Bristol Saracens v Old Elizabethans 30th September 2023

The season is still young and the league teams are still trying to find their rhythms and Es are no different what with weddings and the RWC but Es announced a strong squad to travel to our nearest geographical rivals for a game against Bristol Saracens.

A grey autumnal, breezy day welcomed the Old Es to Cribbs Causeway for an eagerly awaited local derby at Saracens. Last season's meetings had resulted in an away win for Saracens followed by an away win for Es and then victory for Saracens in the Cup, against a Stag Weekend depleted Es! Saracens had their usual healthy numbers in support, but this was equally matched by Es, including most of the Jagger Clan, Tara, travelling the M4 from London (purely to support the team, not a family wedding), and Mad Max back on his feet. Good to see you well, Max.

1st XV SQUAD: Fergus Blyth, Henry Oughton, Jack Houlder, Tom Bendall, Kallan Martin, Joe Mallander, George Burnie©, Will Tobin, Sam Hygate, Matty Carr, Luke Jagger, Alex Potts, Sam Brewer, Tobias Burden, Alex Lee, Matthew Bailey, Dougal Broom, Tom Cole.

MATCH REPORT:
Saracens kicked off, cleanly taken by Jagger, who was immediately cloths lined by his opposite number. A shrill blast from the referee's whistle and a ticking off 'that would have been high last season' giving Es a penalty. A kick for touch and the first lineout of the afternoon. Lost by Es and Saracens now on the attack.

Although play didn't move from in between the 10-yard lines, it seemed to be all Saracens, using their bearded tank on the crash ball early (presumably before he ran out of puff!). Tobin, Potts and Burnie were working tirelessly in the midfield, gaining a turnover only to be deliberately knocked on giving Es a penalty and Saracens a yellow. Uncharacteristically, Jagger scuffed the kick and although it went between the posts it didn't clear the crossbar.

Es gather the dropout and begin to counter, thwarted by another high tackle. Es kick to the corner, only to lose the lineout, but regather from the loose and drive for the line. Tobin was over, but lost control of the ball trying to touch down. Another dropout, gathered by Es on the counter, another high tackle, another penalty and this time Jagger hits the post.

The referee (who was being assessed) then focused his attention on the scrum and Es were penalised in 4 consecutive scrums, the last for Boulder taking the knee. Es rearrange their scrum with Fergus coming off, Skyner into the second row and Martin moving to prop. Saracens kick the resulting penalty dead, confidently adjudged by a sprinting Barrie Darby, running touch!

A scrum was awarded to Es from where the kick was taken and the scrum decisions now went in Es' favour, allowing them to kick to the corner. At last, the lineout worked, a catch and drive and the Boulder over and Jagger finding his range. (0-7)

As always, teams are said to be their most vulnerable after they have just scored and wave after wave of Saracens forwards driving through the middle, then spun wide. Some desperate last-ditch tackling, Burden going high and earning a yellow. Saracens tails were certainly up and a tap and go saw them over the whitewash. Conversion missed, but a frantic end to very even half.

Half Time score (5 – 7)

The second half saw the introduction of Matt Bailey on for the impressive Henry Oughton. The Saracens kick off not going 10, resulted in an Es' scrum on the halfway. Despite the Es' pack being rearranged, Saracens drove them off their own put in to take one against the head. Saracens number 9 then passed back into his own half for the ball to be kicked to touch and a 50/22 claimed.

Despite protestations and confusion, clearly explained by Chairman Swann from the touchline, the assessor nodded in agreement, but not the referee on the far side of the pitch. Saracens were then held up over the line and Es were awarded a goal line drop out. Fielded by the Saracens number 10, who produced a pinpoint kick pass to his winger, who went over unopposed. (12-7)

As previously said, sides are at their most vulnerable after scoring and from a Saracens scrum following the restart, Tom Cole appeared between Saracens 9 & 10 for a 50 metre solo intercept try! Unconverted. (12-12)

From the restart, both sides general play was beginning to deteriorate, partly from fatigue on Saracens part and frustration on Es, resulting in Boulder leaving the field from a cheap shot and Fergus Blyth returning.

Tobin was making a menace of himself midfield to be chopped by a high tackle (waist high on Skyner) and handbags were drawn! A stern talking to both captains and Es awarded a penalty.

Despite the crowd urging to tap and go Es kicked for touch. At last Es secured their own lineout but judged not straight! Saracens cleared their line but didn't find touch and a Pottsy pop pass to Sam Brewer saw Es make some serious yards up through the middle, only for Saracens to steal and advance up field, Es giving away a kickable penalty in the process. (15-12)

Es restart and at last seem to realise that keeping the ball away from the heavy and tired Saracens pack proved fruitful, but too little too late and despite an attempted penalty from halfway with the final kick of the game, Es had to make do with a losing bonus point.

Next game in a fortnight – North Bristol at home

FINAL SCORE: Bristol Saracens 15 – 12 Old Elizabethans

Spectators Man of the Match: (panel Patty & Oscar): Will Tobin

SCORERS:
Tries: Jack Houlder, Tom Cole
Conversions: Luke Jagger

Full Table and Fixture List below

Report by: David Morgan

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