| The
most disappointing statistic about this match is that the starting
Irish backs in this game averaged more than 60 caps each.
This shows the true mind set of O'Stunted
who has single mindedly destroyed a golden opportunity in Irish
rugby.
This Ireland may be able to raise
themselves for a big match now and then, but such is the lack of
experimentation and player rotation that journeyman teams such as
Scotland can now contain them quite comfortably.
Ireland were very lucky to come away
with anything from this match and yet another opportunity for player
development in this World Cup year has been lost.
Anyone that thinks the Triple Crown
is progress is deluding themselves. Apart from the one game, where
the English forwards rolled over to have their tummy's rubbed, this
Ireland side have shown very little.
Don't be surprised if Italy turn us
over next week. |
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O'Stunted capped a poor personal performance
(he singularly failed to make any impact on the match) when he
accused an unnamed Scottish player of choking his love child O'Gara.
The fact that it was three Ireland players on top of O'Gara when
he turned blue means that O'Stunted should be
issuing his apology in the next day or so. Surely O'Stunted
couldn't have been trying to divert attention from Ireland's lethargic
performance.
Rory had a quieter game, but both he and his
brother, Simon, did a lot of the thankless work
round the pitch and both should keep their places for Italy. Neil
Best didn't get much of a chance but he surely has to
be a better option than Easterby if Ireland are wanting to attack
rather than contain.
Future Ulster player Dewey looked a bit ropey
in defence and will need to smarten up this part of his game if
he's going to be a Ravenhill favourite.
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|
Ardmhic
continues to claw back the points, scoring twice as many as Kimble.
Hound and Grumpy continue to falter.
This weeks star player is our very
own Dewi who decided to get a bit of help this
week from FRU Chairman Justin Fitzpatrick.
I have it on good authority that they
were also planning the FRU's First Annual Awards dinner - more details
over the next few weeks. |
| The GB’s second
annual outing in support of the national team of the island of Ireland
took place last Saturday. The tractor arrived early at the Stena
terminal and proudly took it’s place in the high-vehicle queue
for the HSS. We ignored the sniggers from the Stena staff and trundled
on board at the appointed time, having checked that our 4th member
was indeed the famous Ballpark.
It was going to be a rush to make the match on
time, and, as we had decided to do the Stranraer to Embra leg non-stop,
we headed to the restaurant for a hearty breakfast (Ulster Fry of
course). Scrumstretcher, whose picky eating habits
are the stuff of legend, headed to the bar for a breakfast of several
pints. Eventually we joined him and by disembarkation time, we were
already pashed (except for me as I was driving)
At Stranraer we headed eastwards for an uneventful
journey to “Auld Reekie”. I desperately tried to attract
the attention of the speed cameras, but I don’t think our
maximum speed even registered on them.
BP started to read from some book about Irish rugby
– Scrums and Booms pretended to fall asleep
and I turned Daniel O’Donnell up full blast on the 8 track.
BP took the hint and shut up. At least we were now certain it really
was BP.
Scrumstretcher “woke up” in time to
overrule Boom’s excellent navigational ability and direct
us on the road away from Murrayfield. It was only a 40 mile detour
but it meant the Stadium car park was full by the time we turned
up. Undeterred, we parked in a nearby street, cleverly choosing
to leave the tractor beside a rubbish skip. We assumed any sensible
vehicle thieves would pinch the skip instead of our tractor.
The game was awful, Ireland was awful, Scotland
was awfuller. At least the ref knew when time was up. But something
very odd happened near the end. Ballpark rose from his seat, and
with an evil smile on his face, said he had something important
to do. To our amazement he headed down the tiers of seating, sneaked
past the stewards and leapt Brennan-style over the perimeter fence.
We stood open-mouthed as he ran on to the pitch to join in the final
ruck. Luckily for him the injury to ROG distracted everyone, and
he made it safely back into the Stand.
“I’ve done it…I’ve
just gone and done it!” he yelled joyously. “I’ve
done the wee bugger!”
We have no idea what he was on about, but , after
all, it was BP.
Returned to our vehicle – both it and the
skip were still there – and set off back to Stranraer. We
came alongside a minibus and Scrumstretcher spotted a pretty girl
at the window. Excitedly he mouthed words of love to her, promising
his undying fidelity. He thought she was gorgeous.
“For feck’s sake, she’s only
a schoolgirl “ said Booms “Remember what you
promised the judge.”
Anyway it didn’t matter as the girl made
her feelings very clear. Never have I heard such language from an
eight year old.
On the HSS home, we noticed two of the bar staff
were having a bitchy row. We joined in enthusiastically by taking
sides. This only caused further trouble – one girl turned
bright red and did a runner, the other yelled at everybody, but
particularly us, that the bar was shut so feck off.
As soon as the boat parked, we obediently fecked
off. |
Letters to the Editor.
Dear Ed,
With all the excitement of the Scotland v Ireland weekend in my
place of residence at the weekend I stupidly forgot to send in my
predictions. As an esteemed member of the honest and forthright
'Hounds Of Ulster' I'm sure you will believe me when I tell you
that I fell into a short 'Ronanesque' coma after consuming one too
many wine gums on Friday night in Edinburgh. This obviously meant
that I missed all of the 6 Nations matches and am therefore able
to submit my predictions at this late stage.
Ireland, Italy and England all to win. After sending this letter
I will check the results to see how I have done!
Thanks in advance.
WOLF
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