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Senior Rugby: The Review

Senior Rugby: The Review

Laura Parker29 Nov 2017 - 13:47
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Jon Smith discusses what lead to the close defeat at Amersham and also looks across the whole Senior section to review their efforts.

Despite scoring more tries than our opposition (Amersham & Chiltern) we couldn't help but be disappointed with the overall result. The lessons from this game were clear for all to see - against capable sides we simply cannot concede a significant number of penalties (especially within kicking range) and expect to win. Facing a 13-0 deficit at half time we came out in the second half with a renewed purpose and launched several relentless attacks on the Amersham try line, scored two tries and could have scored more, but ultimately ran out of time.

Although we accept complete responsibility for the result, the game was not without controversy. Deep into the second half our pack piled forward and, according the the referee touched down for another 'try' but no sooner had the referee raised his arm and signalled the try, he proceeded to reverse his decision. It remains a little unclear as to why this decision was reversed, but after awarding the try, the match video clearly shows the Amersham players offering some form of protest, followed by a conversation between the home touch judge and the referee. The decision was then rescinded; something I have never seen on a rugby pitch and something that I doubt falls within the laws of the game. It was an interesting series of events and I would hope that the incident sparked some discussion between the referee and the RFU assessor who was there to monitor the referee and his performance.

Not longer after the 'try that was not a try' incident, Matt Wadling caught the Amersham defensive line flat-footed and shimmied over the try line to open the scoring for Colchester. Every member of the 18 man squad took part, Jack White came off the bench to replace Brett Cutbush who came off with an injury and at this point we re-shaped the backline. Wadling continued at scrum half, Jack White went to fly half, Will Brown to outside centre, Crozier to full back and Shelford Meads switched to the right wing. Some space on the left hand side gave Jack White some space, he took this opportunity to launch a perfectly weighted cross-field kick that James Crozier quickly gathered and side stepped over the line.

The bottom line is a 13-0 half time deficit was not insurmountable, but in order to chase the game we were undoubtedly going to leave a few gaps that a top-four team like Amersham could exploit. The 'gaps' came in the form of two penalties and these were readily dispatched between the posts by the Amersham scrum half without hesitation. We finished the game the stronger side as two Amersham players received yellow cards in the last few minutes for deliberately scuppering our assault on their try line. The attacks were just out of range to constitute a penalty try; our opponents played the perfect percentage game and sacrificed a couple of players rather than risk a score. Amersham were not only desperate to defend their lead, they we pulling out all the stops to prevent a rival side from picking up a bonus point. It was, in truth, smart rugby.

The Ravens also experienced a 'game of two halves' against high-flying Hertford RFC's 2nd XV. Despite a 42-10 half time deficit the Ravens pulled out all the stops in the second half and the game finished 47-33 with some fabulous tries from Adam Cook and skipper Andy Goodbourn. Recent recruits to the Ravens Ben Harfield and Matt Hexley got on the score sheet and in the second half Hertford resorted to breakdown infringements in order to scupper the Ravens attacking force. Although it was a defeat, it was also a definite victory for effort and resolve. The Ravens are at home next Saturday and welcome Ealing's 2nd XV to Mill Road.

The A XV and Cavaliers were simply ravaged by injuries and availability this weekend. A number of the Roundheads stepped up to bolster the Cavaliers ranks in order to enable the games to go ahead. Sometimes it's easier to herd cats than it is to organise rugby players so tribute must go to our coaches and captains for pulling the sides together.

The A XV suffered a narrow defeat at Hadleigh (29-22). There was very little difference between the two sides, a testament to our strength in depth considering the number of players who were unavailable or injured. Bobby Browne finished the game as the A XV man of the match for his tenacity in both attack and defence. This means the A XV remain in third spot in Eastern Counties Division 1. As the calendar stands, there is no game next week so the lads can have a rest and let some of their injuries heal up.

The Cavaliers fielded no less than seven (yes seven!) props and came off second best against Harwich and Dovercourt RFC. Special thanks go to Bart (Ian) Simpson for helping out the Cavaliers and pulling the Roundheads in to ensure that the game went ahead. Although safety is always our first thought, no one ever wants to cancel a game so thanks to all the boys who ensured that we put out a team.

With the 1st XV and Ravens at home this weekend there will be a cracking atmosphere at the club. Eton Manor will provide our 1st XV with stern opposition. We have had a number of tight games with Eton Manor over the last few years and this game will be no exception.

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