First League match v Old Caterhamians

Match Report: 1st XV match report vs Old Caterhamians (16th Sep)

Full Match Footage: https://app.veo.co/matches/20230916-halleybarians-6c61972c/

In their first league match of the 2023-2024 season, Old Haileyburians faced off against Old Caterhamians RFC at their home ground, Ruxley Lane. The game proved to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the potential of this new-look team.

Throughout the match, Old Haileyburians demonstrated their superiority man for man, leading for the majority of the game. Dominant forward carries from the likes of Jamie Curtis, Josh Sterne and debutant Jonny Parr gave OH the go forward we needed to find ourselves camped in Old Cat's 22. The rattled visitor's ill discipline soon led to a penalty which saw another 1st XV debutant - Dan Blackwell - step up to kick at posts, 3-0 OH. After some great team phase play, Joey Selim joined the party with a barnstorming run, breaking the line and demonstrating great pace before he was pulled down in Old Cat's 22, a quick ruck clear out and pass from Charlie Spilsbury saw Ollie Mann (or "Chicken") score OH's first try of the season. The visitors soon found their rhythm and responded with an unconverted try out side and later converted a penalty kick. OH hustled hard to get back into the visitors 22 - our dominant pack built momentum through grey balls which eventually saw abbrasive hooker and debutant - Jake Cummins - rewarded with a try as he crashed over from a pick & go. With another successful penalty kick, the scores at half time were 18-13 to OH.

However, as the match entered its final quarter, fatigue began to take its toll. Poor discipline in the closing stages allowed Old Caterhamians to claw their way back into the contest, bringing the scores to 18-18 with an unconverted try out wide. OH's three substitutions were unavailable in the latter stages of the match due to injuries & a late yellow card for a high tackle compounded the pressure from a well organised Old Cats team. OH didn't score a point in the second half, we were on the back foot and ended up losing the match 23-18, with a losing bonus point.

Despite these late struggles, there were numerous positives to take away from the performance. The scrum remained solid, the driving maul was dominant, and the backs showed promise, breaking the gainline effectively. The team's fitness level, though needing improvement, is a fixable issue.

Overall, while still learning to understand their strengths and weaknesses, Old Haileyburians showcased immense potential. The journey to cohesion begins anew at Battersea Park tonight, and there's optimism that this team will continue to improve with time together.
MOTM: Joey Selim
DOTD: Harry Clesham (Injured in first 10 mins)
Next week: 1st XV battle it out against old rivals - Law Soceity - at Ruxley Lane in our 2nd League match of the season.