OLD GRAVESENDIANS 0-22 OLD ELTHAMIANS

 

 

On a beautiful bright morning the u13’s stepped up a level to play Old E’s away to test their previously good start and form, we had the chance to play on the carpet like pitch normally reserved for the collage next door.

The grandstand was full to witness a poor mistake ridden first half by Old G’s who were made to pay for some sloppy ball handling & tentative forward play, the home side who were very well drilled and organised scored four tries in the first half but only converted one to lead 22-0, this could have been more if not for a couple of try saving tackles form debutant Sam Button at full back.

 

At the half-time break the coaching staff rallied the troops, and explained they just needed to cut out the silly mistakes relax and enjoy themselves, and be more direct and they will get their reward.

With  Ryan Clarke coming on for the injured Charlie Wilson at scrum-half and Sam Wilson making his Old G’s debut on the wing, the forwards took up the challenge straight away with some good play in the loose and some strong work in the scrum, Old E’s were on the back foot, which gave the Clarke time to feed Ryan , Alistair and Toby good ball to use and they started to make inroads into the oppositions half, Sam at full back started to use his pace and ability at full back with great affect, and with the whole team firing a try looked o the cards, Sam Wiseman went close as did Angus Wakefield having his best half at number eight this year, a deflected clearance form the Old E’s line landed straight into Joe Robinson’s’ hands but even with only 5 metres to go and using his famous side step, we still could not get over the white wash.

 

A penalty was awarded to Old G’s three quarters of the way through and tank ball was called George duly took the ball straight up only to be met full on by the Old E’s dominant no: 12, as George landed he fell onto his neck and head, and laid still, the game was halted at this point due to George deciding he wanted to have a little nap as he said he had done enough for the day, thankfully after the ambulance eventually  turned up and George emptying the gas and air bottle he floated off to the hospital and after a X-ray was given the all clear, although I’m sure he is aching today.

 

I would just like to say thanks to all the team for their great effort and show of character on a very trying and emotional morning, and also to the parents and coaches who helped George.

 

George take it easy and we saved some of the “lovely” spaghetti bolognaise for you so you can warm it up and have it later.

 

 

Paul Robinson