50

Tries 8
Conversions 5

7

Tries 1
Conversions 1

The rules of the competition state that each team “ must play their strongest squad” of up to 22 players which meant the selection meeting was long and detailed as only Jonesy knows how. An exciting mix of boys combining power and pace resulted and we were ready for it. Happily the weather was dry and we could, hopefully, utilise our brand of running rugby.

Once again the opposition had some enormous lads, particularly in the front row, but we are fitter and faster than most teams. In fact, in the early exchanges, we looked the stronger of the two packs with Luke and Conor having the upper hand in the scrums despite both appearing fashionably slender in comparison to their opposite numbers!

We were perhaps a little frantic early on, trying to force a fast pace, with a few passes not sticking. It did look as though, if we could hang on to it, that we’d do well with both centres, Ollie and Tristan, threatening to cut loose with some nice lines and Ben S joining intelligently and at pace from full back.

Once we’d realised that cleaner ball would result from populating the ruck more heavily, Charlie W, restored to the 9 berth this week, began to distribute well.

Our pack was also busy and managing to turn over opposition ball fairly regularly with good work at the breakdown. From one such event, we finally put together multiple phases to scatter the defence and Callum was last man in possession crossing the line.

Sam converted on what was, eventually, a pretty accurate afternoon off the tee, with five successful kicks and the other three coming back off the posts.

Further good work in defence from the forwards regained the ball deep inside our 22 and delightful hands put Callum through a hole to race 80 meters up field. He was dragged down just short but what support he had with him. Tom S and Fred secured the ball and Josh, showing his commendable new fitness levels picked up and drove over under heavy pressure for the score. 14-0 playing uphill.

Perhaps some overconfidence led to us losing the ball late in the half, with a ball carrier getting isolated and turned over. Thornbury kept it close with multiple phases in the forwards eventually getting over our line just before the whistle to end the first period. 14-7 at half-time.

It was a wake-up call that was heeded with some more urgency apparent from the restart. Conor, as ever, physical, carried deep into the 22 being hauled down illegally high. From the resultant penalty, we tapped quickly and Benji, heavily involved all game, forced over close to the sticks. 21-7. Another ruck turnover and some neat hands from Sam put Alex into space and he raced to the corner. The backs, enjoying playing downhill, were hitting their stride.

Not to be outdone, the pack, right from kick-off, kept the ball for multiple phases with first Luke, then Conor driving at the line. The touch judge indicated the ball had been grounded by our tousle-haired colossus but was ignored so Charlie, on at half time, made sure with another pick and go that the ref did spot. Sam hit the post again for the second kick running but we lead 31-7. Whose try? Who cares? We were winning!

From a scrum in the centre of the pitch, a quick first-phase ball reached Sam. Nice lines off the ball made a gap and Sam found Alex at pace going through it. Frankly, the defence seemed to have had enough by now and was unable or unwilling to get in the way of his rapid progress. Second try of an outstanding afternoon for Mr Moore who was also excellent in defence. Sadly he wasn’t able to collect his man-of-the-match prize as, in the last minutes, a clash of heads saw him needing a trip to hospital for assessment. Get well soon!

A lovely 8-9 back row move saw Barney H make ground and a classic draw and pass allowed Ben S to race away. With the cover scrambling to catch up, he unselfishly gave the return to Barney, tracking in true scrum half fashion, and he cruised over to stretch the lead further. 45-7.

A final try brought up the half-century. Ollie A had carried strongly throughout and did so once again. The deranged defence was unable to reorganise and a quick ruck ball was spread wide to Paddy who made it to the corner for the try. Sam hit the post again from the tee and the game was done.

News from the hospital is that our star man is, happily, mostly ok and our cup campaign is off to a good start.

Allez les Pats!

Tom Perris