focus on to be able to compete at high standards. Remember to train hard, be physically fit, and build mental preparation to become tough competition for your opponents in this division. Our aim is not to focus on winning, or dread losing, but to be a competitive rugby club. Most importantly we are here to have fun and enjoy the game, but let’s all try and work to the best of our abilities so that it becomes all the more exciting for us.”

The team of 30 canines consistently nodded as Reede was talking; taking in the head coaches’ advice and wisdom and focusing hard not to ignore it as they needed this information and motivation to boost their morale.

“Alright,” Reede continued after a brief pause to check that his team took in his advice. “that will be all for these tryouts. Remember that pre-season training commences on Tuesday 9 and Thursday 11 at 6:00 p.m. next week, so I expect you all to attend. There will also be an optional 2 hour fitness session to be held here on each Saturday until the start of the season; which will really help you in the further lead up to the season; so if you are interested, please come and join in. If any of you cannot make it to training or the fitness sessions, please call and let us know ASAP so that we know our available numbers of players and we can prepare our sessions better. You all cool with that?”

“Yes. Yes. Yeah, coach. Yes, coach.” Said most of the players. Everyone else just nodded.

“Alright then, everyone. See you all Tuesday.” Reede finished.

All players immediately broke off and also headed over to the shed to collect their bags and gear and get ready to leave the rugby training ground. Their work was done for today.

5 minutes later, Tramp, Scamp, Mooch, Scratchy and Sparky got back to the Audi A4, all thinking about what they had just accomplished and whether or not it was true that they had made it into the team. But they soon realized that it all came down to proving that they were indeed better than what other canines would have thought of them back when they were strays living what had been described as a ‘low life class’.

“Well done again to you all.” Tramp remarked. “I am very proud of you. You certainly proved your guts and hard work, but also showed your true colours of class and dignity. No more of this ‘mutual un-elite’ or ‘underclass from head to feet’ in us.”

“That’s right, dad.” Scamp added. “We all showed the right attitude and the inner hearts that we held dear was brought out of us today. We were given a chance to show our compassionate and fighting spirit and we did not dare to disappoint. So congratulations and I look forward to playing in the upcoming season alongside all of you.”

“We also look forward to it, Scamp.” Scratchy replied, slightly emotional. “And thank you again for the inspiration. We would never have made it here if it wasn’t for you. You gave us a life worth living for and we want to say thank you.”

“Hear, hear!” Mooch and Sparky both replied.

The three Ex-JD’s then came up and embraced Scamp again, and Scamp smiled with emotion as he returned it. Tramp just smiled proudly at his son. He was very proud of who he was and what he had done for his friends.

The five of them then opened their car doors and entered the Audi, and within short time the car started and departed Amity High School; but it would not be for long before they would come back again next week as the pre-season appeared to be just around the corner…

To be continued…

Reede, Caleb, Schalk, Alistor, Katrina, Gilderoy, Vince, Vivian, Dreamer and the remaining players of the rugby team © BlackJack16

All remaining characters belong to Walt Disney and I fully respect the regulations against copyright violations.

BlackJack16.

© September 2012.