Old Elizabethans v Bream 23rd September 2023

A number of things to mention before the match report.

We have all been following the progress of Max Carpenter since his frightening injury to the head and two bleeds on the brain. Somehow Max managed to persuade the nurses at Southmead Hospital to let him out for the afternoon so he could watch the game. Needless to say, the nurses didn't know this was to be the nature of his outing.

A big thanks to Pat White (former coach) for his generous donation towards the clubhouse extension plans.

Also, big thanks to Sam Hygate who answered the call for players at the last moment and stepped in to pull on his normal No.9 shirt.

And finally, big thanks have to go to Charlie Balfour who upon noticing the line marker was out of action managed to borrow one from Clifton RFC and get the lines marked just before kick-off.

The squad had undergone a number of changes due to players at the RWC or at Dom Horn's wedding - congratulations Dom. However, this gave a great opportunity to welcome back former skipper Alex Potts and both Tom and Sam Brewer to the squad. Nevertheless, the squad saw a number of players playing out of position so well done to them!

1st XV SQUAD: Tom Brewer, Will Tobin, Fergus Blyth, Ben Charlton, Kallan Martin, Pat Dore, Luke Jagger, Jakob Harding, Sam Hygate, Alex Lee, George Evans, Alex Potts, Sam Brewer, Rhys Sweet (debut), Tobias Burden, Dougal Broom, Dom Swann

After a good start to the season this game was surely going to be the toughest test yet against a Bream side tipped for promotion. A crowd of approximately 100 welcomed both sides on this warm sunny afternoon at Hallen.

MATCH REPORT:
Es kicked off through Sam Hygate and Es started strongly showing good intention. Bream slowly played their way into the game but early frustration for them via the ball stealing of Will Tobin. As the pressure from Bream mounted the Es' penalty count also increased giving Bream the opportunity to put Es under even greater pressure which was rewarded by a well worked try and conversion (0-7).

On the other hand Es' frustration was largely down to the line out not functioning, the scrum moving backwards and a number of spilled balls/passes. A laugh was had mid-way through the 1st half when Meg reported that Alex Potts was feeling tired!!

It has to be said that today's referee whom we've had a number of times was good and impartial to both teams. Jakob Harding was playing well at No.8 despite the retreating scrum. A late tackle by Bream and verbals saw Sam Hygate with the opportunity to kick a penalty but just pulled the ball wide of the right upright. The same cannot be said for Bream moments later who took the three points to increase their lead to (0-10).

Half Time score (0-10)

Dougal Broom on. Once again Es had a really bright start to the second half and tries went a begging for both Pat Dore and Sam Brewer. The Es' defence was tremendous all afternoon and an impressive display by the 15 men on the pitch. Es defended well a 5m scrum for Bream and the pressure eventually told, and Bream broke through the defensive blue wall to score a another converted try (0-17).

Es responded well and a good kick by Sam Hygate took us to within 5m, but Bream stole the line out and cleared their lines, a bit of the story of the afternoon. Es continued to show good enterprise but not quite making the telling breaks that would count. Luke Jagger put in a try saving tackle of the day!! Bream's third converted try came some ten minutes before the end (0-24)

Bream were clearly wanting to get the bonus try but Es' defence stood firm and frustrated Bream accordingly.

More knock-ons further frustrated Es but all round it was a very interesting game despite losing and one can't help but think that Bream would indeed be pushing for promotion. Fighting talk from Es suggested they would look for revenge at the return match later in the season.

Man of the Match: Jakob Harding, for an all-round great performance.

FINAL SCORE: Old Elizabethans 0 – 24 Bream

Next Saturday Es travel to play Bristol Saracens RFC at Cribbs Causeway to hopefully get the winning streak back on track!

Full Table and Fixture List below

Report by: Paul “Blakey” Barrington

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