 Whilst there were slightly fewer spectators than at Twickenham the day before, all the players were determined to bring back the smile to English Rugby's Face after the disastrous second half against Wales. The fact that both sides were scratch combinations meant there was a degree of introduction at first, although the President's Team were all members of the Club – but drawn from all teams therein, a most admirable policy. Steven Ravenscroft had a goodly number from whom to choose, which in itself, is testimony to the popularity of the fixture, at least amongst the players.
The exercise is not only to have an enjoyable game, which it was, but also to raise both the profile of and funds for the Wooden Spoon, our own charity; in all honesty, we were less successful in the latter and both clubs' officials are giving serious thought as to how this can be improved. However, it was good to see many women who have previously played for the Lionesses and the Women's team make an appearance to cheer on their fellow Spooners.
And so to the game; the Club took an early lead with an interception try after a lolloping pass from Florent Rossigneux who obviously thought he was on the sevens pitch. But it wasn't long before Wooden Spoon Anti-Assassin's responded with two of their own, one of which was from Flo who was pleased he had redeemed himself! Richmond levelled it at 12 each, but the AA's got into their stride and scored two good tries just before the interval, to lead 22-12 thereat.
 The fact that there was only one score in the second period, this to Richmond, bringing them to 19 points was no reflection on the effort expended by all involved. It was exciting – there was much good rugby – with the A-A's having to defend for long periods, which they did rather better than the Seniors had done some 24 hours earlier. There were some big men in the Richmond XV, even in the backs, and they seemed slightly more prepared to "scrat" for the ball in the loose thus gaining more possession. They defended well too when the slighter, but more mobile backs of the A-A's attempted to make ground.
But, in spite of all this pressure, the Wooden Spoon Anti-Assassin's held out for the win 22-19. All retired to the warmth of the Bar, but several of us were left wondering which side had benefited the more from having none-contested scrums.
As far as your scribe could glean, the following were known to have started for Wooden Spoon Anti-Assassin's:-
1. Mattie Stewart
2. Steve Millard
3. Chris Rumble
4. Rob Cain
5. Dave Ramsey
6. Richard Griffith
7. Andy Amor
8. Florent Rossigneux
9. Richie Elliot
10. John Kendall
11. Muna Ebougalame
12. Paul Farmer
13. John Swords
14. Andy Other
15. Ben Other, brother of Andy
Numbers 21 Steve Ravenscroft and 22 Harvey Thorneycroft, plus others acted as substitutes at varying stages. We are all grateful to the Players for giving so much pleasure, and the Richmond Club and Officials for the warmth and generosity of their hospitality.
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