Both teams lose

A team loses against VRAC

B team loses against San Isidro

On Saturday the 4th November, at Paraninfo, the air was crackling with tension. Today was a heavyweights confrontation. Our team, the Complutense Cisneros, was playing the VRAC, from Valladolid. Everyone was nervous. My dad took me to the pitch on his motorcycle. The first team were waiting. They were as nervous as anybody. They were facing the greatest of our many foes. But they trooped onto the pitch ready for a hard game.



The game kicked off, literally. After two minutes of intense play and a great run we scored the first try! And the crowd went wild! They went even more wild when the ball roared through the uprights. The score rolled up to 7-0. The crowd was ecstastic! Our team were starting to get more confident on the pitch. A little too confident. After two minutes, we got a try too! The transformation failed, but this got our team going. The game was getting more harsh every time. After 8 minutes, with another tremendous run, our centre scored our second try. Once again, our full-back gunned the ball between the posts. But, as they say, history repeats itself. Our team relaxed again. In twelve minutes, we had recieved another two stinging tries against, that hurt even though the transformations failed. The score now was 14-15. We were losing. The VRAC had taken the lead. The game got even more volatile if possible. The score remained the same until the end of the first half. We all knew the second half was not going to be easier.
Nonetheless, during the break, our players had regained their cold methodism. They played extremely well, although couldn't stop the 4th try (with transformation) 5 minutes into the 2nd half, or the 3 penalty points we got 5 minutes after that. But incredibly, we went very near their try line many times in those 30 minutes left for the end of the game. But we couldn't catch up. Final score: 14-25.


But now, the B team were playing against San Isidro. The match was pretty late,  so we put on warm clothes and got ready. The other team arrived. We were up. The game was difficult, as they were bigger and had won us in pre season, but today was going to be difficult.

We trooped onto the pitch. The game kicked off. We were immediately hit by their forwards. They always managed to evade us and score. Their plays always managed to avoid us. But we withstood the whole game, but without managing to score a try. Final score: 63-0.

First team wins against El Salvador, B team loses against Colmenar Viejo

Victory against el Salvador, Defeat against Colmenar Viejo

On saturday 28th, we were up for one of the hard battles in our first division: against El Salvador. These guys are in the toughest teams. We had something to worry about. Really. These guys are legit. Even before the match, we could see the difference in size. This was going to be hard.

The match started. After a short tussle in between both teams, during the fourth minute, our best runner sprinted round the defences for the first try of the match. The Cisneros crowd erupted into a cheer as our full-back transformed the try with a great kick, leaving the score at 7-0. But the team relaxed. We got tried in the next minute with a transformatio that left the score at 7-7. In the next minute, El Salvador lived up to expectations and scored again, with a transformation included. 7-14. But after nine minutes of biting our nails, our skinny and agile flanker weaved in between the defense to score our second try! The crowd oohed as the ball flew, inches from the posts... And so the match turned to 12-14.

 3 minutes into the second half, El Salvador scored another stinging try, but without transformation. 12-19. They had crossed the line. Our team went into overdrive. Only three minutes after, we scored the try we needed. 17-19. The transformation missed. After that, we scored two quick tries, with about a 2 minute interval, the last of which at last got a tranformation. The game was set: 29-19. But,  about 20 minutes from the end, we got a penalty try against us. 29-26.

Now, it was our turn. We had played against Colmenar Viejo before, but we were up against some real hard guys.The game was appaling, even thiugh we sometimes got close to their try line, we didn't score one try! Instead, we got the whole wrath of Colmenar Viejo.We had big guys popping out of nowhere with the ball and heading for the try line. This continued on like this for the rest of the match. We were tired, bothered and angry when the game finished. This was not good. We were not used to this. At least the players were kind to us and congratulated us...

A team wins against Majadahonda RC and B team loses against URO Alcorcón

A team wins, we lose

On saturday 21st, crude reality hit us in the face. We weren't invincible.

