Written : Wednesday 25th Feb 26Sunday 2nd February saw the inaugural Red Dogs game at Stoke Park.
Why 'Red Dogs'? - Guildfordians senior players are known as the Bisons, and a young Bison is called a Red Dog. The Red Dogs game is an opportunity for youngsters in our colts section to play in an adult match. The team was comprised of players from the colts and men' 1st VX squads, as well as a number of old boys. The opposition was provided by a team of students from Surrey University Vet school.
The Red Dogs were cheered onto the pitch through a tunnel of very vocal minis player, after which the many spectators attending were treated to 80mins of good quality - and very muddy! - rugby. Playing uphill in the first half led (perhaps somewhat predicably) to the vets taking the lead. After half-time, however, the tide was turned and the Red Dogs team playing for the first time in the bespoke Red Dogs kit went on to a comfortable 24-10 win. All credit to the vets who kept the pressure to the very end resulting in several penalties against the Red Dogs in the closing minutes.
The game was followed by a supporters' lunch in the clubhouse. With 80 people sitting down for a sold-out lunch, it was a very buzzy and enjoyable occasion, with a raffle and sweepstake raising a sizeable amount for the club's activities.
Thank you to everyone who attended the event, and to those who donated raffle prizes. Particular thanks, however, go to: Tom Halsey for conceiving of the event and to Tom and Dave Chambers for organising it; to the bar team; and to Sophie and the kitchen team who did a fantastic job with the catering - not an easy task with so many to feed.
