READING RAMS

TRIES 2

READING RAMS

CONVERSIONS 0

READING RAMS

PENALTIES 1

OLD PATS COLTS

TRIES 1

0 Downard

OLD PATS COLTS

CONVERSIONS 0

OLD PATS COLTS

PENALTIES 0

Once again we had an away draw but confidence was high as the coach rolled down the M4. We had picked an extremely powerful and dynamic pack and some exciting backs. A quick look at the talent that didn’t make the 22 tells you that we are blessed with a lot of very fine players and some lads were unlucky to miss out.

We took our customary large and vocal support with us who were quickly adding to the atmosphere as excitement built towards kick off. Top lads!

We were up for this one and right from the start, Sam Handley crashed the ball up, breaking a couple of tackles and releasing Ollie D into acres of space. He charged for the line but, somehow, their wing got back to haul him down a couple of yards short. Ollie is proper rapid so that guy must have jet boots! We recycled quickly but the pass that seemed sure to put someone over was slapped down. No try, no card and we got turned over at the lineout following the penalty. However, we kept at them with several phases of forward pressure before releasing the backs. Sam put Alex through a hole and Ollie was where he should be to collect the offload and go over for the try. The kick pulled up short on the breeze but we were ahead 0-5.

That seemed to wake the Rams up and from that moment, I don’t recall them missing a tackle. Their defence was outstanding- and it had to be. Long periods of pressure were withstood and, inevitably, a pass would go to ground.

Eventually though they got some ball and exerted their own pressure. A deliberate knock on saw us reduced to 14 just before half time and after sustained, close range attacks has sucked us in, the ball was flicked wide of our defence for a simple run in for their winger. All square at the break.

Changes at the half brought new personnel and the contest continued very even. We had several chances but, once again, heroic defence forces us into errors at crucial times. What could have been, didn’t quite happen today.

At around the midpoint of the half, Rams won the ball and used their prodigious pace behind to get wide of our cover. A foot race to the corner saw Henry make up ground and a superb tackle dragged the wing towards the touch. Sadly for us, he’d got the ball down before he hit the line. Credit where it’s due, it was a lovely try, very well finished.

The kick again drifted away on the breeze but a subsequent penalty for not rolling away didn’t and we were two scores down with not long left.

We piled back at them forcing multiple penalties and an eventual yellow card for repeat infringement but couldn’t quite get over the line. A bit frantic perhaps, great defence certainly.

At the final whistle we were left to reflect on what might have been but we can be proud of ourselves for getting this far and playing this way. They are a wonderful group of young men and a credit to their club.Despite the loss, the post-match social was lively and convivial.

The Rams have a lovely set-up and were gracious hosts. Thanks to them for the hospitality and best of luck the next round.

Allez les Pats!

Tom Perris