Another one bites the dust

Fortune favours the brave, and though bravado was present in patches, unfortunately so too were disorientation, handling errors and a lack of confidence at key stages.

When it all boiled down, we lost. 14-11. Unfortunately for me it means another grand final loss to chalk up beside the colts final we lost when I was playing at Sydney Uni as well as the 3 grand final losses at Old Ignatians.

I warned the team that I may be a bad luck omen but we were convinced that this would be the year to break my run of grand final heartbreaks. Alas, it was not to be.

In spite of losing, I was honoured to have been asked to lead the team after my efforts in the semi final despite the return of our previously injured regular captain. My emotions were sparked after the game when it dawned on me that this was my last game at 't Gooi before leaving at the end of the summer for Oxford.

I have many fond memories of the club, not the least the many friends that i have made and the joy of improving my own level of playing standard. I will have fond memories of the manner in which our club, appearing in their 1st ever grand final in their 73 years of existence, dealt with the loss.

We returned to the club house to be greeted by between 60-80 supporters and a big band as we disemnarked from the coach. They then proceeded to lead a march back to the club whereupon we found another couple of hundred supporters, two long tables of catering and a plentiful supply of beer.

We stayed drinking well into the evening, recounting the near misses, mistakes and 'if only' recollections of the game. Despite our loss, the one departing thought I will take with me is of the unique spirit and environment of Rugby Club 't Gooi and the privilege I have had being a part of such a club for the past 2 and a half years .