Weekly Report - 1st XV Suffer narrow Loss to League Leaders Brunel
1st XV Lose Narrowly to Brunel University
Another cracking match for the 1st XV on Saturday, with excellent rugby on display. The opposition, Brunel, are basically Ealing Trailfinders Academy side. We arrived on Saturday to see their super impressive gym, which is roughly the same size as our 2nd pitch. Judging by the physiques of the Brunel players I suspect they spend more time in the gym than on their studies!
Coming into this match they have played 8 matches and won 8 matches, all with a four try bonus points with an average winning margin of 32 points.
The game started and continued at pace throughout. Our set piece was brilliant and we managed to turn them over in the scrum a number of times. We traded scores throughout the first half and went in 19-15 down. Second half continued in a similar vein and we got to 26-25 and they were rattled. With last play we were 31-25 down but won a penalty which we kicked to the corner. Our forwards were well on top at this stage against a physically more imposing side. We set up a rolling maul heading to their try line, they sacked it, the ref adjudged it legally and blew the full time whistle.
Despite having a losing bonus point in the bag, everyone felt disappointed for the lads for all their endeavours but still a tremendous performance against a top side. However, we are the first side to gain any points against Brunel this season and I suspect if we played on a grass pitch the result may have been different.
2nd XV Win Away vs Henley:
Another strong performance from the 2s away against Henley, winning 34-5. Also a first match of the season for Barney Howells returning from his stint in Australia and last year’s Player of the Season, Tyson Evans Peters. So good news all round and will undoubtedly increase the competition for places in the squads.
Minis & Junior Round Up
The sun shone yesterday and everyone enjoyed their days rugby. U10s had a tournament in Chinnor and it sounds like the squad is building nicely. U13s played against Ruislip and drew 15-15 despite being the more dominant side.
Three Colts Playing for Bucks U18:
We had three lads playing for Bucks yesterday in a trial match, Freddie Taylor, Jamie Henderson and Casper Markham. All three acquitted themselves well and stood out. Freddie ended up getting Man of the Match for Bucks, final score was 10-25 to Devon after a strong second half for the visitors.
A Bumper Weekend Awaits:
Next Saturday our pre-match lunch has been sold out for two weeks now, including over 50 Sponsors in attendance. It’s a really important day for the club to thank our Sponsors for their crucial support.
The 1st XV play Teddington who are one place behind us in the league, so another close game I suspect. Also we have an added bonus of Stuart Wall's band playing after the match. So if you want to avoid Christmas shopping then come down to the club, enjoy some quality rugby, a few beers and some live music.
The 2nd XV are away to Slough, kick off at 2:30 and the women’s team are playing in a festival at Aylesbury on Sunday, first match kicks off at 12pm and have games all afternoon.
Enjoy your week