Match Report Final vs Shamwaris

Vintage of 2004

Like fine red wine we knew at the beginning of the season we had a winning year, just look after things, work hard on and off the field and without any doubt we couldn’t fail to reap the rewards.

The run to the finals was awesome. Games were always hard, whether we won with complete conviction or like a bunch of jokers. Some days we clicked like Seabiscuit against the mighty War Admiral, other times we relied on a spark of individual brilliance. But I think mostly we relied on a solid bunch of forwards who were happy and willing to put in the hard work for a backline who could score from virtually anywhere on the park. There in, lies the essence of the Vintage of 2004 from the House of Nadoe.

The first Final in three years for the Nadoes was about bringing home the cup, for too long things had gone smoothly all season only for things to come unstuck when it mattered most. For as James Control ALT Delete said, “It’s not how you begin the season, it’s how you end it.” Wise words from a veteran of many a campaign, who has recycled himself from an out of sorts wing to a key man in the pack. The want, need and complete desire to win this year was incredible and it translated itself onto the field on Final night. The Nadoes began brilliantly, moving the ball through phase after phase. Dictating the game both in terms of pace and where it was played. Taking points where they came was crucial, for the defence from both sides was hard uncompromising stuff. Finals are where boys become men and the others fade away. Our young brigade in the pack led by Big Lick Award winner Kingzo, Shaun 3some, and the Great Dane all played out of their boots. Zo finally getting an award, even though he lost the Leading try scorer to the Meerkat, played every game this season. Who will ever forget, the Sheriff bursting out of a ruck in the final and pulling up on the halfway line with nobody to pass to, and his partner in crime Dane, who became our ” go to guy ” in the lineouts. This trio all stood up and made huge contributions to the cause.

For ten minutes before the half the game could have gone either way, Nadoes having taken points from penalties and looking in control suddenly started giving away possession and allowing the Shamwaris to control things, two missed penalties right out of the Bosch/Bishops chokers best allowed the Nadoes to hit the change rooms ahead 6-0 at the break. Perhaps disappointed not to have scored, we went in with the feeling that this was our night.

With some stern words in the change room and a massive realisation that we were but 30 min’s away from our goal, the Nadoes hit the second half with some of our finest rugby all season. Had it not been for the Shamwari’s being a great team defending their title the Nadoes would have blown most teams away. The Nadoes scored during this passage of play, from a set scrum, after having replaced our Naked Chef, Charlie Sanderhoff started to get things going. The Jedi playing another cool calm classic sent the ball on a drift pass to Andrew Martin, who played yet another barnstormer, broke through the midfield created the half gap and put Grant Paxton into space with one to beat and a certain try on the cards, who would pop up out of no where, yes folks you guessed it, The Meerkat. Jason hung onto another pass strolled round a defender and dotted down. The Nadoes being up 11-0 brought the House down. One has to take the opportunity to mention the try scorer here, who this year won the leading try scorer race. Jason Elley our resident MC and Boom Box Challange King plays for one team. He is extremely competitive and brings a great edge to touch games. We are indebted to this little man for the passion he brings to everything he does. Just ask Slim about him.

With time now running out and two converted tries needed to win the Shamwari’s threw the kitchen sink at us, and the lads defended like men possessed. Every ball was contested, slowing their game down without pushing the limit. Our strength in the tackle was brilliant, even down to the Mole Man and Quayle’s Ales, digs partners who have been battling it out all season for the worst tackler made telling hits and never gave an inch. Nick “more game time please” Riva came on and was all over the park on defence typifying the desire of all involved to be part of this team. With time running out the ref decided we had been slowing the ball down a bit much and threatened to send off Grant Paxton, never one to shy away from a challenge this Karoo mannetjie told the ref in no uncertain terms that he wouldn’t and couldn’t send him off. Now if there is one thing all refs love more than anything it’s the opportunity to show their authority. Grant duly got his marching orders. So with 14 men the Nadoes defended their line like the Boers defended Spioenkop. Our Big Lick award came here, with Kingzo smashing his opposite number and turning over the ball. The bloke got up moaning about something illegal but with Renzo nothing is illegal just ask the girls from 14 up.
The Final whistle blew and the Nadoes had won 11-0, a fitting end to an epic season. We began by beating the Shamwari’s in a tough opener and ended the season beating them again in the Final to take back the trophy.

Going through to the change rooms after winning and collecting the trophy was almost surreal, after all the work put in behind the scenes by everyone. By the players on the field, the friends, family, supporters and fans who were there through another messy winter up at UCT. Well done and enjoy the moment cause they can’t take it away.” For what we do in life echoes throughout eternity”

Last but never least the man with the mouth, the one who led us to another title (with our help) our Captain the Donk. Nobody can really fathom the amount of behind the scenes donkey graft this bloke has put in during the season. Though he lacks pace and will soon move to lock he will always be a Nadoes Ranger and thats the passion needed to win. Thanks bud.

To the rest of our International’s Paki and Iron Giant who missed out on the run in, no worries fella’s you got us there and you were with us in spirit. Paki you would have loved the four bottles of Mainstay as a prize. To the London crew and Corly somewhere in the islands, shot for the support alot of this is for you. To Cool Calm and Gareth our backers and mates you are true Nadoes.
I have to just say thanks to everyone who gives a shit about the Nadoes, whoever you are wherever you are Ucha cha.

May the story continue…