The games were played at Paraninfo. We arrived just as the A team started their game. But there really wasn't much to see. Majadahonda had ascended to first division last year. So the game started. Oh my god, talk about carnage! 










Our forwards lunged forward, like they're supposed to do, and overwhelmed the Majadahonda in such a way, that I felt sorry for the players. I stood near the substitute bench chatting when I saw the Alcorcón arrive. You've gotta be kidding me! Their whole front row were nothing but giants. How were we supposed to win? And how come they descended down to third division? We asked our coach if there was any chance that some substitutes from the A team helped us. But all our pleas were in vain. We were playing Alcorcón. 

But there was no way we could change what was coming. The match started. These people didn't look a fraction as bad as they did two years ago when we beat them. We kicked off. But in that first ruck we saw how extremely heavy they were. We had  a problem. A really heavy problem.

 And that problem was hurtling towards us. We had to act. At the start of the game, we had a pretty equal score, but then, they started scoring more tries. Things became more difficult. As if we weren't trying already. But we continued. Incredibñy, near the end, we started to score some more tries. So the score was pretty close, but we lost. I hope we have better luck next week when we play RC Colmenar Viejo.

As an aside, but a very important aside, I want to add that a teammate, who is also a friend, has fractured his tibial malleolus. He's had 3 pieces of titanium inserted to help his leg to cure, but he still can't play rugby for four months. I just want to send him good luck with that leg and a "get better", as we really need him on the team.

Spectacular wins against the French Lycée

Great wins against the French Lycée (A and B team)

On Saturday 14th, we had a difficult day ahead. But it was the perfect day for rugby. We were playing against the French Lycée, a bitter enemy. In previous years, we always lost or got off with a close shave. I was terrified. I've always found it difficult to cope with their hard tackles, running and passes. But today would be different. We sat and watched as the A team played.

 It was as close to a football match as you can get. The same tension was in the air. The match was hot.

 But, little by little, the A team was advancing into their 22-line. And they scored once. And when they scored, the Lycée's defense lost a lot. Even though they put up a pretty good resistance, they couldn't counter our three-quarters. The referee blew her whistle. The match ended. The A team had won.

Then, it was our turn. We trooped onto the pitch. Our opponents looked as fierce as ever. We got ready for another hard clash ahead of us. We needn't have worried. As we kicked off, their player fumbled an easy catch. We weren't expecting this. Their junior teams, along with ours, were some of the best in Madrid, some even the best in Spain! We saw that our opponent was weak and zoomed in for the tackle.  

It was relatively easy to win the ruck. We started to get bolder and started to score tries using the most elaborate plays. But in what was the first time we defended, one of our players fearlessly tackled a Lycée player making a spectacular Superman jump. The bad thing was that the poor boy was left groggy and, ignoring his pleas to continue pllaying, he was taken off the pitch. Strangely, I got close to scoring down the left flank.

But, if there was something that we never did well, that was the touches. I was always ready behind to sweep in if the people being lifted failed to grab the ball. I got the ball this way many times. We were good in defense and in attack. I'm proud of this match. I'm proud of myself and of my teammates. Today was a good day to win.

First match

The season's first match

On Saturday 7th October, we had a match scheduled against Alcobendas C. We hadn't done so well during the pre-season matches: we were crushed by both CRC B and San Isidro RC. But today was another day, today was a good day. The sun was shining, the turf was soft, this was our home, El Paraninfo, which had recently been converted from dirt to artificial turf pitch. This was the reopening. The A team lost by 2 tries to Alcobendas A.

The A team attacking

 We would pick up where our mates left off. We would win. The other team looked pretty big, but as we looked on, their passes weren't that good, their scrums weren't that good and their tackles could improve a lot. We started training. We all tried our best. But, the thing was that the anxiousness to win was something new that day. Our eye of the tiger was growing. We were improving. It was a good day to play (and win).

