World Rugby Law 6.3.1 makes it abundantly clear that “betting on matches or any aspect of the game is strictly off-limits for players, staff, and anyone else connected to the sport.” But, interestingly, the laws seem to omit one key detail: a cow. Yes, you read that correctly—a cow. Which might explain why our very own Dan Luff has confidently wagered one of his prized bovines that Dan Sargent can’t cross the whitewash 20 times this season.

It all began in the 23/24 season when Luffy set a challenge for Jacko (another prop) to score 10 tries in a single season. Jacko gave it his best shot but ultimately fell short, scoring six—a number impressive for a front-rower but well short of Luffy’s lofty target. With Jacko moving on to Tonbridge Juddians in the National League, the challenge was passed to newly appointed 1st XV captain, Dan Sargent. But Luffy wasn’t about to make it easy. This time, he upped the ante: score 20 tries in the 22-game season—or no cow for you.

Unsurprisingly, Luffy was full of confidence as the season began. “I’m not worried,” he said at the time. “A prop scoring 20 tries? It’s just not happening.”

Sarge, however, had other plans. When asked what he would do with the cow if he hit the target, he confidently quipped, “I’m going to be eating beef for breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” a bold declaration that set the tone for the season.

The campaign kicked off with a 32-17 win over North Dorset, but Luffy watched smugly from the stands as Sarge failed to get on the scoresheet. When the next match against Tottonians also ended with Sarge drawing a blank, it seemed the bet was as good as won in Luffy’s favour. Two games in and no tries? Not even Sarge believed he could turn it around.

Then came the turnaround. Over the next four games, Sarge exploded onto the scoresheet with seven tries, sending a clear message: he wasn’t done yet.

Fast forward to today, and Sarge stands on 17 tries, just three shy of the target. With four games remaining, including Saturday's Farmers Lunch clash against Guildford, the possibility of victory looms large. A hat-trick against Guildford would seal the deal and force Luffy to part ways with one of his beloved bovines in front of a packed crowd.

The tension between the two is palpable. When asked about the situation, Sarge revealed that he recently spotted Luffy in the gym, and the normally confident farmer looked anything but. “He seemed nervous,” said Sarge with a smirk. “It might be why he hasn’t been to many games recently.”

Sarge has scored in 12 of Petersfield’s 18 matches this season, including four multi-try performances, putting him at the top of the Petersfield RFC try scoring charts, a feat incredible for a front-rower. “I’m just taking it game by game,” he said. “But yeah, that cow’s looking tastier by the minute.”

As a Sarge victory draws ever nearer, we tried to reach out to Luffy for a comment, but he declined to comment by the time of publication. Whether he’s too nervous to speak or simply focused on keeping his herd intact, one thing is certain: things are about to get intense.

The Farmers Lunch crowd will be on the edge of their seats on Saturday, with more than just league points on the line. Will Sarge deliver the hat-trick of a lifetime, or will Luffy’s prized cow remain safe in the field for another Game? One thing’s for sure: this is rugby at its most unexpected—and steaks couldn’t be any higher.