OAs vs Croydon
(2nd February 2008)

Old Alleynians FC 7 (0) [T: Mahoney; C: Docherty]

Croydon RFC 12 (12) [2T; 1C]

In a game of two halves, but distinctively different from events at Twickenham later that afternoon, Croydon came away from Dulwich on Saturday with a narrow victory, their first in the league against Old Alleynians in the last five meetings between the sides.

With the usual strong downfield wind in evidence, Croydon opted for first use of the elements and kicked off. The kick off barely made it past the half way line and provided Old Alleynians with an immediate attacking opportunity. Wright picked up from the base and made good ground into the Croydon half. A succession of phases took play into the Croydon 22 but Old Alleynians could not put points on the board.

The first half was a tight affair throughout with Croydon looking to use their forwards to break the deadlock. A missed touch clearance provided broken ball for Croydon and a probable try from a clever chip into the corner was averted by Docherty, albeit then spending a rightful ten minutes in the sin bin. Old Alleynians defended the first close range line out and turned the ball over. Croydon were soon back in the Old Alleynian 22 and a missed tackle in midfield allowed the outside centre to score under the posts.

Despite being down to fourteen men Old Alleynians kept their try line in tact throughout the rest of the sin bin period but just before half time a further rolling maul was driven over and Croydon took a first half lead of 12-0.

With the wind advantage in the second half Old Alleynians put in a spirited performance and the deficit was reduced to five points when a Croydon scrum buckled on their own line, with the alert Mahoney getting to the loose ball first to score under the posts.

With plenty of time remaining, the game was in the balance. Old Alleynians pack was in the ascendancy and dominating territory, but a combination of strong Croydon defence and a lack of clinical finishing, despite a few chances, meant the scoreline remained unchanged for the rest of the game. A disappointing result but Old Alleynians will aim to bounce back this weekend when they travel to Old Caterhamians with a full strength side.

Team: Woodford, Stevenson, Wisson, Martin, Pethybridge, Mahoney, Hartley, Wright, Kent, Docherty, Barnes, Rutteman, Boyle, Beaumont, Foster.

Subs: Jaanimagi, Juuko, Kislingbury.