Old Blues 31 - 71 OC’s
A
pleasing score line but some defensive frailties exposed?!
The Old Blues are not the greatest rugby side to play Surrey
Combination B rugby but nevertheless, they tried very hard!
After going down to some early Old Cliftonian scores, the
Old Blues launched a comeback just before half-time.
The first half was notable for its high scoring which was
in most part due to some atrocious defending and some very
strong running, particularly from the Cliftonian backs.
When Euan Kenworthy and Simmo unleashed their power the
Old Blues looked decidedly geriatric. Another player who
stood out in the first half was Matt Holme who showed great
pace for one of the tries of the game, he also had a great
conversion attempt hit the post from out wide. Unfortunately
Matt sustained a dislocated fracture to his ankle just before
half-time (I think I speak for everyone in wishing Matt
the best of luck on his road to recovery from what is a
very nasty injury).
The
second half saw some patches of flowing rugby and the score
line could have been more cricket-like were it not for the
referee’s penchant to call slightly backwards passes forwards
(some OC back-chat may not have helped the referee’s eyesight,
nor the fact that he looked like Peewee Herman).
A big thanks must go to Rob Miller, our last-minute replacement
at full back who has an “O’Driscoll like side-step” (his
own words) if not quite possessing the waltzer’s pace or
power. Other players deserving mention are Vasey and Ali
Turner for producing some brutal no-prisoners scrummaging
and Si PW who made a difference when he came on for his
first run-out of the season. Our lineout also functioned
very well this game and made a real difference - well done
the front 5 for securing some good ball.
Another feature of the game was Ben Gelder’s appauling kicking,
both from the ground and from the hand (for which I apologise!).
The best move of the game was undoubtedly a rangey crash-ball
to Euan, who cut a great angle before leaving the crowd
(of 4!) gasping by switching the ball on an inside angle
for Simmo to finish the move off. (shame Simmo couldn't
return the hospitality during the game, instead choosing
to bosh his way through for 5 tries rather than spread the
wealth down the back line)
The match will be remembered (for a week or so at least)
for some great attacking rugby but one can’t help feeling
that the OCs must defend better to have any chance against
the better Surrey Combination B sides…
Ben
Gelder