Drybrook II XV v Old Elizabethans 1st XV

28th January 2023

Having travelled into the depths of the Forest of Dean the few hardy Es' supporters were wondering whether Drybrook II XV would pose more of a threat on their home turf than when Es won 83-0, at Fortress Hallen in October.

I'm not sure but I don't believe Es have ever been to this ground before but it's a nice set up for sure. The Es 1st XV were forced to make a few changes due to injury and unavailability which gave the opportunity for Angus Clifford and Kit Gundy, having impressed in the win over St. Mary's Old Boys II last week to have their 1st XV Debut - well done lads!

1st XV SQUAD: Jack Houlder, Matt Bailey, Tom Brewer, Adam Skyner, Matt Hudson, Henry Kirkpatrick, George Burnie, Rhys Edwards, Joe Watkins, Sam Brewer, Luke Jagger, Alex Potts, Pat Dore, Kit Gunby, Tobias Burden, Greg Foord, Dom Horn, Angus Clifford

MATCH REPORT: Within 3 minutes of the kick off Es were defending and were penalised for a no arm tackle and the Drybrook No.9 stepped up and converted the kick from our 10m line, a good boot on him! (3-0).

This shocked Es into action and within minutes a well taken lineout and drive was brought down by Drybrook and the referee had no hesitation in awarding Es a Penalty Try (3-7).

Things looked to be going well and from an Es' scrum the ball was shipped from Joe Watkins at 9 for Es to Sam Brewer at 10 (a new impressive Es halfback pairing) to Alex Potts and onto Pat Dore who bundled over for a second try and successful conversion from Luke Jagger (3-14).

Adam Skyner received the ball from the restart and had a great run beating several players before being hauled to the ground. Other notable things were a Touchline hugging kick from Tom Brewer and a good Potts interception but neither led to anything. Drybrook were then awarded another penalty kick on the Es 10m line and once again their 9 slotted it between the uprights (6-14).

Big second row Matt Hudson then received a head injured in tackle and was shaken and temporarily removed from the proceedings and replaced by Dom Horn. Es built again from a 30m lineout and drive which was thwarted but soon after, the next attack saw a great combination between Matt Bailey to Tobias Burden and back to Matt Bailey to stroll in over the try line - not converted (6-19).

Es were working hard and almost from the restart a good break by Tobias Burden out of defence and a kick up field saw Pat Dore collect the ball and go over for Es Bonus point try with Luke Jagger adding the extras (6-26).

Drybrook were not done yet and capitalised on another penalty given for indiscipline by Es and Drybrook again chose to slot the ball between the posts (9-26).

Once again Es responded well and from a quick penalty Tom Brewer burst through the defence for a try and Luke Jagger conversion (9-33).

That was the last we saw of Drybrook as Es hard hitters kept them at bay. Immediately from the restart Es showed some good running rugby up to Drybrook's 22 when a penalty was popped into touch 6m out and a good lineout and drive saw Matt Bailey go over for his second try of the day, not converted (9-38).

Everyone then thought they could score and rather than do the simple and basic things, Es started to be a bit loose in possession so the half-time whistle was welcomed! Half Time score (9 – 38)

Angus Clifford on for George Burnie, Greg Foord on for Jack Boulder and Matt Hudson back on for Adam Skyner. The new Es half-back combination (Watkins & Brewer) were having a good game which was pleasing to watch. A wicked cross-field kick was eventually followed up by Luke Jagger and an inside pass to Sam Brewer for another try again converted by Luke Jagger (9-45).

Debutant Angus Clifford had quickly settled in and a good rip/steal by him saw Es launch another attack. Despite this Es were again looking a little unstructured and so Burnie, Skyner and Boulder were reintroduced to the game. Sadly, the other debutant, also having a great first game had been injured in a tackle and Meg (our Physio) led him from the pitch with a suspected broken wrist. A big thanks to David (Morgs) Morgan who stepped forward and elected to take Kit back to Bristol and straight to hospital. So George Burnie went to the Wing!! Es then suddenly started to do the simple basics again and following an Es' scrum a good three quarters move saw Alex Potts run in for a try and Jagger conversion (9-52).

Soon after fullback Tobias Burden ran in a solo try from 50m out a really good effort, well done! Conversion missed! (9-57).

Matt Bailey was reintroduced for Tom Brewer with Matt looking for his hat-trick of tries, but it was Cool-Hand Luke Jagger that ran in the next 5 points for a well worked try which he then converted (9-64).

A skirmish on the floor between a Drybrook player and our own Jack Houlder saw the referee take action and showed Yellow to a Drybrook player and also to Matt Bailey. Es had not finished though and a good kick from Jagger took Es up to 15m and won a lineout with some good cross-field passing both ways which eventually found Greg Foord languishing out on the wing and he strongly ran in from 5m and an excellent touchline kick from Jagger added the extras (9-71).

The ref then blew for Full-Time. Maybe not one of the better spectator games to have watched but nevertheless Es march on. Sometimes we know it can be difficult playing your best rugby against weaker opposition but it proved that when Es do the simple things it led to some good tries. Let's see if we can't continue with this run of wins away next Friday to Lydney II, I'll be there as will Frank - will you be there?

In the meantime we wish Kit Gunby a speedy recovery - Kit get down and watch a few games!

FINAL SCORE: Drybrook II XV 9 – 71 Old Elizabethans

SCORERS:
Tries: Pat Dore (2), Matt Bailey (2) Tom Brewer, Sam Brewer, Alex Potts, Tobias Burden, Luke Jagger, Greg Foord,
Conversions: Luke Jagger (7)

Man of the Match: Dom Horn

Spectators Man of the Match: - Pat Dore

Full Table and Fixture List below

Report by: Paul “Blakey” Barrington

CLICK for the Old Elizabethans RFC website