25 November 2006
Ampthill Extras 29 – Northampton Old Scouts 3rd XV 25
There was no shortage of players available to play in what was dubbed Hoppy’s last ever game. Having turned 50 Chris Hopgood has decided to hang up his rugby boots and concentrate on not going to the toilet whilst sitting in his armchair at home watching TV. Rabi Ratnesar turned up all the way from Florida (albeit via a European business trip) for the momentous occasion. ( And the visit from a member of armed forces?? Ed.)
Old Scouts turned up and thoroughly played their part in the proceedings. The match was a cracker.
Old Scouts where first to score with an early try. John Kitchiner responded for the Extras crashing over the way he does. The next Extras’ try was a penalty try. Leigh Clark made a break up the wing and chipped the ball in-field for a chasing Gareth Williams to catch. In what the referee deemed would have resulted in a try for the award after the last Old Scouts defender deliberately tapped the ball into touch.
Old Scouts came back and once again took the lead. Yet again it was down to John Kitchiner to make amends with his second try of the match.
Old Scouts then battled their way into the lead after making the most of a couple of Extras’ errors. With just moments to go the Extras trailed 25 points to 22. The Ampthill side were encamped on the Old Scouts' try line but the Scouts' defence was solid and attack after attack was repelled.
In what turned out to be the last play of the game, Tom Gray pounced on a ball that came flying out of the back of an Old Scouts' scrum to score the try. A thoroughly fitting end to Hoppy’s many years playing for Ampthill Rugby Club.
The party atmosphere in the club after was the icing on the cake for Hoppy who was grinning for the entire evening. No-one was too sure if he was happy because of the occasion or because he was constantly wetting himself and enjoying the nice warm feeling trickling down his calves ( He loves young cows!! Ed.).
Forwards: Chris Day, Gez Ingarfield, Matt Fisher, John Roberts, Derek Welton, Liam Duffin, Steve Walker, Chris Denton
Backs: Rabi Ratnesar, Leigh Clark, Gareth Williams John Kitchener, Dave Tomkins, Richard Mardle, Chris Hopgood
Subs: Simon Robinson, Terry Nelson, Andy Carvell, Dai Lamrick, Gavin Griffith, Mark McKinlay, Ian Burgess, Rob Hill, Tom Gray, Raff Toaino
Tries: John Kitchener 2, Penalty Try, Tom Gray
Cons: Leigh Clark, Rob Hill