THWACK! The other team kicked off. But we were ready and had spread out on the pitch in a different way: defiant. We caught it and ran. Our tries started piling in. Time and time again the other team kicked off from the centre. Our forwards were working overdrive. The scrum-half and fly-half were working so fast that I wondered if they would get numb hands. No, we couldn't have that. Our halfs were the most important in the team: we had no replacement for them.

 It was our wings and our flankers that did the job. We would pass and they would ram into the defence. But, suddenly, I got the ball. I glimpsed an opportunity down the right flank. I sprinted and got away from their wing, but the full-back got me. Anyway, we tried. The game continued. I then eventually saved the ball by nosediving in between someone's legs and catching it. We were radiant. But then, doom came: half-time. Basically, we had already won.

The second half was our downfall. We thought we had won, but they were not giving up. We were now relaxed, they were looking to catch up. The second half was a hard time, repelling their forwards as now, their tries piled in. We thought that we were done for. But then, we scored a pair of tries. This got our morale up. Then, in a ruck, our scrum-half just threw the ball when one of those excited forwards from the Alcobendas crashed into the ruck. I was the person he crashed into, and got a crack in my nose and he got a hummiliating shoulder in the stomach from me, which sent him sprawling. Finally, after what seemed to be eternity, the referee blew his whistle. We. Had. Won.

Match against Hortaleza B

Match against XV Hortaleza B

On Saturday 6th May, we would play a match against Hortaleza B. When we got to the pitch, we saw them already there, training. Wow! Even we couldn't get up so early. We made a conclusion that these were no-nonsense players facing us today. We started training ourselves to get ready for this match. We were getting ready for what we thought would be a difficult and balanced match.

We were ready. We steeled our nerves and went onto the pitch. We made our way, getting in rucks and defending every ball like there was no tomorrow. We got surprisingly little resistance. So we started scoring tries. We were on fire. Then, I got the ball. I weaved in and out of Hortaleza players, sometimes spinning like a top, until I scored. A try! Officially a try! I felt a rush inside me and felt like I was in heaven. 

Later during the game, I decided to try my luck at a few drop kick transformations. I missed both kicks. So I felt the duty to compensate those four points. So came my second try after a spectacular run down the left flank and a great feint which the defender fell for. Another try for the collection of three official tries.

In the second time, I played for Hortaleza, alongside some of my friends. We were okay, but all the Hortaleza's official tries were scored by Cisneros players. Some of us were taken off because we didn't let the Hortaleza players score the tries. Well, it was our effort, right?

Trip to France with U14, U16 and U18

Cisneros trip to France

Day 1

On Thursday 16th March, after school, we drove to the Colegio Mayor Ximénez Cisneros to get on time to the bus that would take us, the U14 team to a trip to southern France until Monday 20th, 21:00. To waste time, I tried looking out the window, but it was too boring, so I had to leave it. I, for my part. was very nervous that I'd get put in a room with U16s and/or U18s and wake up in the morning full of toothpaste, or without an eyebrow... Anyway, we were stuffed in that bus until 21:30, when we stopped to have dinner at a restaurant. We were given pasta with tomato sauce, meatballs and pudding which I found a little rancid. From there to 1:45am, there was even more bus. When we arrived, I discovered with relief that there were different blocks for each category. Some went to sleep in their normal clothes, so tired we were.

Day 2

In the morning, after causing a racket, as always, we changed into our rugby kit and headed for breakfast. We had all we wanted some pain au chocolat, cereal, nutella. We didn't need anything else. For breakfast.
We got in the bus and drove to the pitch where we would train that morning. But, unfortunately, I got tackled and, when I landed, my back gave a sickening crack and ached for two days. I got treated with reflex and continued training. After training and a hot shower, we all piled into the bus yet again. We got taken to a restaurant for lunch, where we ate paella, steak with fries and ice-cream. After that, we were given 90 minutes to do whatever we wanted. We saw this as a great opportunity to waste some money. Some of us even bought butterfly knives for 4€! The rest bought supplies for this night. In the evening, we went to St Jean de Luz, where we explored the beach, the shops, the food and the church.  We had dinner at the hostel. 

