Saturday 15 May 2010

So after a fantastic victory in the Woodford 7s, beating Saracens EPS 17-12 in the final, and a semi final loss in the Hertfordshire County 7s to the OAs, Harpenden Praetorians march onwards to the Bournemouth 7s over the May Bank Holiday.

With less than 2 weeks to go the squad has been decided with details below. The Praetorians are proud to say that we have a touring party of 26, 13 players and 13 supporters who are looking forward to introducing Bournemouth to the Praetorian way of touring: copious amounts of booze either funnelled or long armed.

Our squad is led by the Praetorian stalwarts Andrew Read and Joe Tennant; our two formidable props who know a thing or two about male on male contact, but have subtly built an alibi through having ‘girlfriends’. Expect the Praetorians to be led from the front by these two who don’t know the meaning of ‘backward step’.

Completing our forwards are Rob “Le Fleur” Dumbleton, Simon “the Matador” Payne and Nick “Trotter” Stevens. Rob has decided to stop gallivanting in the Wild West to grace us with his presence and we are looking forward to seeing the rangy runner opening up defences. Everyone is anticipating the ‘Show and Go’ signature move of Stitch and we all hope he runs that water on as quick as he can possibly go. As this is the first Praetorian ‘away’ trip for Trotter, we are not really sure what to expect but will look for his witty banter and control of Stitch to be in full force.

We are very happy to welcome back our international duo of Jonny Macdonald* and Taif Delamie* who can be expected to terrorise defences with their almost telepathic understanding and girls with their tag team “Google Me” lines. Having been gallivanting around Asia over the last month (followed by this scribe I must admit!), hopes are high they carry on their sterling form from last season and can have a big influence on the tournament to release the pacemen in the team.

The sprint partnership of Charlie Pattison, our latest celebrity after his starring role in a recent Total Rugby feature (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A7h_aRlV_s) and Tom “So Solid” Muskett is back in full force. After their terrific performances last year, much is expected of these 2 young ’uns as the two gas men of the team; expect to see them on the score sheet more than once come the end of the tournament.

Two more youngsters make the trip, with Jack “Mad Dog” Cornthwaite deadset on disrupting not only the opposition but the Praetorians game plans with his relentless energy and hassling, and Jack “Kid” Haddock hoping to bring his recent good form from Woodford to the big stage and introduce some interesting fashion statements to the Praetorians (bandana anyone?).

Our final members of the squad are Nick Childs and Tom “Hollywood” Evans. With his boyish good looks and perma-tan not only does he look good in kit but Childsy can actually play as well, shame his lash is questionable really otherwise he would be a superstar. Don’t ask Evans about his 7s credentials as you will be bored senseless by his memories of “his team” Hollywood 7s winning both the Dubai 7s and Majorca 7s recently. Expect to find these two comparing biceps and hair product.

And so that is the squad for the Bournemouth 7s, feel free to come find us in the campsite or pitchside for a bit of banter, funnelling and late night streaking.

Strength and Honour.