A&C v OE - First meet, great contest

A surprisingly warm September day at Weedon Lane greeted the first meeting between A&C and Old Elthamians, our visitors from Kent who came with A and B teams.

Our B’s took to the field first with a side that needed a little re-arranging following some late injury withdrawals, but this certainly didn’t show as they started the game with very positive intent.

A&C followed up their kick off to pen Old E in their 22 and the pressure told as quickly recycled ball saw the first try scored after five minutes by Devon who also converted.

With a quick riposte, Old E then did the same to us and though they were initially pushed back, some strong running by their very effective centre resulted in a try on ten minutes. The centre proved to be a strong adversary as he was involved in a followup try a few minutes later to take Old E into the lead. To nullify him, George O’K came on to chaperone.

A&C showed their mettle and resolve in winning good ruck ball and moving it well through the back line. Good strong running by the likes of Tommy Deane and Jack Gurney laid waste to the Old E defence several times and eventually crossed the gain line for Tommy to score on 14 minutes.

Not to be outdone Old E scored again on 17 minutes to keep the game interesting. Better for us though was James L crashing over the line supported by his team mates at the end of a well executed rolling maul.

Again some good back play saw A&C score just before half time as Devon twinkled his dancing feet to touch down for his second score.

HT A&C B 22 -15 Old E B

Playing the second half with the notorious Vets slope in their favour A&C took full advantage of the terrain, which eventually sapped the energy of their opponents. That said, the continuity and movement of the A&C game was to be applauded as they played much of this period in their opponents half moving the ball wide whenever possible.

Pressure paid off and George O’Keefe took a good attacking line through the opposing centers to touch down. Devon converted.

Not out of it yet, Old E put together a good passage of play and scored again to reduce the margin to 9 points, but another fine movement sent the ball into the hands of George Hiscock who lit the afterburners and sprinted down the left wing to score in the corner.

Final score A&C B 34 – Old E B 20.