Day 3

This mmorning, we played a touch rugby game in the green. I scored some tries. Today, we also had our match in France against the... GETXO?! But those are spanish! It turns out that Getxo had joined the French league. We lost. But U16 won against La Única. In the evening, we were taken to the Toulouse-Bayonne rugby match of the Top 14 rugby League. I bought a Toulouse flag. Although Bayonne won, it was pretty awesome. We bought our dinner at the shops around the stadium.

Day 4

Today, we had another match against the St Jean de Luz Olympique. But we got some help from our sub 16 buddies. We won. Such a victory, I had never seen! Even I got close to the try. However, the U16s who playedd with the U18s had it more difficult. After the victory, we went to Biarritz, where we wasted the remains of our money in pringles, chocolates and sweets (I also bought a couple of postcards for my parents). After that, we had dinner at a Pizzeria nearby. It was great! Finally, we were driven back to the hostel. There, we all went into one room and turned on the TV. We watched and ate. Until 1:00am, when our coach Koi, a strapping, young english rugby player, burst into the room and demanded what was the racket about. We didn't want to mess with our coaches, especially with people like Koi. But we slept OK.

Day 5

Today was our last day in France. In the morning, we visited the Train de la Rhune, an incredible train that goes up a mountain using a complicated system of zips that lets the train advance when the wheels turn. After riding to the top of the mountain and back down after a short stop, we boarded the bus and gossiped until we arrived back to Madrid. There, my dad was waiting with the car. We drove home, where I showered and went to sleep.

This was an awesome trip. I loved it. We played two challenging games. One, we lost. The other, we crushed. But we had a great time at the match and had many great experiences. I hope we manage to go on more trips like this.

Match won against Alcalá RC

Match against Alcalá RC 

On saturday 11th March, we were to play against Alcalá RC. We played as visitors, so we started up early to get to Alcalá de Henares on time. We took our half-scrum there too. Well, when we got there, we saw (rather to my disappointment) that it was a turf pitch. We started practising our kicks until our coaches got there. Then, we started training. We were not that confident. Alcalá was sixth, but they were pretty big. The tension was growing as both teams sized each other up. The referee suddenly stood in the centre of the pitch looking at the audience with all of the Alcalá team in a line on his left, just like a national football team listening to its anthem. We did the same on the ref's right. Then it got clear: we were having 1 minute of silence for the anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Atocha train station on the 11th March 2003. There we were, feeling like professionals. But we only felt that one minute. The referee blew his whistle and both teams formed. Their team kicked off. Our team tried to pass to the right flank. I got the ball and passed it fast, only to find myself tackled after I had passed. But the referee hadn't seen it, so I remained silent. But the turf had torn my scar on my right knee, peeling off my scar tissue and left it hanging. I have never known how I got to that next ruck that fast. Perhaps it was anger, or pain. But it helped! So I focused only on the game and on the pain. So the game went on. But this ref really took his position seriously. He was constantly stopping the game. He was very equal, but I think he shouldn't have stopped the game so much! Anyway, he took every question of the captain as a protest and the game got a bit hard. But we still continued and scored many tries. At the end of the day, the game ended 5-35, for the Complutense Cisneros! After celebrating, we went into the changing rooms, which were more like trailers with park benches and showers. We really felt like film stars. After the shower, I got my knee bandaged up and sat down to the 3rd time with my team.

Team family meal

Team family meal

BTW, after the two matches, the win against Majadahonda and the tie against Alcorcón, there was a meal in a restaurant two ex-players of the Cisneros had. There, we would be watching the Spain vs Georgia match live at a really good meal. There we all had some nachos meal, some spanish tortilla and some meatballs and fries. We enjoyed the first half, but then we went home because everyone ewent to a chinese shop to buy candy.

