National Carnival - Newcastle
Photos here
A small Chippenham squad battled through strong northern winds and a tough group to claim the plate title at the National carnival,
Drawn in the group of death with strong northern team Newcastle Centurions and the Scottish "Bloods" of Edinburgh Chippenham knew they were in for a tough day. Newcastle’s larger squad condemned Chippenham with clever use of the interchange bench but Rob Fielder did manage to grab a good goal. Next up was the so called Scottish “Bloods” of Edinburgh, although the accents were all Australian!. Chippenham put up a great fight especially in some bone shuddering Sheppard’s from Rob Kerr. And a massive hit from Joe Beardsmore to remove the Edinburgh ruckman for the rest of the game. Tom Case, Chris Matthews and squeaks were brilliant in defense in the second half as the small Redbacks squad impressed and despite a great lee Tarn finish the Redbacks lost.
This placed the Redbacks into the bottom of their group and into the plate competition. Drawn against Birmingham who were struggling with injuries in the semifinal. Chippenham had injury concerns of their own with Paul Conway and Rob Kerr with a nasty black eye following an earlier collision with Sobush. Playing 7 a side after lending Birmingham Conway Chippenham played some classy football once more for a great win Aaron Gale showing great ability in the midfield.
Gateshead were waiting in the final and Chippenham were hitting serious form, and interchanging forward line of Conway, Kerr and Beardsmore creating lots of space with goals for all and a great break from defense my Chris Matthews to score a cracker, despite moving Tom Case to full forward for the last few minutes he didn’t manage to get the opportunity to get on the score sheet.
Altogether an amazing weekend, and with no substitutes Chippenham can hold there heads high, although come Sunday morning most of the lads couldn’t move their heads due to a great night out in Newcastle
Redbacks squad was
Tom Case (Captain)
Rob Kerr (VC)
Rob Fielder
Joe Beardsmore
Paul Conway
Aaron Gale
Tom Sobush
Lee Tarn
Chris Matthews