Main Cast: Gary Olsen, Richard Ridings, Samantha Janus, Ralph Brown, Neil Morrissey
Release Year: 1998
Country: UK
Run Time: 100 minutes
Plot
John Godber scripted and made his directorial debut with this adaptation of his 1984 play about an amateur rugby team. Decorator and ex-Rugby League player Arthur (Gary Olsen) accepts a high-stakes bet from Reg Welch (Tony Slattery), manager of the tough Cobbler Arms team. Arthur must train a team to beat the Cobbler Arms, and he chooses the weak Wheatsheaf Arms losers, a motley crew who would rather quaff at the local pub. They're uncooperative -- until Arthur introduces them to their new fitness instructor, attractive gym-owner Hazel (Samantha Janus of the Game On comedy series). The training sessions get underway, with Arthur keeping his big bet a secret from all concerned. Set in West Yorkshire, the film was actually shot in Cardiff, Wales. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
Adrian Hood - Tommy; David MacCreedy - Tony; Tony Slattery - Reg Welch; Brian Glover - Jack; Griff Rhys Jones - Ray Mason; Jane Clifford-Thorton - Doreen; Susan Tully - June; John Thomson - Stan
Credit
Frazer Pearce - Art Director, Pamela Moore - Costume Designer, Richard Bird - First Assistant Director, Artie Thomas - First Assistant Director, John Godber - Director, Chris Lawrence - Editor, Clive Waldron - Line Producer, Mark Thomas - Composer (Music Score), Hayden Pearce - Production Designer, Alan M. Trow - Cinematographer, Mark Thomas - Producer, Harry Brookes - Sound/Sound Designer, Darren Clement - Sound/Sound Designer, David Ball - Supervisor/Manager, John Godber - Screenwriter, John Godber - Play Author
Former rugby union international Ray Gravell was "rugby consultant" and appeared as "Referee No 1".
Plot
It followed the story of an inept pub team from the 'Wheatsheaf Arms' in a rugby league sevens competition in Kingston upon Hull in England. Ex-pro Arthur's only passions in life are his wife and rugby league. When he hears about the 'Cobblers Arms' pub team and their corrupt manager, Arthur bets his life savings with Reg Welch that he can train any team to beat them.
However, the 'Wheatsheaf Arms' can only muster a side of four whose pride lies in their unbroken record of defeat. The pitifully unfit set of men have to accept the help of a coach, who just happens to be a woman.
They have to struggle through adversity, come up triumphant and become a team. They are given a bye to the final of the competition where they have to play The Cobblers.
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