DEPLETED HIPPOS SECURE LA VICTOIRE CONTRE REDDITCH

The Hippos secured their first win of the season under Interim Captain Damien Kimber against a very hospitable Redditch side who provided 5 players to the depleted Hippos including a hard working and aggressive front row as well as two committed backs. They also provided a set of shirts after another Stevie Hambles demonstration of basic logistics from Team Captain Richard Underwood.

The call to the herd fell well short of a full team but demonstrating the leadership skills and commitment of a First World War General, Dicky Boy sent his depleted boys over the top to Redditch whilst attending a corporate function at Leicester Tigers. Last seasons' successful Captain Duncan Berry also failed to attend due to a finger injury sustained in a meeting allegedly picking up a pen off the floor but rumours are circulating that Northerner Duncan actually opened his wallet and removed cash and needed time to deal with the shock and pain.

It was left to Hippo of the Year Frenchman Damien Kimber to lead the Hippo's over the top. Things were looking desperate when the Team consisted of Dave B, Ricey, Damo and Franklin but hero Hippo's answered the call and the changing room was lifted by the entrance of 'Bomber' Gallagher, Shoulders and their mate Christian - straight from a big night out showing true Hippo commitment.

A strong start by the Hippo's down the slope led to a number of fine breaks by the marauding No 8 Gallagher, Scrum half Steve Rice and new boy Christian. Gallagher scoring 4 tries, Ricey 1 try and a magnificient solo effort by James Geoghegan in open play a further try. Jim Frost converted 4 out of 6 and should have added a further 5 points but, despite his claims to the contrary, failed to ground his effort under the posts. Frost demonstrating a fine handling performance at fly-half.

Strong scrums delivered by the Redditch front row for the Hippo's allowed 38-0 lead at half time for the Hippos to face the prospect of 40 minutes working up the slope to defend their lead.

A resurgent Redditch scored early in the half when their flanker scored despite strong defence from Ricey. The try was awarded by referee Ivor Boehmer. Redditch pushed for further scores and achieved a further try from their fly half who was shoulder charged as he walked back for the kick by the Hippo Hooker - who turned out to be his father! A third try was denied by fair play when the Redditch player had been forced into touch and owned up.

The Hippos held out with excellent work in the forwards by Shoulders, McKenna, Geoghegan and Gallagher, and control by half backs Rice and Frost. Rice putting winger Steve Franklin away with an excellent miss pass in the Hippo 22 in the last 5 minutes but the 1:4 gradient of the slope and defence by Redditch player 40 years younger stopped the winger at the half way line.

A late neck injury forced Captain Kimber off the field but not before he had secured victory. He later finished the game with a rousing Napoeleonic speech of 'er well done lads' before being taken to A&E and strapped to a board for 2 hours in a neck brace. The x-rays were thankfully clear.

A big thank you for Redditch for being such great hosts and for lending us players and a kit to ensure that the game was played. Thank you also to referee Ivor Boehmer - Shoulders immediately noticing the similarity between Ivor and Dave – they’re both .......short!

The next Hippo herd outing was Saturday 17 December away to Old Yards Vets so therefore a flat pitch and an excuse to avoid Christmas shopping but as it clashes with Tim Lang's wedding I would expect a cancellation is likely!

Team: 1.Redditch 2. Redditch 3. Redditch 4. James Geoghegan 5. Shoulders 6.Rob McKenna 7. Dave Boehmer 8. Dan Gallagher 9. Steve Rice 10. Jim Frost 11. Christian 12. Damien Kimber (capt.) 13. Redditch 14. Steve Franklin 15. Redditch