The Old Crocs hosted the Old Northamptonians from England last Wednesday evening at Hammies, with at least a full match 22 and a number of supporters. For most of the match, the Crocks handling was shocking, a blind Sri Lankan U13 girls team could have held on and distributed the pill better than us.

Prior to the match, the easily bribable referee Wayne Jackson was allegedly offered a date with one of the pretty blonde English phyios if he blew in Old Northamptonians favour. Jackson, not to be denied this generous offer, punished the Old Crocks with endless penalties, some legitimate, others perhaps imagined. All joking aside, Wayne knew the Old Northamptonians were outmatched and tried to even things out a bit with the whistle, and let the northern boys have a crack.

In the end, the Crocks ran away 16 tries to 3 winners. For the Old Crocks, Man of the Match honours went to flanker, Denton Blomquist. Flyhalf, Steve Ray, was voted runner-up (though it is rumoured Ray may have offered a bribe of his own for the vote). The Sammy Sure Grip Award went to Andrew Wannenburg. Our French connection, Matthieu Pierre and Christopher, were particularly happy with the score line against Les Rosbifs.

The aftermatch event was loads of fun. One of the Old Northamptonians brought along his guitar and treated us to some excellent oldies but goodies tunes in the club house. After a few beers (and some initial awkwardness from the Crocks), everyone joined in the singing. Apparently the melodious Englishman could give 1st team prop and South African Idol hopeful, Tiaan de Kock, a run for his money.

Senior players Christo McNish, Steph Schreuder and Cassie Juke Box Lotter were on hand to witness the Old Crocks in action, both on the field and at the bar. The old timers showed these young okes what it means to party, and what Old Crock spirit is all about. A special thanks to Mike Stakemire, and his kitchen and bar staff, for hosting us. A big thanks also goes to Moira who got the blood flowing in our creaky bodies with a very professional warm-up.