Old Boys v President's XV

12 December 2005

Match Report Old Boys vs. Presidents XV

Saturday 10th December 2005

A gallant performance by the Old Boys wasn't quite enough to grasp victory in this year's episode of the annual encounter. Having led for large parts of the game, the Old Boys were undone by an interception and 70m dash two minutes from time, which allowed the President's side to win by 17 points to 10.

Despite their lack of pre-match training the Old Boys started brightly, demonstrating power up front & the willingness to move the ball quickly behind the pack. Halfbacks Phillips & Wylde broke the gain line frequently & the power of Russell & Edwards in the centre made it difficult for the President's side to defend. Often it was only the misplaced final pass out to Chambers or young Dave on the wings that prevented significant yards being gained. Although the line-out was less effective at first, the Old Boys gradually found their rhythm, and their jumpers, and the 0-0 scoreline at half-time was a fair representation of possession & territory from the first 40(ish) minutes.

The Old Boys, encouraged by their first half performance, and regardless of their general fatigue, were the first to score after the break. The ball broke down the left & young Dave hacked on twice, rounding his opposite number to get the ball over the line. Matt Martin, following up from Full-back was first to the ball & grounded it to make the score 0-5. Although this advantage was soon cancelled by the effort of the Presidents XV pack at the other end, the Old Boys were undaunted and retook the lead through another Martin score. This time it was power rather than pace that saw Martin to the line, as he took two defenders with him. Again the President's side struck back and with three minutes to go the score was tied at 10-10. From the kick-off Ford secured good possession for the Old Boys & the ball was worked into the Presidents22. A turnover & subsequent knock-on led to an Old Boys scrummage on the 5m line and hopes were high for a last-gasp Old Boys score. However, despite winning the ball up-front, a stray pass from the attacking side led to an interception and charge up field by the all President's men, and a try under the posts secured the victory.

Thanks to the Old Boys for a huge effort:

Chris Proth for a timeless performance,
Jem Porteus for organising the pack & leading by example,
Andy Halks & Big Adam for turning back the clock & ignoring the fact that several years have elapsed since they played their last games,
Jem Fincher for putting his body on the line again & again (perhaps the effort can be shared amongst more Finchers next year?),
Fordy, for putting in a Moody-esque performance under the highball & kick-offs,
Hoppy Phillips & Rich Wylde for running the show out back, and
Si Russell & Max Edwards for putting in the hard yards in the centre,
Matt Martin & Rob Chambers for a huge attacking & defensive effort, despite turning up to play '10 minutes' (Matt I have received your medical expenses claim form & retirement notice. Both are in the bin)
And finally, to the two youngsters, Luke & Dave who stepped in at the last minute. One day, you'll look like us.

As I said after the game - if everyone who played this year can find one other for next December, I think we can finally win one of these (and you only have to play half the game!)

Thanks Moff for your help & hospitality.
Happy Christmas all,
Breakers

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