OAs vs Whitstable
(10th February 2007)

Old Alleynians - 12 [4P: Docherty (2), Sandars (2)]

Whitstable RFC - 18 [2T; 1C, 2P]

The Old Alleynians were cruelly denied a place in the quarter finals of the EDF Energy Junior Vase on Saturday, conceding a converted try in the last minute of normal time. A resolute second half display, despite being reduced to fourteen men for an hour of the game, looked to have secured a memorable win.

Overnight rain and the effects of Wednesday night's snow deemed the first team pitch unplayable, with play moved to the second team pitch, much to the comfort of the supporters. Old Alleynians started strongly against the unbeaten and clear leaders of Kent One, soon establishing a 6-0 lead through two penalties for killing the ball and handling in the ruck, common themes of the afternoon.

Whitstable soon found their stride and reduced the deficit to one point when a penalty kick to the corner was driven over the line by the pack and adjudged to have been grounded. The resultant conversion from wide out was short. Whitstable soon took the lead though when a penalty was awarded for obstruction following a chip and chase by the full back.

With Whitstable in the ascendancy Old Alleynians needed to tighten the game up and obtain territorial possession. A loose ball in the 22 was cleared up by the home side, but their cause was not helped when they were reduced to fourteen men, following an alleged offence at the resultant ruck. With the subsequent penalty successful Whitstable established an 11-6 lead and the signs were looking ominous. This remained the scoreline until half time.

Playing up the slight slope in the second half, Old Alleynians responded in typical fashion with a courageous second half performance. Pressurising Whitstable at every opportunity, and the forwards making in roads in the midfield, penalties were regularly awarded. Two of the penalties that were within range were converted and Old Alleynians regained the lead by a slender point. An eventual sin binning of the influential Whitstable flanker eased the pressure on the Old Alleynians, while mistakes continued to fracture the flow for much of the half.

With five minutes remaining Old Alleynians thwarted a number forward drives and turned the ball over a couple of times and cleared to touch. With play moved to the 22m line Whitstable again drove into the heart of the Old Alleynian pack. A knock on allowed the opportunity for the ball to be cleared again and despite no territorial advantage gained, advantage was deemed over. From another line out drive the ball was eventually moved wide and despite a poor pass the ball bounced up allowing the outside centre to dive over to win the game.

Despite the disappointing conclusion to the game, it was an enjoying spectacle and played in good spirit throughout. Old Alleynians, despite being a man to the disadvantage for the majority of the game, played with superb spirit and commitment, and came so close to progressing in the competition.

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

Subs: Jaanimagi, Yearwood, Ayres, Ross.