Before every game and during every half time we would form a huddle, as is customary to do on the rugby field. And I have to say, in every huddle there would be confusion. Tactics would be vague and weren’t helped by the abundance of swear words. Certain players were notable for contradicting previous inputs of ‘wisdom.’ It’s uncanny the number of times ‘We aren’t committing enough players to the rucks’ would be followed by, ‘We are over-committing to the rucks!’
Invariably there would be two phrases that would sum up our team talks. ‘For the ******* badge, boys!’ showed our immense pride in pulling on those cardinal shirts, but the second remains somewhat ambiguous: ‘Let’s play Castle rugby, boys!’ I think it was supposed to mean the forwards boss the game, before our flair backs are given the space to play expansive, running rugby and finish off in the corner. Unfortunately, ‘white line fever’ often plagued our forwards, most notably Jack Pile, winner of the ‘Props’ Pot’ for 3 consecutive years.
The traditional season opener against Hatfield ‘Freshers XV’ was always a tense affair. A draw and a narrow loss in first and second year respectively were respectable results for Castle, considering the small army of yellow and blue that would greet us at the end of our undoubtedly bleary eyed trudge down to MC. But the boys were elated to go a step further, finally hoisting the flag this year after a stunning display of ‘Castle rugby’ (whatever that may be).
This fine performance was surpassed only by our first year run to the semi-finals of the Floodlit Cup, beating several premiership teams en route. There we met Grey, or more specifically, their colossal full back. Though then captain, Andy Ball’s magical side step cut him down to size. We put in a performance that we were immensely proud of in front of a sold out (almost) crowd, but fell just short.
Off the field, Castle continued to thrive in the Undie. ‘Initial socials’ were always conducted in good humour, with boathouse traumas and wardrobe malfunctions soon forgotten. The team took their flair brand of ‘Castle rugby’ to Prague in the spring of 2009, though it was in the bars that the majority of the action happened. Debbie Dumpling holds a special place in many of the boy’s hearts. Her impressive magic trick of vanishing a fully grown rugby player under her (naked) body will not be forgotten by anyone present, particularly by me – I was the poor soul that was vanished!
Thanks must go out to ’10-‘11 team captain, Alex Ritchie, and club captain, Sean Sarafilovic for doing an exemplary job. It is a testament to the club that we attract players of all kinds, from Korean first timers to Durham County U20’s players. Win, lose or draw, our beloved Undie will always unite the squad for a drink or several. After all is said and done, I think this is what ‘Castle rugby’ is all about - long may it continue.
Floreat Castellum,
Thomas Clarke
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