There has been a long wait between internal league matches. Given the nature of the break (SWC etc), I am sure you are all clamouring to get a vote in on who should get the Pink Pants for tonight’s game because EVERYONE did something stupid, no doubt. Despite claims by other Shebeen members, I am not omnipotent and unfortunately only had my own holiday experiences to draw from… but feel free to share your stories about your teammates over drinks in the tunnel and at The Shebeen tonight!

So to kick off with the runner’s up:

2nd Princess:

Jevron “Dig my side profile” Epstein gets this mention because he really does believe that having matching hairstyles makes him a perfect replica of Quade Cooper on the field…

1st Princess:

Ruxton “Bishops” McClure gets this mention for his performance on Sunday… against Shebeen! Well played Rux, think you cemented your spot in the Medics backline with that performance!

As has been the case throughout this 2010 season, however, there is always one exemplary act that clearly earns that person the Pink Pants Award, and it is no different this week…

To cut a long and humorous story short, the punchline is that this player got wasted and upset and tried to carve a word into his own arm… that word was “HATE”… however, combining the amount of alcohol he had consumed, and the questionable quality of his schooling, he managed to misspell it. What did he actually gouge into his arm?

“Haite”… I sh*t you not! Oh, and his email address is along the lines of devz06@***mail.com… super pink all round!

So, for the second time this season, The Pink Pants Award goes to…

Devon “Devzo-Six” Van Schalkwyk! Congrats Devzo, I look forward to the next edition of humorous contributions from you

The second half of the Internal League season gets under way today with a cracker of an encounter on the cards. With mixed performances defining the Shebeen campaign thus far, we are looking to hit the ground running with a win tonight! The last meeting of these 2 sides was in a short pre- season opener which ended in a 2 try a piece draw, but we are going to have to pull out all the stops to get on top of this powerhouse unit… With Sunday’s performance against the Medics in mind, we can definitely come out on top tonight!

Details:

Meeting time: 18:30

Kick off time: 19:30

Venue: UCT Green Mile B field

Opposition: Steinhoff Cobras

What to bring: Kit, fines money, drinking money for afterwards at the Shebeen, lots of support and NB NB NB If you have not paid subs, bring along tonight so you can collect your bags and other paraphernalia

See you all on the Mile tonight!

SHEBEEN

With management opting to field a number of second-choice combinations, Shebeen struggled early on, especially on defence. The Medics scored five tries in the first half with Shebeen managing a solitary effort by the newest UK recruit.

A few key changes made all the difference in the second stanza as Shebeen kept the Medics scoreless and ran in four more tries of their own. Devon van Schalkwyk was in sublime form scoring a brace, while the Medics failed to stop Matt The Ogre Elsworth from claiming his five-pointer. Scrumhalf Tim Vann weighed in with a well-worked score and the kicking of flyhalf Kyle Williamson kept Shebeen in sight of an upset.

The match ended in dramatic fashion with Shebeen scoring in the last movement. Unfortunately, Williamson’s conversion attempt struck the post to deny Shebeen a draw.

While the result was disappointing, the match did offer some fringe players an opportunity to stake their claim for the second half of the season.

The UCT fields have taken a battering over the last week, and while the rain stayed away, both teams had to deal with a soft and slippery pitch that made handling and running difficult.

Shebeen made good use of the wind in the first half by playing themselves into promising positions, but poor handling prevented them from translating pressure into points. The scoreline remained 0-0 at the break, and Shebeen will regret missing out on at least two-try scoring opportunities.

A solid forward performance and a determined defensive showing typified the second stanza. Kopano didn’t do themselves any favours with a shocking handling effort, but managed to cross for the game’s only try when their scrumhalf cantered over from close range.

Shebeen continued to make some incisive breaks that were usually well-supported, but unfortunately they just couldn’t finish. The Been Boys will take heart from their ability to create more attacking opportunities, especially in a UCT quagmire that limited free-flowing rugby, but they still have some work to do if they’re going to make those final passes stick.

