As predicted both teams cruised to the final that was sadly not played on the centre stage (causing great consternation for all Spooners who know the importance of raising the profile of the Charity to the rugby fans). However, the crowds came to watch regardless of being sidelined and were treated to a hard physical battle that the younger teams would have been proud of!

Spoon Vets never looked like crumbling against the old enemy and just before half time scored the first points. Their fitness proved the winning formula as they ran in more tries in the second half to take the game at the whistle:

Vets Captain, Dan Eddie collected the trophy on behalf of the team ensuring Spoon were walking away with at least one title intact.

The Wooden Spoon Women’s team has in the past been fortunate to have been able to draw its players from the top ranks of the women’s game and from all the four home unions but times are changing. The Women’s international sevens teams have been accepted into the IRB 7’s series in 2009 and the respective Unions are beginning to form their teams and get practice in at some of the leading tournaments in readiness for the world stage.

Amsterdam played host to international sides from USA, England New Zealand, Sweden, Canada, Norway and Brazil and for Spoon to hold on to the title was always going to be a tough call at this event.

Nevertheless, Spoon compiled a young and enthusiastic team led by experienced captain and Spoon stalwart Susie Appleby. The group stages on Saturday allowed the team to gel and build up to the crucial game of the day against Canada which would determine who would top the table and go through to the easier group the following day. It was a really crunch game, very physical with both teams fighting for pride and victory. Despite scoring first, Spoon went behind in the second half but through a wonderful team performance and the ‘never give up’ attitude England youngster, Gemma Sharples was able to run in in the final minute and with a crucial conversion, managed to level the scores. This ensured that Spoon finished the day at the top of the table taking them through to face USA, Corselettes and Brazil in the following day’s play off rounds.

First game of the day was against a fit and fast Brazilian team and again the young Spooners played their hearts out refusing to give away points and battling in the defence. The final score was another draw against an international side – 5 all. After a good win against the Corselettes the team had to face the reigning champions of Hong Kong, the USA international team. The girls from the States were all at least twice the size of the Spooners, even before they put their body padding on and it was a daunting task for the youngsters. Despite defiant defence the team went down to the yanks 33-0.

The position in the semis was therefore down to tries scored, as Brazil had also lost to the USA. The Corselettes acted as the whipping girls and as the final game the Brazilian’s knew exactly what they had to do to make the next stage and scored the required five tries to win a semi final place against the Kiwi’s.

So the Spooners had lost their first game in 18months and relinquished their title. But it was not without a fight from a very gutsy young team who were a privilege to have on board and who it is hoped will come and play for Spoon again in the near future. The next generation of Spoon players has just been found!

There was consolation though as the England International team beat the New Zealanders in the final. Eight of the squad have previously played for Spoon, won with Spoon and enjoyed being part of the team so it seemed fitting that the title was being handed over to fellow supporters.

Thank you to everyone who gave up their time to be part of Spoon Rugby. It is a special group of people who are prepared to dedicate themselves to playing hard on the pitch and representing Spoon off it. £500 was raised from fundraising efforts as well as building huge amounts of goodwill.