The next named storm rolled in this weekend meaning that, for the second week running, we were up against the wind and rain. It’s hard enough just taking on the opposition without freezing conditions and a howling gale!

The messages prior to kick off are consistent: who wants it the most? This group are proving week after week, it’s us. From the kick off, the tackles were flying in and a rapid turnover saw us run the ball back into the 22. A series of pick and goes saw us drive up to the line with Charlie forcing over from close range to open the scoring. Not an easy day to kick straight. 5-0

Our visitors were a little slow to hit top gear, dropping off a few tackles. On a day when physicality was paramount, this allowed us the upper hand in all phases, making good progress, almost at will. But for some decisions against us, we would have run away with the early exchanges but, despite this, skipper MSJ continued to make dynamic carries from the base of the ruck and scrum. His pace and twinkle-toes carried him past the defence, close enough to the posts for Jonny to blast the kick through against the gale . 12-0.

The line out has been excellent for most of the season and today again, despite serious challenges from the wind, was a reliable source of possession. Our maul is a weapon that we are now using well and we scored from it after a previous drive from a lineout gave us a penalty. 17-0 and going well.

George E at 15 is a lovely runner and a swift kick return and offload saw MSJ continue to make ground. The defence was dragged into his tractor beam leaving space for Barney to step his way through the remains of the defence. He’s too quick and nimble to be allowed that much room. 24-0 at half time. .

The wind and rain had been increasing the misery all game and, despite the sparkling new shirts, it was so dark the teams were hard to tell apart. We started the second period a man down as the carefully calculated replacements only saw us field 14 by mistake. Ciren’s first attack went through the hole where our player should have been and it was 24-5. Restored to temporary equality of numbers, we seemed to incur the displeasure of the official on numerous occasions. A inevitable yellow card was brandished though it seemed that equal offence had been committed by the opposition.

The penalty count continued to climb against us. Some of these were sheer dim-wittedness. Some were harder to fathom but whatever the cause, we spent a lot of the half defending. Giving away possession so much didn’t help our cause, but our tackling was resolute and the conditions were so foul by now that a knock on was never far away.

Our scrum was a dominant platform to launch attacks and so, between our misdemeanour and opposition error, the game was pretty even. Not until three final minutes were Ciren able to break through and score another try. With the final whistle, the now frozen crowd retreated to the warmth of the clubhouse and a lively post match celebration.

The skipper was the recipient of todays player of the match award. Fair enough as he was practically unplayable at times.

Next week may see one more match before the Christmas break (TBC) but until then….. Allez les Pats!

Tom Perris