OAs vs Old Wellingtonians
(Away - 4th October 2008)

Old Wellingtonians RFC 34 (17) [5T; 3C; 1P]

Old Alleynians FC 6 (3) [P: Docherty (2)]

New promoted Old Alleynians are quickly realising that life in London 4SW is a significant step up from last season’s outings in the Surrey leagues. Despite a third league defeat this was an encouraging performance against an Old Wellingtonians side that will be competing for the league honours this season.

Opting to play with the wind advantage in the first half Old Wellingtonians started strongly with the Old Alleynians defence under pressure throughout the opening exchanges. The individual skill of the home back line was the main difference between the sides over the course of the afternoon. Two converted tries and a penalty were the reward before Old Alleynians really got into the game. A significant period of pressure late in the first half could have led to a try but the home defence, despite conceding numerous penalties, kept their try line intact. A midfield penalty in the last play of the first half took Old Alleynians into the break 17-3 down having played against the elements.

Old Wellingtonians got off to the best possible start to the second half with an early converted try. Using the wind advantage Old Alleynians were able to gain territorial advantage given the consistent infringements of the home side, who were fortunate to only have one player sin binned during the match. Old Alleynians had a long period of pressure close to the Old Wellingtonians line but the creditable defence held out.

Two further tries sealed the win, again individual efforts from the home backline. This weekend Old Alleynians entertain the early season pace setters, Weybridge Vandals, in a 3pm home kick off.

Team: Woodford, Wisson, Van der Westhuizen, Juuko, Hood, Mahoney, Aitken-Read, Wright, Kent, Spowart, Barnes, Rutteman, Hill, Judge, Docherty.

Subs: Foster, Franklin.