The corresponding home game last year looked ‘in the bag’ when Flight Lieutenant took himself off for an early shower… job done. On emerging from the shower to hear of his team’s loss, the ace pilot was shocked into disbelief. There comes a time when even the old folks have to stick around to poach the points, as was evidenced today.

“Grab a shirt, it doesn’t matter what the number is – we’ll sort out the team on the pitch,” is hardly a rallying cry of a dressing room warm-up, but some days are like that! The Littlewoods Pools approach to team organisation – perm any 15 from 18 seemed to be the call. Bemused – Yes… amused… No!

Late cry-offs occurred yet again, with the odd late cry-on for a change! Two losses to the league leaders in recent weeks meant that Moor needed to rediscover the golden touch – the winning habit, if they were to maintain their brilliant start to the season and remain in contention.

John Traynor, Chris Owen and Tom Ireland emerged from the Physio Room (otherwise known as the bar) to take the field, and they did a sterling job to give the team a reasonable start. ‘Inga’ bulldozed some early possession through the Wilmslow midfield and it was a shame when he had to retire with a muscle tear… how good would we be if we ALL had muscles? Wilmslow had the best of the early exchanges and deserved to take the lead after exerting pressure in the Moor 22 with the ever-dangerous number 8 breaking from the side of a scrum to power over for a converted try. It looked like the visitors might run away with the game, but Moor were in no mood to concede.

Moor gradually snuffed out the Wilmslow attacks and clawed their way back into the game. Wes Prosser was exemplary in the back row, making excellent tackles to negate Wilmslow attacks. Pooley did what he’s good at and obliterated the opposition in open play, never tiring and always competing with a bulldog ferocity – Jeez, even the BACK of his head is wrinkled and looks Pomeranian – any normal mastiff would cringe in his presence!  JJ pulled off some excellent tackles and must approach future games with more confidence because he has the ability to do well. The scrummage made up for the lack of control in the lineout. Inga had to retire with a torn muscle in the first 20 minutes, so Dave Nolan took the field on the left wing (creative thinking by Fl. Lt. Heath) and the backs were reshuffled accordingly.

Moor ended the first half camped in Wilmslow territory with penalties coolly converted by Jaz Kondratowicz to leave the half time score 7-6 Wilmslow. ‘Turners’ appeared with mutt to inform the team that the visitors were arguing among themselves but we already knew that! It was a matter of possession and bossing up front – do that and we win the match.

That’s precisely what happened. The Moor forwards adopted a pick-and-drive approach and the Wilmslow lads couldn’t do much about it. Dave Nolan became ‘Daveman’ (or ‘Caveman’ if you wish), screaming and steaming into the opposition at every opportunity, leading from the front and setting a great example to his team-mates; he has to be taking massive amounts of Ritalin! The scrummage continued to dominate and we worked to compete more in the lineout. The skipper’s boot returned and Wilmslow attacks were turned around as Moor won the ball and plonked the visitors deep into their own half on a number of occasions. It wasn’t all plain sailing though! Fl. Lt. Heath, being prompted by the referee, forced his troops deep for a 22 drop out, then called ‘Brabs’ for a short drop but it didn’t cross the line and the skipper was left red-faced. Luckily the 22 scrum was pressured by the dominant Moor pack and the danger was averted. Forays into opposition territory became more frequent and Moor managed to maintain field position for long periods. Ashy worked his 55 year old bones tirelessly to get around the park and showed that he still has the hands and guile to defeat much younger physical specimens – SAS Darwin watched in admiration from the touchline and even took a few notes! Jaz scored a perfectly good try unseen by the ref (not his fault) and ill-discipline led to Wilmslow clearing their lines with a penalty. Soon after, Heath buried a long kick into the opposition 22 (as he had consistently done all game) and the Moor forwards were back in business. They pressured a lineout and were awarded a scrum. Composed recycling of the resulting ball led to Nick Brabham powering over from all of 75 yards (or do I mean 7.5?) to give Moor a deserved lead. This was soon followed up by another Jaz penalty to stretch Moor’s advantage. Heath was now pulling the strings in midfield - not just Grimmo's Hamstringd either! A couple of 2 balls worked a treat with Lindsay bursting through the opponent's tackle line to set up some rampaging breaks. A little more alertness of supporting runners could well have resulted in more Moor points - it looks like it's not only Robbie Fowler who suffers from white line fever!

Tiny Goodwin (carrying a (bus) pass from his Missus) came on to replace Mike (who had worked industriously at loose head) and the Moor pack was further strengthened. Wilmslow had no choice but to gamble as the clock wound down and they broke away against the run of play from distance to score an excellent try in the right corner. The last kick of the match, and Wilmslow need to convert it to exact a draw. The lad never looked like making it and the final whistle blew to leave Moor winners by 2 points!

A proud skipper congratulated his forwards for a magnificent display and walked off the park with a beaming smile (well, inside at least!). Man-Of-The-Match... erm, Daveman had a claim, and well-deserved too. Pooley did more than most. Wes had a stormer and led from the front with passion. At the end of the day, it's all about leadership, so Heath's boot has given him promotion to Flight Sergeant. If that doesn't count, then he claims it for losing the toss and getting the visitors to play down hill first!