As we see ourselves hitting out against Kopano tonight to kick off the next phase of the group stages of the internal league, there is very little debate as to who the Pink Pants wearer will be this week. There were very few poor showings so the runner up spaces were not immediately filled. However, there will always be those that open themselves up for riddicule, so here goes…

Runner up 2 (or 2nd Princess perhaps?):

All of those Shebeen Boys that didn’t make practice on Sunday because it was cold and wet. Especially those that used Mother’s Day lunch as an excuse. I have a mother too! You all know who you are, so feel happy we only have one pair of pink pants!

Runner up 1 (1st Princess):

Milo: I am sure you are rueing that dropped pass with an open tryline beckoning a little? So am I. No anger involved as the pass wasn’t great either, but we need a 1st Princess, and you made it easy to be picked on when you left your hands at home last wednesday!

However, there is a definite winner, as mentioned earlier. And it is a pity his first action on the field almost decapitated the Panther’s winger because he had such a good night as the pourer! Despite a decent performance as pourer in the tunnel party after the game, the Pink Pants Award this week goes to none other than the newcomer:

Khaya, our “2nd quota”

Congrats on the award Khaya! Welcome to Shebeen!

Tomorrow night, round 2 of the UCT internal league 2010 kicks off. After a tough first round with mixed results, Shebeen Boys are still very much in the hunt for some awesome silverware. With Kopano, Cobras and Smuts in our group, tomorrow’s outing is of huge importance and could put us in a very strong position to finish in the top two should we take the points!

Previous meetings with Kopano have ended very happily for Shebeen, with the boys in black and green winning both of the previous 2 encounters quite comfortably. That being said, no year is the same as the one preceding, and it will be hard work for Shebeen to secure the win!

Details:

Opposition: Kopano

Meet time: 16:30

Kick off time: 17:30

Venue: UCT Green Mile B field

What to bring: Kit, R350 subs (Seriously now, this needs to be settled ASAP!), R20 for fines, money for drinks at The Shebeen afterwards, you A game, and your supporters!

If you have not yet let me know, I need to know if you are in OR out ASAP on 074 134 3011!

See you all on the Mile for another awesome fixture!

SHEBEEN

The horizontal rain made for a greasy ball but the biggest detractor in Wednesday’s match was the wind. Shebeen played against the bluster in the first half and battled to move out of their own territory. The gale also made for an erratic lineout, as both teams battled to secure possession from this set-piece.

The wet conditions led to multiple handling errors on both sides, but Shebeen really struggled at the breakdown, conceding far too many turnovers. The scrum was again a strong point thanks to Bushmills’ Man of the Match Trevor Padayachee and his front row posse, but after the first phase, Shebeen just couldn’t hold onto the ball.

Panthers scored a soft try off a quick tap, and it was to be the last time they breached the defence. Unfortunately for Shebeen, they failed to finish what few chances they had, and the loss means they will see out the year in the B league.

Despite the defeat and chilly temperatures, the majority of the boys endeavoured to make the most of the post-match activities.  In a night of firsts, Shebeen learned a song from Limpopo, Khaya received the Pink Pants Award and Trevor gave a rousing speech.  Finesmaster Smeagol and Mark Valence also made a surprisingly early call on the big white telephone, the latter performing a ballerina’s pose in the act of liberating his dinner.

The party predictably moved to the Mowbray for more Windhoek and Bushmills. Aside from the mandatory speed coinage, Shebeen enjoyed a rare treat with Devon van Schalkwyk aka Elton John entertaining us with a teary piano piece.

