Old Elizabethans v Whitehall 9th September 2023

It was an unseasonably hot September afternoon, 28 Degrees, with supporters decked out in full summer regalia, hats and sunglasses. And for the first time at Fortress Hallen, a lady referee, Eleanor by name, took charge of proceedings.

1st XV SQUAD: Greg Foord, Henry Oughton, Fergus, Ben Charlton, Rob Lee, Henry KP, George Burnie ©, Jacob Harding, Sam Hygate, Matty Carr, Tom Cole, Alex Lee, Will Tobin, Tobias Burden, Luke Jagger, Adam Skyner

MATCH REPORT:
A Matt Carr kick gained a good position on the Whitehall 22, Es won the lineout however, possession was lost in a knock on under the Whitehall posts. On 12 minutes, from the ensuing 5m scrum, Es took the ball against the head and powerful No 8 Jacob Harding forced his way over, for a 7 pointer, the conversion kicked by the reliable Sam Highgate. (7-0)

Henry KP and centre Alex Lee took play downfield, a Whitehall infringement gave Es a penalty in a very kickable position. Points were spurned for a kick to the corner, the lineout was lost and Es came away empty handed.

Whitehall had the edge in the scrums, with a much heavier pack, their chunky prop, who Es referred to as 'Marshmallow Man' was causing problems in the tight and loose, although he was expected to tire as the game wore on, as would anybody running around with the equivalent of a sack of cement on their back.

Winger Tom Coles took a high kick on the Es 22 that launched a forward trundle on the far touchline, from broken play Harding again emerged with the ball, breaking clear at pace, drew the fullback, a perfectly timed inside pass enabled supporting second row Ben Charlton, to canter over the whitewash for another 7 pointer. (14-0)

Whitehall looked dangerous, ball in hand, with some speedy outside backs, as usual Es tackled like demons. Centre, Will Tobin, using his jackalling skills to win penalties for Es. He should also get a mention for flattening the biggest Whitehall forward in a trademark charge. Skipper George Burnie sustained a nasty cut following a great run out of defence and was replaced by Max Carpenter, who was to give his usual committed performance.

Half time (14-0)

Skyner was introduced at half time. Conversation during the first half with the match reporter indicated he was keen to make it into the match report. He did so shortly after coming on, 10 minutes in the bin for a high tackle, probably not what he had in mind! Whitehall kicked a penalty, (14-3).

Whitehall then had a try disallowed, which could otherwise have taken them to within a converted try of the lead. The second half became an increasingly scrappy affair, Es pinged time and again mainly for high tackles, probably conceding at least 10 penalties in the second half.

Tempers were starting to fray, a minor scuffle on the touchline and a Whitehall player, grappling with his counterpart, yelled "Let go of me you 'xxnt". Our lady referee admonished him with 'there is only one person on this field with that attribute', much to the amusement of the spectators.

The second half was looking like a scrappy, scoreless affair until Es came alive in the 31st minute. A difficult clearance kick was well taken on half way by livewire wing Tobias Burden, shrugging off tacklers before off-loading to Luke Jagger who made good ground, a pass back to Burden, who was then dragged down on the try line, before popping the ball up and like any good flanker, Burnie was in support to touch down for another 7 pointer, (21-3). A great team try!

From the restart, combative hooker Henry Oughton traded punches with two Whitehall forwards, resulting in two more yellow cards, unluckily one was for Oughton. The referee blew up for full time, after a firm but fair display.

The sweat drenched players clapped each other off before heading in for a much needed shower and beers.

Perhaps it was the heat, uncharacteristically, Es were making too many unforced errors, numerous knock-ons from promising attacking positions, and a serious penalty count. Es got away with it against Whitehall, however coughing up so much possession and territory against better sides will be costly in future, something to work on in training.

The usual senior Es supporters and former players in attendance, all remember Whitehall as one of the stronger Bristol Combination sides, who invariably gave Es a roasting, back in the day.

A home win against Whitehall, 4 points and two wins from two make for a great start to the season. Next week, Es travel to Berry Hill for what will be a sterner test, come on you Es!

Supporters Man of the Match: Tobias Burden always looked dangerous in attack

Players Man of the Match: goes to No 8 Jacob Harding for a great work rate, always getting over the gain line, the first try and a big hand in the second score, well played Jacob.

On a more serious note, Max Carpenter had to come off after a heavy accidental knee to the head. His condition deteriorated to the point where an ambulance and helicopter were summoned to the clubhouse. Max was taken to Southmead Hospital and kept in overnight for observation, with a small bleed to the brain (note, not a bleed to a small brain!). All his vitals were checked over and pronounced good, and last report is that he is feeling much better, albeit with a thumping headache. Best wishes from us all, Max, for a speedy full recovery.

FINAL SCORE: Old Elizabethans 21 – 3 Whitehall

SCORERS:
Tries: Jacob Harding, Ben Charlton, George Burnie
Conversions: Sam Highgate (3)

Full Table and Fixture List below

Report by: Andrew Tobin

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