I had a real thrill on the weekend when two of my boys (12 & 10) got to play a game of rugby together (or half a game at least).
My 2nd son (Master 10) is a very solid player. I coach his team and I am the first to suggest that he is not a natural talent. He is slow as a wet week (well, as slow as his dad) and his handling can be a bit ropey. I play him at lock or at the back of the scrum, but I love his play. He loves the tight stuff. Loves the clear out, loves a pick and go (seems to know the right time to do it) and is a very capable tackler. I reckon he's the best forward in the team at doing the traditional forward stuff.
Eldest son (12) is a little more of a natural. He plays 10 (and sometimes 9) for his club and has excellent vision, a lovely step and a wonderful long pass. He is a prominent try scorer (and sets up his fair share) and kicks goals to boot.
Anyway, this weekend gone Master 10's game was called off in the aftermath of the Friday storm. So we all went out to Master 12s game, but I told 10 to pack his boots and mouth guard. Just in case.
Anyway a couple of 12's team mates don't show up so I tell the coach that 10 could fill in if needed, and they accept the offer. In the back of my mind I think 10 could handle himself, because he is no-nonsense, does the basics and is pretty tough. I'm not too concerned about his size as he is just a bit smaller than his older brother. Unfortunately I had forgotten that 12 was pretty much the smallest in his team, so 10 quickly took over that role.
Anyway, he watches from the reserve bench for the first half and our team are doing a number on the opposition. At half time he gets the call up and he's playing on the wing. Now as I said previously if you ranked his rugby skills "speed" and "catching" wouldn't be towards the top, but I can understand the decision.
The coach is great and makes a point of helping out the young boy on the wing, and all the players support this. The opposition then kick off and we return it back towards his wing only for his outcentre to deliver a high pass over his head with defence fast approaching.
But Master 10 takes it well and just charges forward. No cinderella story about a try with his first touch or anything, but a big relief for him (and me) that he took the ball and got a run in early. He ended up getting a fair bit of ball, never making a break but always securing the ball and getting it back for his team. Master 12 and a couple of his mates had decided that they wanted to get him a try, so the ball came his way often. It didn't happen but as a selfish dad, it was great to watch.
I hope they remember the thrill of being able to play a proper game together, as I am not sure if it will happen again. As an only boy with 3 sisters growing up I know I would've relished the chance to play with a brother. I got to play a season with an older cousin, which I loved.
As a dad, it was a really special moment, and this photo is now one of my favourites - they are the two Lannister blondes closest to camera..