Frampton Cotterell v Old Elizabethans 2nd September 2023

A beautiful sunny day greeted the squad for the kickoff of the 2023/24 season with an away league game against Frampton.

An eagerly anticipated fixture after last season's last kick victories home and away. A large following support after the Thundercats (with a full complement) were unable to get a fixture. So, the Barmy Army were out in force, joined by our faithful senior contingent (minus the Stella). Special mention must be given to an old stalwart of the club, Mr John Leonard! Flown in from New Zealand, but his flight must have been delayed, as he arrived midway through the second half! John, it was a pleasure to see you.

1st XV SQUAD: Jack Houlder, Henry Oughton, Greg Foord, Tom Bendall, Rob Lee,. Kallan Martin, Henry KP, Jacob Harding, Sam Hygate, Matty Carr, Conrad Braithwaite, Alex Lee, Pat Dore(c), Charlie Garrett, Luke Jagger, Matthew Bailey, Tom Cole, Tobias Burden
(bold denotes debutant).

MATCH REPORT:
Having to wait for John Leonard at the airport, I too, missed kick off, arriving to see Kallan being led from the field after a heavy blow to the head. He was replaced by Bailey.

Play was between the 22s for some time, with neither side giving much. A midfield penalty to Es, prompted a kick to the corner. A catch and drive (reminiscent of last time we were here in the rain!) and Jack Houlder the Boulder rolled over (0-5) (conversion missed).

Bailey caught the kickoff and charged up field, with a penalty awarded from the resulting breakdown. Kick to the corner, catch and drive, the Boulder rolled over again. (0-10) (conversion missed).

Unfortunately, the next passage of play saw debutant, Conrad Braithwaite take a heavy knock and leave the field with a dislocated shoulder. Meg (physio) confirmed the diagnosis claiming 'hospital job'! Conrad, we wish you a speedy recovery.

This made way for the 6th debutant of the day, Tom Cole, on the wing.

Half Time score (0 – 10)

Halftime provided a much-needed water break and Sam Hygate was replaced by Tobias Burden coming on at wing and Tom Cole moving to scrum half.

For the first time Es scrum came under pressure giving Frampton a tap and go that resulted in a converted try (7-10).

Some huge hits from Pat Dore, Henry KP and Tobias Burden prevented an onslaught from Frampton, including an attempted drop goal hitting the crossbar, and then a penalty awarded to Es (plus 10 for back chat).

Es moved downfield and after several attacks, a penalty was awarded in the middle of the pitch. Roll on Jagger The Canon for the kick (7-13).

The following kick off was hacked through by Charlie Garrett, for a well chased individual try. Jagger The Canon converts (7-20).

A scuffle on half way awarded Frampton a penalty and they resorted to their previously successful tap & go, and despite Henry Oughton diving on the ball, like a bomb going off in a playground and a trip to the bin, Frampton scored. (12-20).

Jagger then obligingly took a high tackle and converted the resulting penalty (12-23).

From the restart, Es tried to run from dead, resulting in a scrum to Frampton, from which they scored and converted (19-23).

Es then turned over a scrum, midfield, resulting in a penalty. Roll on The Canon - duly converted (19-26).

A great start to the season against old rivals and congratulations to all the debutants on a huge team effort.

Onwards next week to Whitehall at home, but not before the Thundercats under the lights away to North Bristol on Friday night.

FINAL SCORE: Frampton Cotterell 19 – 26 Old Elizabethans

SCORERS:
Tries: Jack Houlder (2), Charlie Garrett
Conversions: Luke Jagger
Penalties: Luke Jagger (3)

Full Table and Fixture List below

Report by: David Morgan

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