Post by Dave on Sept 10, 2022 10:48:01 GMT
Paignton RFC V Bude RFC 10th September 2022
Match preview
Most of my readers will know my family was heavily involved with Newton Abbot Spurs when I was a very young boy. I was the club mascot from a very young age so it is no surprise football has always been the main game I have followed.
I must confess I have never watched a whole live game of rugby, I have watched games on the TV and enjoyed them, but never fully understood all the rules of the game.
I am a very big royalist and cried real tears when the news our queen had passed away, but was a bit shocked when all levels of football were cancelled this weekend. I think the way rugby has gone about it really was the right way to go.
The message put out by Paignton RFC
Following guidance from the RFU tomorrows 1st XV game versus Bude will go ahead.
A minutes silence as a mark of respect will precede kick off.
Rugby, at its heart, is about community and bringing people together, in good times and in sad. Rugby clubs are a source of strength and support during times of uncertainty, and we hope that by enabling games and other rugby activity to go ahead this weekend, with families and friends congregating it will help us all to unite at this time of national mourning.
This in my opinion is the way the football bodies should have looked at it, but sadly they took a different route, but in one way at least it has given me the opportunity to do something I have wanted to do for a long time.
As an amateur sports reporter and photographer covering football has been easy for me, I know and understand the game fully and know how to read the action. Any video you watch on sports photography will always state you need to know the game to get the right action shots.
That is going to make today’s challenged that bit more difficult for me, but I trust in my own ability behind the lens and hope I can get the sort of shots I am hoping for.
So what do we know about Paignton RFC ? Well they play in the Counties 1 Tribute Western West league, I do not know myself what level that is.
Last season they finished in 12th place in the league on 39 points which was made up of 14 clubs. Their record was played 26 games, won 8 and lost 18. But as I said not knowing the game well enough I do not understand their point’s total.
Their first match this season was away to Penryn on the 3rd September, a match they lost by 30 points to five, so they will be looking for a much better result in their first home game of the new season.
I will not be able to do a match report like I do for football games, so this will be more about my experience at my very first live rugby game.
Match Thoughts
I contacted Paignton RFC this morning just to make sure they were happy with me taking match photos. On my arrival at the club I was blown away by the warm and friendly welcome I received. Nothing was too much trouble and I was able to have a good chat before the game and learned a lot about the game and also the club.
The pitch was the first green one I have seen this season, the grass was much longer than you will find at a football ground. I just need to say what a wonderful and exciting afternoon it has been watching my very first live game of rugby. The poor ball never gets a rest and what a physical battle takes place for the whole length of the game.
I have no wish to upset any of my football friends, but I can think of one or two who fall down at the slightest touch and roll around as if they have been hit by a steamroller. They would do well to go and watch a game of rugby and see how those players take real hard knocks and carry on as if nothing happened.
There was a minute’s silence that was well observed before the start of the game for our very dear queen who passed away on Thursday.
The all action match got underway and Paignton were keeping the Bude players in their own half with their constant pressure. It was no surprise when Paignton took and early lead, a try scored close to the left hand corner flag. From a tight angle they converted the kick and took a seven point lead.
Paignton then scored their second try of the match, this time wide on the right hand side and the kick was once again converted to put them 14 points in the lead. Just the start the team need after last weeks defeat.
Bude then managed to get their first 3 points on the board after been awarded a penalty. The ball was placed on the ground and fired home between the posts.
Paignton were hungry and determined to stretch their lead and went and scored their 3 try of the game, the kick was converted to make the score 21 to 3 as the match referee blew up for the end of the first half.
Both sets of players stayed out on the pitch and I think the halftime break was no longer than five minutes long. The second half got underway and Paignton looked in no real danger but things changed when they had two players red carded.
A very loose pass by a Paignton player was intercepted by a Bude who was able to run towards the touch line with no Paignton player close to him. The kick was converted to make the score line 21 to 10 to Paignton.
Bude came close a few times to forcing the ball over the Paignton try line, but the Paignton lads stood strong and prevented them from doing so.
A great home win for Paignton and a very enjoyable game to watch. I found taking photos at a rugby match much easier than a football one and I must make sure I cover another one this season.
Once again many thanks Paignton RFC for your welcome, a great family orientated club and I hope to see you all again soon.
