Old Elizabethans 1st XV v Frampton Cotterell 1st XV
7th September 2024

Having got the better of Frampton in the last four games against them, could we do it again?

Last 4 meetings:
Apr 24 OEs 27 Frampton 12
Sep 23 Frampton 19 OEs 26
Jan 23 Frampton 23 OEs 24
Oct 22 OEs 28 Frampton 26

1st XV SQUAD: 1.Tom Brewer 2. Fergus Blyth 3. Greg Foord 4. Dougal Broom 5. Tom Bendall 6. G Burnie© 7. Fred Thefault 8. Will Mortimore 9. Tom Cole 10. Monty Nash 11. Kit Douel 12. Scott Tomlins 13. Ted Bristow 14. Arthur Mills 15. Will Monro 16. Matt Bailey 17. Tobias Burden 18. Liam Bailey

MATCH REPORT:
A near capacity crowd at the Fortress for the start of the 2024/25 season. With the old 3rd team pitch full (of cars) there was standing (room) only! Frampton must have been deserted as they packed the far touchline.

This was a huge opener for the 2024/25 league campaign with local rivals Frampton Cottrell. With the 2022/23 fixtures being the most nail biting with the October game being won with a last kick of the game conversion by Luke Jagger to win and the January game Frampton missing a last kick of the game penalty to lose!

Es kick off, straight into touch, so early scrum practice on the halfway. The Frampton scrumhalf attempting the first box kick of the game for Es’ captain, George Burnie, to successfully charge down. Frampton scrabbled to regather and the ref made his intentions clear, penalising Frampton for holding on. Taken quickly and popped to Fred Thefault, who galloped up the middle and Frampton penalised again for holding on. Es opt for an early shot at goal to calm the nerves. With last season’s regular kicker (and top points scorer), Sam Hygate, off to uni, Ted Bristow duly stepped up (3-0).

Frampton restart and Es begin a series of close quarter sniping attacks. Burnie again on the rampage bursting into a gap and Frampton going off their feet attempting the jackal and receiving a yellow card in the process. Ted Bristow again successful with the resulting penalty. (6-0).

The Burnie show resumed from the restart with Frampton kicking straight to him. The referee getting caught in the middle on the receiving end of a clash of heads (not low enough, no mitigation, should have carded himself)! Play was halted, both teams welcoming a breather and some water.

Frampton’s defence was holding strong, withstanding constant Es’ attacks, their confidence in their own ability beginning to grow. Ted Bristow then left the pitch after putting in a hefty tackle but dislocating his shoulder in the process. Tobias Burden on.

It was then Frampton’s turn to string together a series of attacks and the referee continued his consistency, penalising Morti for not separating. As mentioned, Frampton’s confidence was growing, and they turned down a kickable penalty opting to kick for touch.

Es contested the 5-metre lineout, with Dougal Broom stealing Frampton’s throw, but were deemed to have dragged the lineout down and Frampton again kicked for touch. Dougal again interferes (legally) and Frampton knock on. Es spin wide from the scrum and clear to the far touchline.

Half Time Score (6-0)

Frampton start the 2nd half, copying Es and kicking the ball straight into touch. Es launch an attack from the scrum with Arthur Mills breaking clear but dragged down short allowing Frampton to counter into Es half. Although Es retreated in numbers, the referee was sharp with the no separation and awarded Frampton a penalty. Once again, in a game of 2 successful penalties the difference, Frampton opted to kick for touch.

Bailey on, Fergson off.

For fear of being repetitive, Dougal stole the lineout and awarded a penalty, Frampton marched back 10 for back chat. The kick failed to find touch allowing Frampton to counter, this time with added vigour through the heart of Es midfield, opening up Es defence and Scott Tomlin’s head in the process.

Liam Bailey on and a backline reshuffle.

Frampton moved within 5 yards of the Es’ line and Es thought they had secured a turnover, but illegally. A quick tap and go and Tobias took one for the team and flattened his man, but earning a yellow. Tap and go for a second time and Frampton were in under the posts with their first score of the game and to take the lead with 12 minutes remaining (6-7).

Es opt for the long restart and chase, forcing a goal line drop out, which Frampton kicked straight into touch. Es now had their tails up and repeated charges from Bendall, Burnie and Morti forced Frampton offside and a shot at goal. Could history be repeating itself? With Scott in the queue at A&E, Monty Nash stepped up and slotted the 3 (9-7).

2 minutes to go, Es just have to secure their own ball, but Frampton win a penalty on Es’ 10-yard line and, with the last kick of the game, Frampton Cotterell win! (9-10).

I suppose history did repeat itself but this time in Frampton’s favour!

FINAL SCORE: Old Elizabethans 9 – 10 Frampton Cotterell

SCORERS:
Penalties: Ted Bristow (2), Monty Nash

Full Table and Fixture List below

Report by: David ‘Morgs’ Morgan

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