Old Ashmoleans RFC
To aid the memory of Matthew Jarvis!
Old Ashmolians 2 29 : Southgate 10
A wet and cold Saturday morning provided the backdrop for this local derby between Southgate and Ashmolians. The game started at a very fast pace with the Ashmoians’ no. 10 scoring a fantastic solo try 5 mins in soon to be followed by another soon after. Half way through the first half Southgate found themselves three tries to nil down and once again facing an uphill struggle. At this point Southgate finally started to dig in and begun to gain a foothold in the game. Towards the end of the half Southgate no. 12 Kieran Spence went on a trademark pacy bulldozing run and when he was finally stopped before the line he was well supported by the back row to secure the ball from which Kier forced his way over the try line to bring Southgate back into the game with a bang.
Shortly after this, when Southgate were once again threatening the opposing defence, winger Brian Winters received the ball out wide with a wall of Ashmolian defenders in front of him. He calmly chipped the ball over the on rushing defence and tapped the ball down behind the try line for an excellent try.
Southgate came storming out of the blocks in the 2nd half and were once again on top but failed to make this pressure count and it did not impact on the score board and due to some weak tackling in their own third of the pitch Southgate conceded a further two tries. Southgate could be disappointed with constant loss of good field position due to silly turnovers and failed set pieces throughout the half. Southgate suffered several injuries during the game most notably Kier who was battling through the pain barrier to even start the game, Jarvis who suffered a concussion and several other knocks. One highlights of the 2nd half was a break away from Tom Hampshire with Colin in support but unfortunately subsequent pass did not go to hand and the move broke down.
Highlights of the Game
- Kieran continuing his excellent tackling at 12
- Matt Byrant’s perfect kick offs which gave the forwards time to pressure the ball
- Matt Jarvis thinking it was March!
Quote of the day
“I’m fine to drive home…...as long as somebody will help me find where I parked my car.” – Matt Jarvis (2012)
Line up
- Mikey
- Jack Stapleton
- Stav
- Ollie
- Tim Miall
- Callum Oakley
- Matt Jarvis
- Kier McFadden
- Colin Lysaght
- Matt Bryant
- Mikey
- Kieran Spence
- Tom Hampshire
- Brian Winters
- Shane Langan
- Richie
- Aaron Langan
- Daisy
- Craig
Scorers
- Brian – 5pts
- Kier – 5pts
Southgate 17 Old Ashmoleans 42
Southgate started the game well with lots of pressure and being held up over the line twice in the early stages, but small errors kept them from scoring. In fact Ashmoles eventually open the scoring from a Southgate error. Even though Southgate have dominance in the set pieces errors see them continually conceed ground and two more tries. Just before half time Southgate turn over an Ashmole defensive 5m scrum and Taff scores. Just after half time sees good Southgate pressure for Taff to score again but he can't convert. Ashmole come back and score from a 5m penalty after pressure on the Southgate line. Great take at a line out and drive by Southagte then sees Brian make a break when Ashmole push up too quick off side, Taff in support takes the pass and scores. Shane has his conversion charged down. Ashmole pressure the Southgate line again to get the final try of the game.