Old Elizabethans 1st XV v Southmead RFC 1st XV
21st September 2024

A sense of nervousness and uncertainty washed about after the defeat away to Dings ll and so this Saturday was a chance for Es to get their season back on track with a home match vs newly promoted Southmead RFC.

1st XV SQUAD: James Brooke, Fergus Blythe, Toby Wilcox, George Burnie, George Hollingbury, Tobias Burden, Kiran Wright, Will Tobin, Ollie Lunt, Ned Lockwood, Alex Potts, Alex CS, Rhys Sweet, Kit Douel, Dom Swann, Andy Adams, Rob Munro.

MATCH REPORT:
Old Elizabethans welcomed The Mead to Fortress Hallen, for what has historically been a spicy contest. Es were in need of a morale boosting win, after last week’s mis match against Level 3 opposition. Es fielded a young side, with several regulars playing out of position, due to injuries and unavailability.

Es kicked off, on a balmy still afternoon, in front of a good sized crowd, as would be expected in a local derby. Es regained possession and good field position after some forceful carries, scrum half Ollie Lunt broke away from the maul, dummied the full back to cruise over for the first score, in the 4th minute, (5-0).

The Mead responded, forcing Es to concede a penalty in front of the posts, which was converted, (5-3).

Pressure from The Mead won them an attacking lineout on the Es’ 5 metre line, from the catch and drive, they won the arm wrestle to maul over and take the lead, in the 15th minute (5-8).

From an attacking maul in midfield, prop Toby Willcox was upended in an illegal tackle, the ref, who was being assessed, duly followed the letter of the law, red carding the perpetrator, so The Mead down to 14 men, in the 22nd minute.

Wilcox left the field to be replaced by popular local Scouser Andy Adams. Es kicked the penalty to the corner, from the lineout, Es took control, with No 8 Will Tobin blasting over the whitewash, (10-8).

From the restart, lively flanker Kieron Wright made good ground, more interpassing found Ollie Lunt in support to touch down for a 7 pointer, Monty Nash nailing the conversion, (17-8).

Next, a Mead clearing kick was fielded by fullback Kit Doul who set off on a mazy run, breaking tackles and gassing the Mead defence for another 7 pointer, (24-8).

A deft inside pass, on half way, from centre Alex Potts, released prop James Brooke, the field opened up and it was a clear foot race to the line. Despite shouts of encouragement from the Es faithful, there was only to be one outcome, Brooksy caught from behind 15 meters out. Nonetheless, The Mead conceded a penalty, kicked to the corner. Again, Ollie Lunt went over from close range for a 7 pointer. (31-8).

The ref blew for half time and Es’ supporters were relaxed and confident, expecting more expansive entertaining open play and further tries. They got it, in the second half, however it was from The Mead.

Half Time Score (31-8)

Southmead kicked off the second half and they worked up field, after some slack Es’ defence, scoring from close range, in the 56 minute (31-15).

Unlike previous encounters that were more forward slug fests, The Mead backs ran well, good passing and support led to a fine try out wide, their kicker nailing a difficult conversion, (31-22).

The momentum had now shifted to The Mead. Es were taking heavy fire on their own line, eventually conceding again, with another good conversion from the touchline, (31-29).

The Es’ supporters were anxiously asking how long left, could Es hang on against the fired up 14 from The Mead? Es gave away a kickable penalty on their 10m line, that could put The Mead into a winning position. A hush descended on the crowd, however the kick drifted wide, in the 77th minute.

From the restart Es charged downfield to set up a ruck on the Mead 22, skipper George Burnie broke off, rounding the Mead full back to score a desperately needed 7 pointer, (38-29), settling some nerves amongst the spectators.

The last play was a Mead penalty, successfully converted to give the visitors a well-deserved two bonus points, final score (38-32). Despite the red card, the game was played in good spirit.

The positives were a 5 point win for Es, however Es need to look at their game management, and should have closed down the game at 31-8. There were some great tackles, and some poor tackling that almost cost the game. Some great individual performances from the new youngsters coming into senior rugby. For Ollie Lunt, his very first game of senior rugby was last week’s mauling by Dings, so great to see him return with a three try haul. Both wingers, Ned Lockwood and Rhys Sweet looked dangerous in possession. George Hollingberry put in a good shift in the engine room. Other sides will be envious of our youth. Nonetheless, Es need to get the basics right, look after the ball, first up tackles, and play in the right areas of the pitch.

Next week is an away trip to the Forest of Dean, where Es take on Bream, who have always provided a good test. Get in your car, get across the bridge and support our boys, C’mon Es!

FINAL SCORE: Old Elizabethans 38 – 32 Southmead

Man of the Match: Many put up their hands for Man of the Match, Tobin, with his trademark belligerent runs, caused problems all afternoon for the Mead defence. Brooksy was outstanding in the loose and solid in the lineout, finding his jumper with accurate throws. Lunt for three well taken tries, Kit, solid under the high ball. For a tireless all round committed display, lineout work, carries and the match sealing try, George Burnie gets the Man of the Match award.

SCORERS:
Tries: Ollie Lunt (3), Will Tobin, Kit Doul, George Burnie
Conversions: Monty Nash (4)

Full Table and Fixture List below

Report by: Andy Tobin

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