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| 24 Feb 2025 | |
| Written by Malcolm Davies | |
| Sports |
A glorious sunny day welcomed Old Es to local rivals Bristol Saracens in the rearranged fixture from January that was postponed due to a frozen pitch.
Special mention: To Adam Skyner and Wil Patterson, both making their 100th appearance for the 1st XV. Congratulations!
1st XV SQUAD: Jack Boulder, Fergus Blyth, Conor McGrath, Adam Skyner, Tom Bendall, Matt Bailey, Liam Bailey, Will Tobin, Wil Patterson, Archie Joslin, Arthur Mills, Alex Potts, Sam Brewer, Ted Bristow, Charlie Collar, Tom Cole, Will Mortimer, Al Lee.
Saracens had come away victors 28-40 in the previous fixture at Hallen in October and have always been a bit of a bogey side for Es. The referee was being assessed, so there were hopes of a clean game and hopefully not too much whistle.
MATCH REPORT:
Es kicked off long, down the slight slope with the breeze at their backs. Saracens unable to gather the kick off, the ball bounced into touch, so an early Saracens lineout and the ref able to put his first stamp on the game, awarding Es a scrum for a not straight throw. A huge drive from the Es’ forwards saw a weighty Saracens pack hurtling backwards and from the melee, Jack Houlder popped over in the corner for a try inside 5 minutes. Archie Joslin, on kicking duty, nailed a touchline conversion to make it a 7 pointer (0-7)
From the restart Es were penalised and Saracens opted for the posts (3-7).
Es turn to restart and again opted to use the wind to kick long, Saracens fumbling and being taken back over their own line for a 5-yard scrum. Another good shove and then Wil ‘Patty’ Patterson went on the loop, popping the ball to Arthur Mills who beat 2 to go over in the right-hand corner. Archie Joslin, starting to showboat his kicking skills with a touchline conversion from the opposite side! (3-14).
10 minutes gone and 2 converted tries to show, the penalty count against Es was beginning to build. In fact, apart from when Es were going over the try line, Saracens had most of the possession. From a penalty, Saracens decide to tap and go, only to be stopped by a huge hit from Liam Bailey, causing the ball to spill, gathered by Sam Brewer to beat 3 before being hauled down. Patty put in a box kick, which was also spilled and gathered by Matt Bailey, who drew the full back, putting Arthur Mills over for his second. Joslin adding the extras (3-21).
There then followed a succession of penalties, where Es tried to attack, but were being penalised for holding on, high tackles or obstruction. Es again on the attack kicked the ball dead and Saracens opted for a long return drop out caught by Charlie Collar, with all 29 players in front of him, decided to jink his way straight through the middle for a superb individual try. Josilin, once again, stepping up (3-28).
There was just enough time left of the half for Es to be penalised a few more times, Tom Bendall to be shown yellow, for collective infringements and Sarries to pick up a consolation try (10-28).
Half Time score (Bristol Saracens 10 - 28 Old Elizabethans).
Matt Bailey and Charlie Collar off, Will Mortimer and Tom Cole on.
As predicted, shenanigans then began, Adam Skyner formally introducing himself in the thick of things, but Es penalised for another series of infringements and Sarries go over again (15-28).
Tom Bendall back on and some order was restored. Skyner showcasing his 100th appearance and marshalling the lineout and Will Mortimore on with fresh legs making ground into the Sarries defence.
Alex Lee on Archie Joslin off.
Sarries on the counter are halted midfield by a kamikaze style tackle from Patty, prompting gasps from the crowd, and Tobin and Patty in the thick of the ensuing discussion. Sarries No.10, getting to the front of the queue and taking a swing at Patty, into thin air. This one was spotted and the Sarries No 10 was shown yellow (for missing?)!
Es kicked for the corner, Skyner continuing to boss the lineout and Tobin looping into the midfield with a strong carry to the Sarries line. Patty needed no further encouragement and was over (15-33).
Teddy now took over the kicking duties and with plenty of coaching from President Cheek, bisected the right upright and corner flag!
Sarries had not given up and their enthusiasm buoyed by Es’ penalty count. The Blue wall was standing firm, but marching back with the penalties. One Es tackle taking out the ref and on their own line Tom Cole was given yellow for a deliberate knock on and Sarries a penalty try (22-33).
And that was the way it finished. A bonus point win, taking us up the table to 5th. Next week, home to St Mary’s, who are in 4th and Es looking to make it 10 wins on the bounce.
FINAL SCORE: Bristol Saracens 22 – 33 Old Elizabethans
SCORERS:
Tries: Jack Houlder, Arthur Mills (2), Charlie Collar, Wil Patterson
Conversions: Archie Joslin (4),
Full League Table and Fixture List below
Report by: David ‘ Morgs ’ Morgan
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