16/06/2026
This Saturday saw the highly anticipated clash between Haresfinch Masters RL and Arlecdon Rams and Ewes RL, which had 4 representatives from the Scottish Masters involved.
This has become a standout fixture in both teams’ calendars which over the years has seen both teams develop a strong bond. It is a game that always delivers and played in line with the spirit of Masters and this Saturday was no exception with 50 minutes of controlled chaos and athletic confusion.
It was a game that defied all logic, laws of physics, and basic coaching manuals and delivered 9 outstanding tries in what was a close fought 0-0 draw.
The first half followed the usual format when the two teams play each other with strong running in attack and resilient defence. We also witnessed passes that were thrown so far behind the intended receiver they practically went into the car park.
There are no easy tries scored in this fixture and the first half saw 4 excellent tries built on strong running and good support play.
However the highlight of the first half was the Rams winger who found himself on the end of a flowing move collecting the ball and charging up the wing with the sheer grace and aerodynamic capabilities of a falling wardrobe diving over to plant the ball down over the line, unfortunately for him it was the 10M line and not the try line!! (oops!)
The second half saw much of the same with both teams showing some real metal in defence and some real imagination (a polite way of saying making things up as they went along!) in attack which resulted in a further 5 tries being scored.
There would have been a sixth try had the 69 year old Finch winger not been tagged as he sprinted a full 5 yards to the try line!
The final whistle blew with the scoreboard locked in a 0-0 draw and in line with Masters etiquette there were plenty of handshakes and hugs and a big hand for the Ref who was excellent.
The afternoon finished with the strong smell of deep heat filling the air, plenty of beer and banter and both teams looking forward to doing it all again.
R-L Paul Kennedy, Grant Cattanach, Chris Rich and Dominic Sheridan
Scotland Rugby League