With a 15-man squad at the start of the day, GAB Vets looked set to hit this season's Vets Floodlit Cup running. Sadly, with six people dropping out in the hours before the match that was not to be.

However, despite this, with the players in both teams eager to get some game time, Quins lent GAB a few players and we played ten aside. With the frenetic pace it was uncertain how long the match (we) would last, but it was ably and sympathetically refereed and the committed players managed 30 minutes a half ... give or take a minute or five.

The first half was pretty even, with GAB scoring first. From the scrum field marshal Chip Jefferies sent a pass to David Hipkiss, who sent a well-timed pass into the hands of Marc Grant who ran in from the ten metre line, breaking a tackle or two on the way, running in with the encouragement of his team mates to "carry on" (0-5).

The next try or two came from Quins, despite some strong tackling from the ever-present Andrew Dubowski (SKI), Tim Davies. The welcome return of Alex Webb was also a massive boost in defence and in attack with his strong runs.

It was some of this great defence that forced a fumbled ball in the Quins' 22 which bounced into Marc Grant's eager hands, leaving a simple run in under the posts. The same player drop-kicked the conversion (12-12). The final score of the half from GAB came from a similar error from Quins when a ball spilled and was hacked through by Grant, out-pacing two defenders to score what would be GAB's last try (22-17).

In the second half the pace started to tell, with James Holden-Wright struggling on admirably with a dead-leg and Rich Robbins, who had had a great running game, having to leave the field with a neck injury. Mark Dimond, who's powerful presence was immediately felt, came on to replace him and the game continued, but with no subs (thanks to the lads from Quins who did fill in), it was all a little much for the valiant GAB gentlemen, and the score ran away a little in Quins' favour.

A fantastic effort from both teams. We wish Quins luck in the cup competition and look forward to continuing into the plate competition.

No man of the match. I think everyone deserves credit.