Ocs 2s vs Bromley 2s match report
Saturday 21st September saw the 2XV take on Bromley. With a strong lineup put out, the 2s were eager to bounce back from 2 defeats on the trot against foots cray and kings college. The weather was lovely and the occasion was set for the second xv to get some points on the road.
The game kicked off at 3pm, Old Colfeians keen to learn from the mistakes of last week and have a fast start. Unfortunately this would not be the case. Due to some miscommunication by OC’s forwards, Bromley have a scrum inside Old Colfeians 22. The 8 picks to the right and puts the Bromley scrum half in a hole; he then proceeds to run it over the line. The home side take the lead within the first minute of the game. Crucially, the Bromley kicker was unable to convert the 2 points.
After our kick off, Bromley attack a broken field and get in behind, fortunately fullback Freddie Oliver is able to make a tackle in the corner to prevent another try being scored. Unfortunately Bromley are able to capitalise on the poor handling of OC’s on their 5 metre line and get another 7 points on the board.
Things look promising for the away side as they manage to shift the ball wide from a lineout in their own 22, giving centre jack nagel the opportunity to cause problems. Getting into the opposition 22. Further handling issues cause problems and a fly hack from Bromley fly half looks to be another dent in the score line, however Atkins brothers chase back managing to dislodge the ball and dot it down for a goal line drop out. Yes, you guessed it, more unforced errors see Bromley have a scrum on the 5 metre line and the forwards were able to get over the line for a third time. 17-0 down, a demoralised Old Colfeians team were at each others throats, Coach Keith Powell came on and essentially turned the game around with his powerful words.
The fight back had now started, Bromley seemed unable to win a single of their own line outs due to the likes of Matt Walker, causing many problems for the Bromley set piece. OC’s luck had shifted as Bromley kicker also seemed unable to make touch from any penalties.
Shifting the ball wide from a scrum, Freddie Oliver is able to run between the 22s. Quick play from the ruck and some great footwork allows Jack Nagel to get one back for the away side just before the break. A ten point game, the boys know they can get a good result from this.
From the kick off, Bromley play a few phases and decide to exit. Unfortunately for them, scrum half Leon Atkins is able to take the ball back into Bromley 22. A good break from Matt Walker sees the side within 5 metres of the line. A quick pickup off the base of the ruck from Bill Ramdhan puts OC’s within 3 points as fly half David Edwards converts the extra 2.
Bromley continue to struggle as the away side disrupt pretty much every single line out. Further attacks occur however OC’s are unable to get on the scoresheet.
With 15 minutes to go OC’s get a penalty on the 22, kicking to corner allowing the pack to drive towards the line, after many strong carries from the likes of Bill and Reuben, skipper Frank Blythe dives over the line, putting the away side ahead with ten minutes to go.
Keen to secure the victory and a bonus point in the last ten minutes of the game, OC’s forwards carry towards the line with intent. Unfortunately they are held up over the line giving Bromley a chance to gain some territory from a goal line drop out. Due to some ill discipline such as high tackles and offsides, OC’s 2s find themselves on full defensive mode to protect their 2 point lead. In the last minutes of the game, Bromley have a promising attack, getting within 5 metres of the line. With the clock in the red a Bromley forward attempts to put the ball over the line and give his team the victory, however 17 year old Ed Berry has other plans, getting both arms underneath the ball, he prevents the Bromley player from scoring and the Colfeians are victorious.
With a young team, the future looks bright. The team head back down to Horn Park after the game to attend the club quiz organised by skipper Frank Blythe. All support is appreciated as always and we look forward to this coming Saturday against Cliffe Crusaders at home.
Motm: Matt Walker
Leon Atkins