In what will hopefully not be a habitual occurence, our Pink Pants winner from last week ended up in hospital after the clash with the Nadoes. For all of those that don’t know, Devon is fine. Aside from the concussion sidelining him for the next month, he was “really chuffed for the chill time, bru”. Although not playing this week, Dev does have a hand in this week’s Pink Pants Award, but more on that in a bit…

To get things started, the runners up for this week are:

Jacques “Lofty” Loftus

Last week saw a titanic struggle by Shebeen who were eventually overpowered by a strong Nadoes outfit. Having to source spare props for the clash was unexpected, but unfortunately it was necessary as our stalwart prop, Lofty, was sidelined. With a back injury. From carrying beers. 3 weeks ago. Lofty will be back in action this week against the Panthers, and by the hair on his chin will be in green shorts…

Pete “The Coach” Williams

This runner up is unusual because it us generally accepted that the Pink Pants will be awarded to someone running out on the pitch that evening. Some may agree, however, that standing pitch side is close enough to be eligible. Now, there were drinks involved, and there were claims of being quoted out of context, but last Wednesday while checking up on Dev lying in the middle of the field, Coach said something along the lines of, “I don’t want to get on all fours as I will dirty my pants/ scrape my knees/ be awarded the Pink Pants” (you choose the most appropriate ending). Coach, to justify not being awarded Pink Pants we need a strong performance at the Tunnel Party tonight!

Aside from these 2, everyone had quite a good week. Except for one lad, the one everyone knew deep down would be getting the Pink Pants Award this week.

For concussing your mate with the boot of the opposition scrummie last week (and for putting a jersey on a kitten), you get the Pink Pants Award this week, Tim Vann…

Tonight we are playing for promotion into the Internal League A Division… Considering the fight I saw from the team last week I do not see this as being out of reach. But tonight, we really need to pull finger and play some entertaining Shebeen Boys rugby against a decent Panthers outfit!

The winner of the match, taking into account bonus points and points differences etc will more than likely end up runners up to the Nadoes in our pool, so it is all to play for tonight! Come hungry!!

Details of the match are:

Opposition: Panthers

Meet time: 17:30

Kick off time: 18:30

Venue: UCT C Field

Starting Line up (taking practice attendance and subs payment into account):

1 Dieter

2 Kyle

3 Trev

4 Davey

5 Tom

6 Mark Bishops

7 Siv

8 King Karl (VC)

9 Pink Pants Vann

10 Chunderboy Rood (C)

11 Milo

12 JC

13 Ogre

14 Khaya

15 Smeagol

All the rest will be on the subs bench as per usual!

What to bring: Rugby paraphernalia, rugby jerseys in case missing ones don’t turn up, R350 subs (get a Bushmill’s golf shirt tonight if your subs are paid!), R20 for fines (R10 for spectators), cash for drinks at The Shebeen afterwards, AND MOST NB… BRING YOUR A GAME!!!

Bring your supporters down tonight, it’s going to be a titanic clash on the muddy mile!

SHEBEEN

The scoreline suggests a comfortable win for the Tornadoes, but the Been Boys showed a lot of heart, especially in the first half. The forwards produced a magnificent performance in the scrums and at the breakdown, and it was only through two soft tries that the Beenies trailed 14-0 at half-time.

The Nadoes scored three more tries in the second period, and credit must go to the team for having a crack from their own territory, even if they were playing into the wind.  Shebeen will regret some poor defensive organisation, but then again, there were some valiant try-saving tackles throughout the match. Shebeen also managed to score some crucial breakdown turnovers right on their own line to deny the determined Tornadoes.

Shebeen enjoyed precious little possession, but did manage to score a try in the dying stages of the match. Siv Ngesi rounded off the assault on the Nadoes’ line, an important score that underlined the spirit in the Shebeen ranks. The loss will be lamented, but the performance will give the Been Boys confidence ahead of the next clash with the Panthers.

The match ended on a sad note with centre Devon van Schalkwyk being stretchered from the field with a head injury. As he underwent scans at Groote Schuur, he managed to fire off a four-word text message: ‘Here’s to the pourer!’

Highlights in the aftermath include Inter beating Barca (serves you right for not drinking with the team Cappie), the new recruits getting trollied at the Mowbray and ‘assistant coach’ Rolf Fitschen winning the Pink Pants award.