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BIG MATCH PREVIEW - |
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by Joe Heaton |
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Those of us who were present at the rugby match which, perhaps more than any other, remains in the forefront of our memory, are finding it difficult to come to terms with the fact that it was thirty years ago that we were at the Reddings to pay tribute to the great Sam Doble, who died suddenly of cancer at the early age of 33. The sense of shock, injustice and sorrow that pervaded the ground was palpable that November afternoon as Moseley took on what was arguably the finest team ever assembled in the British Isles, put together for nothing more than the price of a pint, a good cause and the love of the game. That Moseley were not outclassed and gave the illustrious visitors a hard game was one of the club’s greatest achievements In the three decades that have passed since that memorable match, the game of rugby has changed almost beyond belief as the advent of professionalism and the introduction of leagues have made their mark. Yet there are still players who are willing to give up a precious free Saturday afternoon, at the end of a long season, to pay homage to the memory of a player who tragically died before most of them were born. It is right that we should commemorate a great occasion this afternoon. The emotions of the day may have passed, but our memories remain. Appropriately, the net proceeds will be given to Cure Leukaemia, a charity founded in 2003, set up to support an innovative Centre for Clinical Haematology at University Hospital, here in Edgbaston. The centre, with which Phil Bennett, the ex- Wales & British Lions stand off half is associated, aims to provide new drug and transplant therapies for leukaemia patients. The invitation team has been assembled by Phil, who is also filling the role of ‘team manager’ for the day. He will have at his disposal the tactical advice of Derek Quinnell and the legendary J.P.R. Williams, so Moseley beware! For the Moseley players, the match provides an opportunity to test themselves against experienced players who have mostly played at a higher level than English League One, free from the pressure to deliver league points. Flushed with last Saturday’s splendid victory, and with the club’s faithful supporters behind them, there is no reason why they should not give the Invitation XV a stern test whilst playing open and enjoyable rugby. One cannot think of a better way of bringing a hard, but eventually rewarding, season to an end. |
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