Tokyo Gaijin RFC vs. Ryutsu Keizai Daigaku, Sunday June 12, 2005

The Tokyo Gaijin traveled out to the scenic locale of Ibaraki-ken for some free beer and a chance to watch the lovely cheerleaders that would be on display at the Ryutsu Keizai University rugby festival. Little did the Gaijin know that there was a slight catch in that we actually had to play a rugby match before all of this could be enjoyed!

After getting a whole of ten players actually anywhere near the ground within a reasonable space of time before kick-off in which to warm, hasty plans were put into action to secure the services of some ring-ins, who elected to remain nameless for privacy reasons.  After some hasty changing (class) room shenanigans where Heats Devlin expressed one of his fantasies, the Gaijin, finally with something resembling a squad of 15 made their way down to the pitch for the game against Ryutsu Keizai University ‘C’ grade.

In a rather uncomfortable pre-peak-summer heat, the Gaijin received the kick off and immediately made an impact, taking the game right to the schoolboys despite the glut of penalties against the Gaijin as Keizai used the advantage of the referee to the full extent of the offside rule.

Despite conceding the first try and not really getting the best of the possession, the Gaijin managed to go ahead 7-5 with a well taken try by Ian ‘Shadow’ Roy. The first half continued much in the same manner before Ryutsu snatched two quick-fire tries before the half-time break.

The second-half began much the same as the last half ended, with the heat taking it’s toll and the sight of the beer dispenser being set up on the other side of the field, the Gaijin seemed to lose a bit of commitment and Ryutsu were able to put past a fair few points, with the Gaijin only getting about 10% of the possession in the second half, not very much was achieved that was worth noting. Some clever running play from Heats Devlin and a late try by one of our nameless ring-ins (albeit cleverly set up by a barnstorming run from Konishi the Rugby League player) saw the Gaijin actually able to claim a win by the ‘last try wins’ rule. With Ian Roy also making 100% of his conversions, it was another victory for the Gaijin with the opposition kicker failing to slot the ball home on more than three occasions. Heats Devlin took away the team Man of the Match award with the Ryutsu administrative staff selecting him as our best for the match.

After the final whistle, the free beers were very gratefully received, a rich, full-flavoured beer which greatly satisfied the palate. Joffa Harris lead the charge quickly snatching two of the free beers before many of his teammates had completed their first. Mauro Sauco and Chris Lucas enjoyed a positive conversion rate, with the free food on offer disappearing quickly. After the cheerleaders had performed, a performance greatly enjoyed, many Gaijin ended the day and headed home, an entertaining end to what had been a rather painful morning.