OAs vs Old Wellingtonians
(3rd February 2007)

Old Alleynians - 16 [1T: Sandars; C: Docherty; 3P: Docherty]

Old Wellingtonians - 15 [3T]

Old Alleynians secured a major scalp on Saturday by inflicting the first league defeat on Old Wellingtonians, the Surrey One league leaders. Despite suffering a 58-0 thrashing in the reverse fixture back in October, Old Alleynians took to the field full of confidence in excellent conditions.

Old Alleynians opened the scoring with a converted try after Sandars, making a welcomed return after injury, took a short offload to score unopposed. The lead was soon cut to two when Old Wellingtonians scored out wide in the left corner, following a turnover in midfield. Undeterred Old Alleynians increased the lead to 10-5 with a penalty from in front of the posts for killing the ball at a ruck.

On the stroke of half time, despite having been on the back foot for much of the half, Old Wellingtonians drew level driving over a rolling maul in the corner. Shortly after the interval, the try count extended to 3-1 in favour of Old Wellingtonians, when another forward drive from the lineout caught Old Alleynians on the back foot.

With the wind at their backs, Old Alleynians responded by kicking for field position. Concerted pressure led to a number of penalties for killing the ball before Woodford was held up over the line. From the resultant scrum play was taken to in front of the posts, where a further penalty was awarded. Old Alleynians opted for the three points and reduced the arrears to two points.

With the game in the balance, Old Alleynians again found themselves camped in the Old Wellingtonians 22, an eventual sin-binning for persistent infringement taking play up field. Following a number of phases stretching across the pitch, Old Alleynians were awarded a penalty 15m in from the left touchline. The kick was successful and proved to be the final score of the game. Old Alleynians managed to hold out in the final few minutes, despite a long range Old Wellingtonians penalty falling short and wide.

Old Alleynians return to Cup action this weekend, entertaining Kent One leaders Whitstable in the last 16 of the EDF Energy Junior Vase. All support will be most welcome for this eagerly anticipated encounter where a place in the quarter finals is at stake.

Team: Woodford, Topham, Yearwood, Juuko, Thomas, Attlee, Mahoney, Harding, Kent, Docherty, Mead, Rutteman, Sandars, McElduff, Wood.

Subs: Jaanimagi, Vale, Ayres.

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