Old Boys A 17 - 27 Rovers Heughers

Following a rare defeat for the Heughers last season between these sides normal service was resumed when both 1st XVs had games.

After having the bare 15 last week we had the 'luxury' of 2 subs this week. One each for backs and forwards so we were a perfectly balanced side.

We started off with the advantage of the Mayfield Park slope and soon had the majority of the play and chances. However our first score came from an interception from Sean-Michael Swallow who raced away from the halfway line for an unconverted try. It looked like Woody would add to our score when he broke away but was hauled down just short and we were penalised. On their first, and only, visit of the half to our 22 Old Boys scored to draw level after a determined run by Jason Norman. The Heughers retook the lead after Alex Rochester nipped past the defence following a 5 metre scrum. Again this try was unconverted to leave the score 10-5. We really should have added to our tally but a combination of errors or penalties at crucial times prevented further scoring.

HT - Old Boys A 5 - 10 Rovers Heughers

At half time we made the tactical decision to rest the Pace for future games and showed our faith in Rovers' youth policy by bringing on Pinky. Pinky made an immediate effect from the kick off by bursting through several tackles. Woody then broke away on a mazy 75 metre run for a fine individual try out wide that could not be converted to increase our lead to 15-5. And we went further ahead when we took a scrum against the head and Woody took out the defence with a lovely pass that gave Alex a narrow gap that he raced through to score yet another try that we did not convert. 20-5. We did manage to finally convert a try when Alex combined with Woody to notch his trick and then convert his own try. At 27-5 up with about 15 mins to go we looked quite comfortable but first Josh was sent to the naughty step for 10 minutes for blatantly handling in a ruck and then captain Chris Sainty went off which necessitated a reshuffle. Also Old Boys had strengthened their team from the sidelines and with Shane Ivey to the fore they came back to score 2 tries in 10 minutes to narrow the gap to 27-17. However we had enough nous to see out the game and this was the final score.

FT Old Boys A 17 - 27 Rovers Heughers

Old Boys may have a different view but this was a game we never looked like losing and really should have won by far more if we had kicked our goals, taken our chances and not conceded so many daft penalties. On the positive side we looked very good at times. Woody and Alex combined particularly well from the scrums, where we had the upper hand, and Muller was prominent in crashing through the centre and needing several defenders to bring him down. Billy Lloyd and Ian Flounders were also great sources of go forward ball. I somewhat hesitate to say this but Pinky was remarkably effective when he came on both as a 'flying' winger or steadying the ship at stand off when Sainty had to retire. There was little to separate Woody or Alex as man of the match so let's award it to both of them. It's not as if they will get a pizza or anything :-)

Finally the picture is of a 'clothesline' tackle that wasn't a patch on the one Sean received. After putting his head back on straight you could see Sean was bemused to see the tackler allowed to stay on the pitch.

Team

Swallow, R Harrison, Olley, Muller, Hewitt (Pinky), Sainty (c), Rochester, Flounders (only one bean now), Monaghan, Lloyd, Groom, Healey (Robinson), Coxon, Addison, Wood

Next week the Heughers have another derby game at home to West Stags. Coincidentally the Stags and Old Boys drew last week. At this level of rugby though teams change that much it is wise not to read anything much into this.