Saturday 22nd September 2018
Old Blues 2nd XV 22 vs 15 Wimbledon 4th XV
A wet start for the Second XV season facing a mixture of youth and experience from Wimbledon 4ths. The Blues fielded a fantastic squad of 18 with a couple of debutantes in Ed Paddock and Henry Kilmister. Seven backrow on the team sheet made for an interesting team selection. Ed's day was sadly cut short early doors with a dislocated shoulder in a tackle. Seb Huff replacing him. A greasy ball made for a tricky few passages of play and the Wombles made life difficult in the rucks. A chip over the top allowed their winger to score in the corner.
The Blues responded with some structured play for Joe Jenkins to hit a gap and score under the posts and getting the extras to level the score. The majority of the possession remained in Blues favour however even a dominant line out and a fairly steady scrum couldn't give the momentum to make headway against some strong defence and well-structured attacks from the visitors. Another try added to the Wimbledonian score which was to be their final points for the day. With Joe recalled to the first team half an hour in, Nick Fox moved to ten and Louis Davies made his starring role at 13.
At halftime the focus was on simplifying the game plan with concerted pressure and forwards support play, the Rambo was bellowed on many occasions by the usual contenders of Colin Pritchard and James Bresman. Jack Hall made an excellent individual contribution in both attain and defence and a 30-metre driving maul from a lineout got spirits high. The reward soon came with a penalty in front of the posts. A missing kicking tee forced a true return to history with Colin holding the point and Foxy slapping it over to take 3. Further intense pressure on the Wimbledon 5 with a couple of Green crash balls. The gap opened on the blind fringe and the try was scored by Dan Fryer. A tee was found but a resounding ding from the posts signified a miss. James Meakin left the field with a cracked rib and the Chairman came on for a 20-minute cameo.
With the score at 15-12 things were tight. The pressure from Wimbledon in the scrums intensified but some excellent defence from the Blues held firm. Tackle of the day made by David Adeniji and Henry on an annoying 13; scragged by Henry and eaten by David. A turnover, some great hands, and a strong run from the returning Chris Probert led to great field position and the final act with 5 to go was from John White - the hooker smashed over from 2 yards out amid protest that Giles was obstructing. Those that know Giles would never assume such a thing so obviously the try was awarded.
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