Hi guys,


Rugby date 31/10/09 away against Garstang 2's score 25-22

I often feel after a match beside drained, a little unsure if I had done enough through the game, if i had given every ounce and left my bloodied and battered soul on the pitch. Or whether I could of given more whether i let myself or even more so my mates down. This weekends game against a strong young and athletic Garstang however left me in no doubt that I along with 14 other players on the pitch and substitutes on the bench could give no more. Ferocious tackling, superb skilled handling and just damned right stubbornness was in abundance. The score does not even start to compliment the epic battle that this was.
It started with a front row issue with the dynamic Paul (Percy) Fielding, been pulled last minute due to ill health of a family member. We wish Paul's granddad well and quick recovery, however there was now a problem at loose head. And I think that the answer we came up with in the shape of Andy Grey a recent addition to the third team turned out to be inspired with Andy showing some true grit and determination to become a future cornerstone of Blackburn's third string. I can't thank Andy enough for putting his body on the line in one of the hardest contested scrummaging games this season. Also a very unusual replacement for Andy in the shape of Charles Page who normally feels most at home in the centers but this season has played in the back row and now the front row. Thanks guys. We new Garstang at home was going to be difficult but were up for the fight, and soon in the lead of a game where the lead was to change nearly as much as the weather. Henning Kabber playing at scrum half again slotting a testy penalty kick for three points. The game seemed flow along at rapid speed of knots with Garstang coming straight back at us, but almost as quickly as they scored we scored again. And so the game went on.
At half time I took a difficult decision not to make any changes and pressed on with the starting 15, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our substitutes I know how frustrating it is to stand on a touchline and not be considered. To have eagerness and willingness to throw yourselves into the affray and not to be called upon. However I felt rightly or wrongly the team on the pitch was the best chance of a win, and with the game so tight I decided to try all out for that win. The third team mantra is everyone can have 10 minutes, And without the subs on the bench we sometimes would struggle to finish a game. The subs are important to me and the team, I hope those involved are understanding in my decision.
As the game came to its finale we threw everything including the kitchen sink at Garstangs line to finish with the win, however Garstangs defence held up under a onslaught of might from the Blackburn pack and some good lines from our backs. And as the final whistle sounded the end of the match the cheer Garstang gave showed how close they thought the game was. With both teams totally drained after a gladiatorial effort. Blackburns superb tackling in defence with Dave o'sullivan, Jimmy Townes, Marc Grimes, Jim Coleman and Gerry throwing all their efforts into some bone crunching tackles and the packs dominance at the line out,ruck and maul we all felt that even in defeat we had won, this side is growing in strength and stature. And in true third team spirit we all walked of the pitch with our heads held high. There was however one instance that marred the efforts of the team and especially the player who put his all in to the game. Maybe a miss judgment from the ref, over a moving scrum. But at worst a re-scrum for us defending 5 yards out. Henning a referee himself however felt the ref on the day got the call wrong and proceeded to argue his case, only for the decision to be turned into a full penalty which Garstang took quick scoring under the posts with a conversion to follow. At this point we were leading the game and still quite dominate in the scrum, the loss of the 7 points at this stage just prior to half time was a uneedy episode. The management team would like to thank Henning for his superb performances so far, who is highly respected as a team member and hope he continues to play for us in the future, but just because we may not agree with the ref we do not loose our discipline and field any arguments through the team captain.
I would like also to thank all those that supported two club stalwarts in Mickey cottam and John Bank on their 40th birthday celebrations held in the club for Halloween. It was so good to see you all in fancy dress making an effort for the boys. Also this coming weeks fixture home against Preston Grasshoppers all players will need to wear a poppy in remembrance of those boys who have fought for our country. This weeks game will once more be a hard game and I am sure we all are looking forward to it. Preston currently three places above us in this very tight league having also played 8 won 3 and drawn 1. Preston who won at the weekend at home against BAE Warton will be a tough adversary. And I therefore urge as many players down to training on Thursday night 7pm till 9pm.


Regards Carlos (captain)