On Saturday we were on the road again on the long trip down to South West London playing top three team Rosslyn Park. We had beaten them 28-0 at home back in December but they are a big, well drilled team with an impressive home record so we knew that this would be another huge challenge. It was a beautiful day down in the capital and they play on an artificial 4G pitch so this was always going to be a fast open game especially against a team who like to run the ball from anywhere. We elected to play with the slight wind in the first half hoping to build a score but it was the home team who scored first with a well worked try after just two minutes. They followed this up seven minutes later with a second after their very skilful fly half chipped the ball through which was collected and ran in from fifty metres to put them 0-12 up within the first ten minutes. Despite this initial setback we looked to play rugby in their half and a quick tap penalty close to their line saw flanker Lewis Bradley crash over for our first score. Fly half Oli Glasse added the conversion and we were now back in the game 7-12 after seventeen minutes. However frustratingly we let them back in just three minutes later for a converted try after sharp hands from their backs which extended their lead to 7-19. We were awarded a penalty shortly after which Oli converted to put us 10-19 down but a well worked line break through the middle of our defence gave them their fourth and bonus point try. They went into the break with a well deserved 10-26 lead and everything to do for the Tigers in the second half. This was not a good first half performance from us as we had created a number of opportunities but were unable to convert them. Our scrum set piece was solid but we lost too many line outs in vital positions. We went into the second half with the belief that we could get back into the game but it was the home side who scored first when their scrum half sniped over after a ruck close to our line. We were now 10-33 down playing catch up with most of the half to go. However a lovely line break from Lewis Bradley from forty metres took play deep into Rosslyn’s half. He off loaded to scrum half Matt Sturgess who went over under the posts. Oli converted and we were now 17-33 behind after 49 minutes. We were now playing some of our best rugby building phases and keeping possession well and another sharp line break on 67 minutes saw flanker Luke Cox go over for our third converted try. We were now back in the game 24-33 going into the last fifteen minutes of the game. However a line out catch and drive from their forwards further extended their lead to 24-40 with ten minutes to go. We pushed hard looking to get the four try losing bonus point but this was not to be as the home team scored another try to give the win 24-45. A very disappointing loss for the players as they had performed really well during the game but need to concentrate for the full eighty minutes especially against the top sides. The effort and commitment as always was excellent from all the players and special mention to flanker Lewis Bradley who scored one and created another. We have two games left of the season and need to finish strongly starting with our home game next Saturday against Darlington Mowden Park. This will be an emotional day for inspirational captain Matt Riley who will be playing his last home game for the club after unbelievable service and over 450 appearances so please come down and make this day special.
Many Thanks, Steve Hazz.
