Ode to a Tighthead Prop

Author unknown



It was midway through the season

we were just outside the four

and although I know we won it

I can't recall the score.



But there's one thing I remember

and to me it says a lot

about the men who front the scrum -

the men we call "the props".



We won a lineout near half way

the backs went on a run

the flankers quickly ripped the ball

and second phase was won.



Another back then crashed it up

and drove towards the line

another maul was duly set

to attack it one more time.



The forwards pushed and rolled that maul

They got the tough set the ball up to a tee

the last man in played tight head prop

and wore the number "3"



The ball was pushed in to his hands

he held it like a beer

then simply dropped to score the try -

his first in 15 years.



Then later, once the game was done

he sat amidst his team

he led the song and called himself

the try scoring machine.



But it wasn't till the night wore on

that the truth was finally told

just two beers in, he'd scored the try

and also kicked the goal.



At 6 o'clock the try was scored

by barging through their pack

he carried two men as he scored

while stepping 'round a back.



By seven he'd run twenty yards

out sprinting their quick men

then beat the last line of defence

with a "Jonah Lomu" fend.



By eight he'd run from near half way

and thrown a cut out pass

then looped around and run again

no-one was in his class.



By nine he'd run from end to end

his teammates stood in awe

he chipped and caught it on the full

then swan dived as he scored.



By ten he'd drunk a dozen beers

but still his eyes did glisten

as he told the story of "that try"

to anyone who'd listen.



His chest filled up, as he spoke,

his voice was filled with pride

he felt for sure he would be named

the captain of that side.



By nights end he was by himself

still talking on his own

the club was shut, the lights were out

his mates had all gone home.



And that's why I love my front row -

they simply never stop

and why I always lend an ear

when a try's scored by a prop

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