Mr. Rubbic whilst laid in the bath one evening cleaning himself came upon an idea that took the world by storm. He made a fortune and millions of teenagers, in the eighties, improved their hand/eye co-ordination with his cube. Thomas Crapper whilst shivering, trousers around his ankles, lightning his load in the outhouse at the bottom of the garden came upon an idea that made him a fortune and empowered millions, in developed countries, to take their ablutions within the warmth of their own homes….. and so it came to pass that a group of like minded rugby players came upon an idea that although may not make them a fortune, brings joy to an ever increasing following, occupying their Sundays and offering pest control to the local community at large.

Ratcatching Development Officer and Ryedale NFU representative Robert Hicks touring the countryside is a double edged positive. Not only does he provide competitive Insurance with second to non after service but can also scout for potential arena's for his Rugby Club members to work their dogs and reduce troublesome vermin. On a meeting with local farmer and entrepreneur David Harrison an appointment was arranged to fettle an infestation just outside of Settrington.

Some additional new faces met outside the Spotted Cow on Sunday morning. Brian Lund with the family terrier "Rusty", mother and son team Debbie and Guy Dolman with their curious looking half aardvark, half terrier thought to be called "Bobbie" and Alex Lange with his topically named terrier "Guinness" all joined the convoy of regular rodent controllers to a slap up breakfast at David's. Thirty minutes later some late arrivals joined to make up an 18 strong team, embarking on what was to be the most comprehensive afternoon of ratting to date.

With terriers in the double figures and a couple of 'not so soft mouthed' labs working well, the quarry bag increased steadily. David Harrison showed his hospitality not only in the kitchen but with his very useful telescopic fork lift sieving the muck midden as if panning for gold.

Although in a team it is never really fair to draw upon the abilities of individuals certain events require acknowledgment. Tom and Etty's terrier pair of "Radish" and "Boatswain" did some excellent point and pull work. Tom Lund's "Minty" showed his lady friend Emma that he is more than just a pretty face. Diving off the 6ft high muck heap like a bird of prey. Old timers "Raymond" and "Elvis" continued to put in the hard work at the coal face with steady dispatches throughout the day. Relative newcomer "Sydney" bagged her first rat and proudly showed it off to all by-standers. David Harrison's veteran terrier "Barry" toyed with near death experiences throughout the day avoiding muck tines, falling boulders of manure and high speed tyres to point out veins of rodent rich activity. Most noticeable however was "Bessie" the lab who although rather ball greedy did sterling work cleaning up running vermin.

Praise should also given to Young Robert Hicks and his Ninja style stick work and diving rat interceptions, Jamie Rounthwaite on his thorough bagging up and boundary coverage and aardvark "Bobbie" on its sheer aggression, beating the current record held by "Polly" for fights started with other dogs.

As if the bag wasn't testament enough to the success of the day, David Harrison prior to the breakfast meet agreed to his company TREE HOUSES LTD sponsoring the game on a rat:reward basis. The amount raised going to a designated local charity. The Rugby Rat Catchers would like to thank TREE HOUSES LTD for an enjoyable day and hope the service provided will be recommended to other local farmers.

REMEMBER: INVITING THE RUGBY RAT CATCHERS TO YOUR FARM AND ADMITTING TO HAVING A RODENT PROBLEM IS NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF. DENIAL WON'T HELP YOUR PROBLEM NOR THE COMMUNITY. MAYBE YOU SHOULD CALL THE SOLUTION.