Its been six years 7 months and 11 days since Fullers last put a Vets side out so to say that we weren't quite sure what to expect was a bit of an understatement but 21 players came together on a cold November night because of the love for the game hasn't diminished even though the body may say otherwise. Friday night rugby under floodlights has always been a bit special and this game was no difference. Both teams had been looking forward to the fixture for some time and they didn't disappoint the plethora of supporters who had braved the cold in order to watch two teams of elder club statesmen trying to recapture their golden eras of rugby.

A promising start by Fullers taking an early lead by way of a Sam Tinsley try which was converted by Ed Orchard (at least some of his kicking was on point). Tring responded almost immediately with a try under the posts with a conversion to boot (see what I did there). The intensity shown from both sides showed that they hadn't turned up for a fun run around but were there to win. The want to win was clear to see something you just don't lose as a rugby player.

Tring then took the lead with another break away run to score over the white wash and with another conversion the score line read 7-14 to the visitors. Fullers could have been two tries up had it not been for the slippery bar of soap which had made its way on to the field and disguised itself as the ball. I'm sure the players in question will have 101 excuses but we all know the truth.

With a few dodgy decisions going against us (yes I did say that out loud) Fullers kept the pressure on and Tring responded with another try but not be outdone our very own head coach Tom Courtney burst through the Tring back line to score just right of the posts and once again Ed ( I can't restart a game but I can score conversions) kicked it through the uprights to make it 14-21 it was now game on.

Fullers were spurred by the crowd which was getting bigger and bigger as the game went on but it was Tring who responded with a further two tries and a conversion to make the score line 14-33 BUT Fullers never did hear the fat lady warming up her vocal chords and it was left to Oli Fountain, taking the ball out on the wing before darting back inside and powering his way over the line, to score in the dying seconds of the game and with the conversion to come from the steady 'Cool Hand Luke' Jacobs the game finished 21-33.

Dave Jackson (Vets Captain) said "A win would have been the icing on the cake but it was great to see vets rugby back at Fullers and the support from the side lines was fantastic to see and hear. All the lads playing put in a great shift and it was a pleasure to be on the field with them".

Pictured is MoM Ian Butcher receiving his well deserved bottle of Port which was presented by our Club Captain Sean Deller.

Anyone interested in vets rugby please contact Dave Jackson at steward@fullerians.co.uk