Mobbs Memorial Match Reflections

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By Maverick et al
May 15 2002

Earlier today saw the 75th meeting between East Midlands and the Barbarians in tribute to one of Northampton's finest, Lt' Col Edgar Mobbs DSO. The reasons behind this annual encounter are known amongst this community but I thought it appropriate to reflect on the days events.

Acccording to the Chronicle and Echo, this fixture may be lost in the new world of professionalism and I, for one, would be sad to see it go.

My first visit to the Gardens in the dim and distant past was to a Mobbs game. Do not ask me the year, I couldn't tell you, but I do remember a healthy crowd, the traditional Baa-Baas attacking rugby and an afternoon off school. According to Saints Official Site the crowd today numbered 500. I would have guessed nearer 800 as I looked around. Were they counting the kids?

Young players were there in abundance, but only those who had been involved in the U10s and U12s matches prior to the Mobbs game. I know from previous messages that to co-ordinate a school outing nowadays is near impossible due to legislation but it really is a crying shame that more cannot be done to introduce youngsters to the game on a day like today.

So to the game, well almost. Just before kick-off, from my vantage point on the GT, I noticed someone in the old main stand (the "temporary" stands either side have already gone). Along with a companion with a camera he was holding aloft what looked like a plank. said companion took the commemorative photo and, camera in pocket and plank under arm they disappeared. A poignant moment.

The game? oh yeah (did I tell you the clock had already gone as well?) it was an entertaining encounter. If truth be told, the Barbarians were in general 2 yards quicker than EM and that is reflected in the final score. Both sides played in the right spirit and some of the ball handling, quick passes, flicks and jinks would have graced any ZP fixture.

It was great to see Matt Allen on the FG turf again. He looked sharp and is clearly enjoying his rugby. For EM, the Saints boys aquitted themselves well, James Buckland looking particularly good.

There has been talk on these boards about the need for a fast winger. On the Baa-Baas side Charlie Keenan (Boroughmuir) was electric. There is not a lot of him, but boy is he fast. Having never seen the player before I do not know his pedigree, perhaps someone else has more information?

The biggest cheer of the day came on 75 minutes when a certain J Probyn took to the field. All I can say is, fair play Jeff, your 15 minutes certainly kept the crowd happy.

I know that I am going on but it is because I think this fixture is important to Northampton Rugby. To be able to acknowledge the selfless efforts of one man who, above and beyond the call of duty over 80 years ago, did his "bit" should not be cast aside on a whim. Work needs to be done to restore this fixture to it's former glory, but that work SHOULD be done, for the good of the whole game and to show that Rugby has not lost its roots.

Thank you for taking the trouble to read what started out as a four line piece.

p.s I could talk about the PR job some of the Saints boys were doing with the kids (and Mums!) as well, but enough!

Maverick

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Totally agree Maverick. When I first came to the Gardens it was with my Dad to watch a Mobbs match. The Bar-bars team was made up of top flight british internationals and the East Midlands team comprised first team players from Northampton, Leicester, Bedford and Towcestrians!!

I remember the mainstand was packed to the rafters and the game was fast and free flowing. As a young lad I remember the excitement of seeing these well known sporting figures play for the first time.

It does seem a pity that this fixture is now suffering a little bit. With important games at the weekend it is no surprise that the Saints and Leicester are not releasing any players. I don't know what can be done to revitalise this fixture as the commitments on the players are great, but if the East Midlands can't put out a really strong team then the Bar-bars will start fielding a weaker team and the fixture will start to fall apart.

Kenneth

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keenan is a bit of a conundrum i believe-a very dangerous player indeed in attack who has apparently buckled down to improve his defence from revolving door to traffic light stuck on green

amazing he's so slim as he has the reputation of a junior version of derek stark-ie the darling of every club doorman in edinburgh

he plays regularly for the second-rank baabaas side and is a sevens expert too,scoring stacks of tries

Broonie

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Just like everyone else, I was most impressed by the man...he even had a hairstyle to compete with Sideshow.

Wonder what he's got in mind for next year?

My favourite element of the afternoon was being at FG and being able to enjoy the rugby, rather than primarily the result and/or bonus points; it only got slightly handbaggy the once too (the two opposing flankers) so a good day out. The kids were very impressive too, so looks like we'll have a few more Bens and Wallys on our books in a few years!

Ian