible and determined to win the psychological war it appears. If they do begin scoring tries then their future looks much brighter. As for Cambridge. Job done and no accusations could be fairly levied of gloating or playground bullying. Mike Kind's round up (just arrived) shows Handre 4 tries clear at the top of his table, with Stef in joint 6th place with 8. Cambridge are third in the team try scoring table, one behind London Scottish and should pass them at the half way point. Cinderford come to Cambridge on the 19th December whereas the Exiles go across the city to Blackheath. That ends the business of the day except for -----

The theatre of dreams. Together with fellow addicts Kenny and Ross Isbister the trip between venues took less than half an hour. What a spectacle. Add 75,000 to the earlier gate, switch on the floodlights and regardless of the outcome, the experience is frankly awesome. "Subbuteo live" captures the atmosphere in part but so does the ease at which players become instantly recognisable at a distance. Aston Villa deserved their win after 30 or so fruitless visits up the M6. We wasnt robbed! As a tribute to our coach on the line, Bob Crooks I have saved the best till last.

Martin O'Neil, the Aston Villa Manager was described live on TV as "like a panther with a thorn in his claw prowling the line" Asked whether he enjoyed the match, replied " I haven’t enjoyed a game of football in the past twenty years". More the lion or the grizzly bear, I have yet to put the same question to Crooksy. Whatever, when Alex retires, its Martin for me.

”When you’re chewing on life’s gristle don’t grumble, give a whistle”

Mal Schofield