1st XV v St Albans (A)
47 v 6 (L)
We knew from the first kick off that this was going to be a long day. Not 10 metres, scrum, first phase ball out to the right winger who rounded under the posts for a converted try. A series of missed tackles in the centre and some naivety in attack led to too many turnovers in dangerous areas which a well-drilled opposition were only too happy to exploit. St Albans have recently returned from a successful tour which no doubt made a difference in organisation and competitiveness. Sambrook managed to kick two penalties, one in each half, which helped slow down play and give the scoreboard a little respectability. Hard sessions and returning injuries should help alleviate some of the angst.
Penalties - Sambrook x 2
1st XV v St Paul's (A)
33 v 14 (L)
A better performance against a better side. Early mistakes, including missed tackles allowed St Paul's to take a 15 point lead but the final try tally of 4 v 2 and the second half score of 18 v 14 to our opponents demonstrated our improved commitment to the cause and a more tactical and sensible game plan. Still more work to do, but 'hope springs eternal'.
Tries - Wiggill, Diplock
Conversions - Sambrook x 2
First XV v University College School (H)
34 v 0 (W)
A game of two halves and in the end a confidence builder for the rest of the season.
We failed to use the slope and the ball successfully in the first half and, as a result, turned around only 5 v 0 up after a try by Max Richardson.
After a few calming words at half time we started to build a momentum through possession and phase play which led to some excellent scores in the last 20 minutes. The Woodward mantra of T'CUP - Thinking calmly under pressure - was the key to the victory. More to work on this week in training but many positives including general fitness (morning weights sessions helping here), scrummaging, improved lineout and defence in the three quarters.
Tries
Max Richardson x 3
Ed Roberts x 2
Ross Wilson x 1
Conversions
Tom Sambrook x 2
First XV v Bishop's Stortford College
12 v 0 (L)
(4 penalties - 2 in each half)
An improving side failed to finish things off after good breaks in the centres and powerful drives in the forwards led to a few good chances in each half. I cannot fault the commitment or will to win but, once again, we were found wanting that little bit of extra quality that could have secured a victory. Looking back at our last two reports of victories over Stortford it was our wide men and kicking from hand and for goal from fly half that made the difference. We were sadly lacking in both these areas and Stortford had strength here. Nevertheless, we ended the game in high spirits knowing that we had all given our best.
