Howard's Way: Episode 2Chearsley youngster, John Howard fulfilled a childhood dream last weekend when he pulled on the White Shirt with the Red Rose of England on it. John was one of 12 young lads chosen to represent England in the International Rugby Board World 7-a-side Tournament held in Wales on Saturday and Sunday.
The Preliminary Rounds were played in Newport during Saturday. After drawing against Spain and narrow losses against Georgia and Fiji, the England lads disappointingly didn't proceed to the main competition on Sunday. John started in all 3 games, and unfazed by the occasion, he played with his usual gusto and tackled ferociously. Although he didn't score himself, his slick passing from scrum-half created tries for his colleagues on a number of occasions. Undoubtedly his finest moment was the 'sacking' of a rather large Fijian forward (can't remember his unpronounceable name) in a very close contest against the acknowledged masters of the rugby 7's game.
The disappointments of Saturday were soon forgotten in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday, with a much better team performance. Despite the customary local hospitality i.e. booing by the (pathetic!) Welsh supporters every time England took the field or scored, the team succeeded in winning The Bowl Trophy with victories over France, Canada and Portugal. Sadly, John had to retire early from the tournament, following a crunching tackle on a French forward during which he cut his knee very badly. The wound needed stitching in the medical room and the injury meant that he was unable to take further part in proceedings. The good news is that it's not a long term injury (and he'll be spared the first three weeks of pre-season training at Saints, which begins this week).
Nevertheless, he was there to receive The Bowl Trophy, winner's medal and lap of honour with his team-mates - cue in another round of booing from moronic Welsh supporters. Otherwise, a superb day of international competition in the breathtaking surroundings of one of the finest sporting arenas in the world. Well done to the New Zealand All Blacks who were quite magnificent in winning the main tournament.
Here's hoping that dream goes on.
John Howard Snr.