B team tie against Alcorcón RC

B team tie against Alcorcón RC

Half an hour after the A team's match, it was our turn. We, the B team were playing a match against Alcorcón rugby club. I have rarely played in the B team this season, but when I do play there, I get motivated as hell. That was the case on that day, when we tied against Alcorcón RC. It was a normal spring day, and it was very chilly, as it was 10 in the morning. But after the A team's win, we were keen to follow their lead. So we all stood there, in the centre of the pitch, with our adrenaline surging, ready to start. We kicked off, but our attack that followed made up for anything wrong we did during our training and more, much much more. In a few phases, we gained the ball and our new recruit Victor (who had played as flanker in England. I'm not using his real name) signed his first try in Madrid's league. 

Victor running

But this match, something incredible happened. I scored a try! Right through the defence! I was really happy. But further on, when we would have a depression in our defence and were losing 47-42, we scored that try. It was up to me, for the second time in my career to put that ball in between those three poles. But I failed. How come? It was a really easy shot: straight forward. Some more practise, then?

A team win against Majadahonda

A team win against Majadahonda

On Saturday 4th March 2017, the A team had a match against Majadahonda. I didn't play in the A team because of an accident with my egg treatment involving me and my father. But that didn't stop me from playing in the B team and from watching the A team play against Majadahonda. While I was sitting in the stands, I saw every detail in the field. I didn't miss anything. These were the best of the best, all except M.C, who was selected for the Madrid team and was currently at a match againct Valencia's team. I want to wish him luck right now. But the game started. My thoughts were drawn to the game. We started to come in with the tries. We were doing good and the first time finished.

ATTACK!

But in the 2nd half, we had a depression. We scored less tries (but we scored!) and we were constantly defending: the players were tired. The game finished 31-0. We had won.

Great comeback against Colmenar Viejo

Awesome win against Colmenar Viejo

On Saturday 25th February 2017, we had a pretty difficult match against Colmenar Viejo. But it was my comeback. I played an awesome match! Even my father was impressed. I was playing as the 8th player, for once in my life! This was much easier than playing as a second row! My position was perfect and I was always on the offensive. I didn't get to score a try, but I tried to transform a try. I failed miserably. I hit the post. 

Anyway, when the training started, I was already motivated.

Some minutes of reflection before the game

Almost too much... well, OK, all the good players were in the B team and the we were only 7 people from 2nd year out of 13 players. That was nearly equal! The game started and my adrenaline + motivation rushed. We started landing tries. Those heavy tries that you think can't penetrate your defence: round the outside, straight through the middle, in between players, etc.

A try with style for the camera!

 I didn't try, but I was always there, ready to help if my help was needed. The rucks never saw enough of me. I was starting to get speedy. Maybe my daily runs to school have helped with that. But then, my chance came: after a try, no-one wamted to transform. So I took up the responsibility. I placed the ball with special care on the cone. I double checked the direction. I stepped backwards, triple checked the position of my foot and the trayectory. For a moment, I was Dan Carter, in my own world of calculations to get that ball in between those two posts. I ran up, hit the ball... BANG! 

I get ready

It hit the post! I heard a loud OOOHHH..... from the parents. I was devastated. But, the game must go on! We finished up the game with a pair of more spectacular tries. Then it was over.

  

Smashing victory against Torrelodones R.C.

Smashing victory against Torrelodones R.C.

 This match was one of my very worst yet. My dad was disappointed, and so was I. But the match was good for the team, as we made another crushing victory (34-0). But I didn't do absolutely anything. Anyway, as always before the match, both teams were overdosing on adrenalin, like it always happens. But I was in for a shocking step backwards in my progress to somehow managing to play next year. I never got to the rucks on time, I was easily and always tired and asking for the ball didn't help.

Awesome tackle!

 But my teammates were awesome! They scooted away when the opponent was least expecting it, they had those incredible tackles up their sleeve.

POW! Here comes a try!

 We never failed a transformation. The Torrelodones were driven time and again back into their pitch. But my chances of actually helping my team were slowly wasting away before my eyes. I just want to use this moment to say sorry to my teammates for being such a nuisance.

