Flaggy

[backrowbandit]

They seek him here, they seek him there, they seek him everywhere.......where is dear Flaaggggggyyyy

[all in good humour Flaggy]

Ode to Flaggy of North Ribblesdale

There once was a chairman named Flaggy,
Whose rugby pride bordered on braggy,
He'd boast to the crowd, with a pint held up loud,
"Our club's "proper", never turns laggy!"

Through frost, flood, and fixture pile-up,
He'd crow, "We'll still get a side up!"
No matter the strain, the sleet or the pain,
North Ribb never failed to show up.

But oh, what a twist in the tale,
A walkover — Huddersfield's grail!
The Cup tie was gone, their rep slightly wan,
And Flaggy turned ghostly and pale.

For once on the Forum — no Flaggy!
No posts full of banter and swaggy.
The silence was stark, no bite, no bark,
Just whispers of "Where's old Braggy?"

Perhaps he's gone hiking the Dales,
Or hiding in sheds drinking ales.
For when "proper" clubs slip, pride takes a dip,
And legends retreat off the rails.

So here's to you, Flaggy, old mate,
May your humour outweigh your fate.
You've taken a knock — now back on the clock,
To post once more, bold and first rate!

[Ribbflagman]

No offence taken at all BRB. I take it as a sideways compliment that you have taken the time to put together an ode to "Ribb and me".
We really were looking forward to having a crack at taking a scalp but five injuries to senior players, two in training and three on Saturday mean we would be going with half a team and mere cannon fodder for semi pro Huddersfield. We did offer to play the tie at a later date which was declined so left with little choice other than to withdraw. Everyone is aware of my opinion that the county cup comps are dead and buried (every shield quarter final are W/Os) and the sooner the blazers listen to clubs and get back to 14 team leagues the better. It gives clubs increased sustainability via increased income and does away with the (imho) ridiculous situation of a club finishing in fifth position possibly getting promoted to a league they are obviously not ready for. Terry Burwell and his cohorts really do have a lot to answer for.

[DrRuck]

No offence taken at all BRB. I take it as a sideways compliment that you have taken the time to put together an ode to "Ribb and me".
We really were looking forward to having a crack at taking a scalp but five injuries to senior players, two in training and three on Saturday mean we would be going with half a team and mere cannon fodder for semi pro Huddersfield. We did offer to play the tie at a later date which was declined so left with little choice other than to withdraw. Everyone is aware of my opinion that the county cup comps are dead and buried (every shield quarter final are W/Os) and the sooner the blazers listen to clubs and get back to 14 team leagues the better. It gives clubs increased sustainability via increased income and does away with the (imho) ridiculous situation of a club finishing in fifth position possibly getting promoted to a league they are obviously not ready for. Terry Burwell and his cohorts really do have a lot to answer for.

Surely with all your well publicised summer signings from the upper echelons you can get a competitive side out? Failing that there's a large contingent of saffas just a short hop away in Italy and you've got great form for recruiting to Yorkshire's own Table Mountain

[Ribbflagman]

Doctor
       reported recruits have not played a game for us due to a career ending head injury and personal situation. Yes you are correct that our ground is more akin to Table Mountain than most but we are still a small community club with limited resources and are punching above our weight. Having said that we feel comfortable with regional rugby and firmly believe we will finish in a very creditable position without recruiting half a team of antipodeans that all the Cheshire teams seem to have.
If you dont believe me please read our match report on our website from Saturday at Winnington Park. Who by the way were very hospitable. 
     

[BenFoden’s grey beard]

Fake news.
The game was conceded before any injuries in your last fixture.

[gateprop]

No offence taken at all BRB. I take it as a sideways compliment that you have taken the time to put together an ode to "Ribb and me".
We really were looking forward to having a crack at taking a scalp but five injuries to senior players, two in training and three on Saturday mean we would be going with half a team and mere cannon fodder for semi pro Huddersfield. We did offer to play the tie at a later date which was declined so left with little choice other than to withdraw. Everyone is aware of my opinion that the county cup comps are dead and buried (every shield quarter final are W/Os) and the sooner the blazers listen to clubs and get back to 14 team leagues the better. It gives clubs increased sustainability via increased income and does away with the (imho) ridiculous situation of a club finishing in fifth position possibly getting promoted to a league they are obviously not ready for. Terry Burwell and his cohorts really do have a lot to answer for.

You didn't mind our 1's travelling to you last season with 8 2nd team players in a squad of 16 to get absolutely pumped. You have a strong first team and a strong second team, a few injuries is not an excuse. Guaranteed you aren't blobbing on your league game the week after.

[PocknRoll]

They seek him here, they seek him there, they seek him everywhere.......where is dear Flaaggggggyyyy

[all in good humour Flaggy]

Ode to Flaggy of North Ribblesdale

There once was a chairman named Flaggy,
Whose rugby pride bordered on braggy,
He'd boast to the crowd, with a pint held up loud,
"Our club's "proper", never turns laggy!"

Through frost, flood, and fixture pile-up,
He'd crow, "We'll still get a side up!"
No matter the strain, the sleet or the pain,
North Ribb never failed to show up.

But oh, what a twist in the tale,
A walkover — Huddersfield's grail!
The Cup tie was gone, their rep slightly wan,
And Flaggy turned ghostly and pale.

For once on the Forum — no Flaggy!
No posts full of banter and swaggy.
The silence was stark, no bite, no bark,
Just whispers of "Where's old Braggy?"

Perhaps he's gone hiking the Dales,
Or hiding in sheds drinking ales.
For when "proper" clubs slip, pride takes a dip,
And legends retreat off the rails.

So here's to you, Flaggy, old mate,
May your humour outweigh your fate.
You've taken a knock — now back on the clock,
To post once more, bold and first rate!

There once was a bloke from North Ribb,
Controversial, was the cut of his jib,
Quick to critique,
Every damn week,
His toys, he's now thrown from his crib.

[backrowbandit]

Pray for Flaggy 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[Ribbflagman]

Very eloquent gentleman. Didnt realise I knew such distinguished Poets.

[Locked Out]

Plenty of artists as well no doubt. Ripon looking to entertain North Ribb 2nd and 3rd teams tomorrow for some merit table and social fun, assuming of course Ribb have the necessary personnel?

Might you be accompanying them Flaggy? A rare opportunity for you to mingle with amateur players and their volunteer "back office teams" in a proper rugby club? 

[Caravanboys]

Have I missed owt

[gateprop]

Plenty of artists as well no doubt. Ripon looking to entertain North Ribb 2nd and 3rd teams tomorrow for some merit table and social fun, assuming of course Ribb have the necessary personnel?

Might you be accompanying them Flaggy? A rare opportunity for you to mingle with amateur players and their volunteer "back office teams" in a proper rugby club? 

Not enough players for a 1st XV fixture but enough for a 2nd & 3rd XV? Exactly how many imports landed in Settle this week?

[Locked Out]

We wonder?

[gateprop]

We wonder?

Only 42 players available for North Ribb. A real selection crisis!

[Locked Out]

And there's Ripon dragging geriatrics out of care homes to don the blue hoops and boots again to make sure they field two teams and don't disappoint the visitors.