1. Memoriams

2. What do you think this text is about? This is a memoriam. They were comic notes that were published as gentle banter towards any losing team. This one for example, sarcastically suggests that Gloucester are sending the Newport team back in a coffin because they were beaten so badly!

3. Some of the memoriams contained rhymes. What does this poem suggest about the Gloucester team?

4. This was written to celebrate Gloucester’s success over a number of Welsh teams.

5. In no dishonoured grave ye lie, Flower of Wales’ chivalry, You could not help the sad disasters, All must bow before their masters; And that your masters we have been, Upon the face of it is seen. So let the harp be muted, And your Bards in mournful strain, Tell how, in Gloucester City, Their doughty knights were slain. P.S. If you come to life next year, And in Gloucester you appear; Once again we hope to meet you, And again the same to treat you. Task One: Underline any unfamiliar words. Task Two: a)Discuss what you notice about the rhyme scheme. B) Does the poem have a rhythm to it? Task Three: What can you deduce about how Gloucester feels about the Welsh teams? Support your answers with references to the text.

6. Write a Memoriam Write your own memoriam celebrating a Gloucester win. You can either write about a match from memory or use the following victory as a basis: –6 th September 2009 Gloucester 24 v Bath 5 Remember to include rhythm and rhyme in your poem.

7. Plenary Let’s hear some examples. Check whether they have used a clear rhythm and rhyme scheme. Discuss whether you think Gloucester should still publish memoriams. Why do you think they don’t?