2nd win against Alcobendas B

Victory against Alcobendas B (In Hortaleza)

On Saturday 4th February we had a very important game to play: we were facing Alcobendas B at the Hortaleza's pitch! I  was aghast: Hortaleza+Alcobendas= really difficult! Artificial turf, Alcobendas B and a grim battle for victory was what we saw. But, when the game started, we saw that there was nothng to worry about. From my point of view, they had worsened from the last time we played against them, where  nearly scored a try and where we lost. But today was different. Today we would compensate all that we had lost aganst Alcobendas and more. The local 15 (Alcobendas) took up their positions on the pitch, sizing us up before we started. POW! The opposing team kicked off. 

Coming in for a try!

The kick was good, but not as good as the lightning try we scored down their left flank. They were obviously taken aback. It was on this match that I scored my first try in an official game! They weren't expecting it. This was my very best match in all the season. My dad was ecstatic! He even invited me to dinner, something pretty uncommon these days.

TRY!

I was always on the offensive, also something rare. This felt satisfying after our disastrous first half of the season. The game went on, and we still scored one try after another. On and on until the end. 0-33. Victory.

FIRST VICTORY OF THE YEAR!

Win against the Arquitectura

On Saturday 28th, we had our first match in 2nd division. It was against Arquitectura, our hardest enemies. Until today, we had never managed to win a game against Arquitectura yet. But today, everything ws going to change. We started training. We were a quarter through when they showed up. Most of them small, we immediately took them for veterans. But we were wrong. From the way they played, we thought they might be newbies. 

The game started. They kicked off. We recieved. We attacked. After a close ruck, we passed the ball to the side, from where M.C. sprinted towards our first try. In the first half, we came in with many tries, 11 to be precise. I intercepted three balls, two in a maul and one in a pass. We continued. GOD, the fastest players made it loook easy.

The 2nd half was that easy. We continued coming in with tries down the flanks, so many that the game ended 33-0. So if the Arquitectura had won every game that year (which they did), so this should be easy peasy lemon squeezy. One bad thing of being in 2nd division. Well, at least we had the Hortaleza, who had also descended.

The Parabá: our traditional celebration

Friendly match against CRC

Friendly match against CRC Pozuelo

On saturday 14th (after spooky friday 13th), we had to cancel our trip to Valencia because older categories of the club didn't get enough travellers. So our coaches quickly arranged for us to have a friendly match against CRC Pozuelo at the Central pitch B. The B team's match was not that friendly (a league match).
The B Team's game began. It was pretty close, but they stood no chance. They were losing heaviy in the first half, and even though they had a comeback in the 2nd half, they lost. If they played five more minutes, I think they would have won. A pity! 

The first team also lost, this time by two tries. I started off as a sub (yet again! WHY?)  and came out for the 2nd half until the end. The two deciding tries were scored by the CRC in the final ten minutes for us to think about. 

El Salvador, our last game

El Salvador, our last game

On Saturday 17th December, we played the last game of the year, our goodbye to 1st division. We played in Paraninfo, the muddiest field we ever played in. When their team arrived, we grinned compassionately when we saw their players running towards the small area of grass in a corner of the pitch. Poor guys, they didn't know they were going to get muddy sooner or later. I started off as a substitute. We got off to a bad start, with ginormous Mazinger Z, who is surprisingly our age, playing as well. The 1st part was terrible! It ended 25-0 and it looked like there would be no comeback. 

Major fight to get the ball

But we shifted into overdrive as I came on in the 2nd half, as we scored a try and transformation in the 53rd minute, but that was about it. There it was beautiful as anything, down the right flank and between the posts. Awesome! Plus the transformation.

TRY!

 Although we tried our best (no pun intended), we simply didn't have a flash of an opportunity to try again, even though our defence hardened, as we got no more tries in the 2nd half. Afterwards it was just congratulations and lessons learnt, as we headed for the changing room with our las 1st division game behind us already.

Let's hope 2017 will be better for us. By the way, merry christmas and a happy  new year!!!