47-14 down, OH 2nd XV succumb to a strong Old Hamptonians

Kicking off 10 minutes late due to Old Hamptonians waiting on several of their team (and teachers of the school) coming from coaching in the morning, a longer than normal warm-up made the start a little disjointed, but a strong effort was put in.

It was clear from the start OH were in for a tough day against their experienced pack and speedy backs, and at half-time found ourselves with a small mountain to climb to get back into the match, going down 24-nil down.

Some great first half efforts from new boys Sam Hyne and last-minute call-up Benji, and amazing efforts from Ross and Ben Lawrence who stepped up to play in front row, despite being a 6 and 9 usually for the side, respectively.

The OH worked hard in the first 10 minutes and started to breakdown Old Hamptonians, but some slick back-line moves and a failure not to cover quick enough allowed them to score two more tries.

OH at this point could have thrown in the towel and starred a 50+ point beating down the barrel, but to their credit everyone lifted and pulled back to fantastic team tries.

The first was set up by Ben Lawrence who expertly marshalled the troops when he moved to 9 in the second half and kept the intensity high with some great phase play, which was finished off by the self-confessed 'Peacock' Phil Stinson.

The second try was set up big a field kick from the skip who stood in for Alex Clementson at 12 for the week, and brilliantly chased down by Hayden who cleared out their fullback, allowing Aussie Tim to collect the ball and take it a couple metres before off-loading to Phil who streamed through under the posts.

A great fightback by the boys, and with a lot of people away and returning over the next two games, there were still plenty of positives for 2nd XV. Some great busts by Rory, Ross, Aussie Tim and Harry had the boys unlucky not to get more points.

Big well-done to Benji, Chris, and Sam for terrific debuts, and it was great to welcome back a couple faces too with Eochy (played 1s round 1) and Robbie Stinson playing their first game for the twos this season.

Next week the 2nd XV has another big match-up with Reeds Weybridge in what should be a close encounter.

MOM - A brilliant effort, with some huge tackles and busting runs, Rosco had a terrific day playing out of position at prop. Well done to Benji and Ben Lawrence who had great games, and the Peacock for his two tries.

DOTD - It was a self-nomination for the Skip, for telling the opposition 7 shortly before half-time he could say what he likes to the ref because he's the skip when told to shut up, before being torn to shreds by the ref for thinking he can say what he likes.

Result: 47 - 14 Loss