Woz On - club fixtures, pop-up shops and a smattering of politics

Bit bleary eyed this morning.

Was out with Canniford, Guilbert, Large fellow and Churchie for our post vote discussion, which was very entertaining.

Despite having differing views it just goes to show, that when you've pulled on a shirt with people on the rugby field, banter remains and always wins - no matter what your politics are.

Debating with humour is how it should be.

So, I was also up very late watching! Landslide it is then and all done n' dusted! Let's hope for some fair play, equality and a bit of unity now.

That sounds suitably 'wishy washy' enough for a ' let's move on' statement!

To Ton news: the Makaton Crimbo party went well and Clare said it was heaving and they love their new home.

On Saturday we got a bit of a kicking all round at the weekend! The Ones n Twos both lost, but fair to say, we were a bit depleted in both camps.

The Otters lost to Exmouth, not helped with three yellow cards being dished out to our boys, so they trudged back over the hill empty handed.

The Ones showed a lot of endeavour but were undone by some clinical finishing.

We did win the scrums though. Big thanks to our chums from Beer and to PR Driver Blacksmiths who were our guest at the pre match lunch.

Thanks as always to Ally n Bugger*ff for doing the grub and of course to the bar staff as well. I had one of me 'skin n blisters' come down to see me and made an early exit but as far as I could see, the ale was still flowing fast when I eventually did go.

So back to the drawing board playing wise - no one said it would be easy.

Sunday we ended up with only one game at home and it was our 14's, who given low numbers, struggled against a useful Tivvy outfit.

We had teams at Tivvy as well and nice comment from one of the Dimonds (Under 9s) coaches, as he was mentioned in the paper for saying: "It was a pleasure to watch the lads who played so well."

Monday, we had our junior meeting and again the tough old reoccurring issue of needing more Volunteers to help was at the forefront of proceeding.

The simple fact is; the rugby ethos is based around running clubs using an army of volunteering and that's the culture at 90% of clubs.

We need to get this message across to everyone, so watch this space as to a plan early in the new year.

Not all doom and despair, as we do function adequately as it is but we could be so much better and as the John Haywood quote goes: "Many hands make light work."

We also had some sad news this week, as Pidge's Mum, Carole, died after losing her difficult battle with Cancer.

Our thoughts go out to Rod her partner, Pidge and Lee, his sister. Just so you know the connection, back when I first started playing for the Ton as a boy, Pidge's Dad, Rodney, with the help of Carole, basically ran the club for years and my lasting memory of Carole was her always being on the touch line during games berating any referees who dared to give penalties against the Ton.

Think she would be banned by the PC brigade nowadays, anyway, sure she's now got her seat booked to watch over Ton activities from on high. Lots of fond memories for me.

This weekend: Saturday the Ones pop down over the Tamar to play Saltash and hopefully they'll come back with a result! We could do with one, but fear it's going to be very wet.

There is no senior game at home this weekend as the Twos friendly is off.

The weather's been 'orrible this week, so I'll have to do a pitch inspection to see if we are ok for Sunday's games - ain't looking too good at the mo!

So, we have the 14's in a plate cup game against local rivals Cully - kickoff at 11am.

To accommodate this one, the 7's and 8's kindly agreed to move their home game to an away one at Wellington where the 13's are also playing.

Also at home are the 9's and 11's. Their kick off is 10am and the 10's and 12 kick off is at 11.15am.

Gonna be busy!

My chum Helen from the Honiton Sports shop is going to come down Sunday to do a 'pop-up shop' for Parents to buy possible club clobber and maybe Christmas pressies, in the form of kit etc.

If you miss her, don't forget the shop sells all the gear and loads more other sports stuff. Buying something will also make you feel good about the 'shop local' campaign.

Finally, just to get in a couple of notices: we have a game against Teignmouth next week at home, which will be a Christmas Jumper day and then there's the annual Boxing day game at the club.

Usual format - players, dads, relatives, guests and Stopper come down put names in a hat and have a run around.

Meet is 11.30ish - kick off is at midday for a half hour or so run about, blow out the cobwebs.

It's always a draw and then it's adjourn to the bar for light refreshments and an Eggnog or two.

Ally has said she'd put on some grub this year as well. Remember, if you have friends down from other parts of the country they are more than welcome to play and come in afterwards, or maybe you know a footie bod who'd like to try rugby? This is an ideal chance.

Over the years, we've got many a new player for them enjoying the day. Bit of a social really - pop in, or stay for an hour or two. Choice is yours.

That's about it for this week.

Yours Jez, or is it Boris?