OAs vs Petersfield RFC
(Home - 13th September 2008)

Old Alleynian FC: 31 (12) [T: Ayres, Aitken-Read, Wisson, Barnes, Docherty; C: Docherty (3)]

Petersfield RFC: 19 (12) [3T; 2C]

Newly promoted Old Alleynians first outing in London 4 South West was successful on Saturday in overcoming a stubborn Petersfield side. In excellent conditions for running rugby Old Alleynians notched up five tries to continue their good start to the season.

Playing into the slight elements in the first half Old Alleynians started strongly and it was soon evident that space was being afforded to the home backline when quick ball was made available. It was full back Ayres who opened the scoring when a number of dummies opened up the defence out wide and provided the gap to the try line.

Despite the Petersfield fly half missing a penalty in front of the posts, Old Alleynians were soon brought back level when a favourable bounce from a chip ahead allowed the full back to collect and provide the offload for the equalising score. Rocked by the score Old Alleynians soon resumed the lead when Aitken-Read, the stand out loose forward, dislodged the ball in a tackle to collect and beat the three covering defenders to score in the left hand corner.

Whether it was an element of early season rustiness or not, Old Alleynians soon let Petersfield back into the match by squandering set piece possession in their 22 and conceded a try to the left of the posts to bring the scoreline level at the interval.

The second half continued to be a tight affair due to the lack of continuity in the Old Alleynians play and a lack of set piece stability. When the rhythm was found then scoring opportunities readily presented themselves and it was Wisson who took the opportunity to extend the lead, crashing over from 5m out. From the kick off Old Alleynians gifted Petersfield a further try when a number of errors in the home 22 allowed the scoreline to be brought back level.

The final fifteen minutes saw an improvement in the Old Alleynian performance with quick ball providing the space to allow a sweeping touchline to touchline move that saw Barnes finish well in the corner. Petersfield were also picking up the pace of the game but the Old Alleynian defence was up to the task. In the final play of the match Docherty scored to the left of the posts from short range to round off an opening league win.

This Saturday Old Alleynians face a stern away test at Trojans where an improved performance will be needed if the 100% start to the season is to be maintained.

Team: Woodford, Franklin, Van der Westhuizen, Juuko, Thomas, Wisson, Aitken-Read, Wright, Kent, Docherty, Mead, Spowart, Hill, Tullo, Ayres.

Subs: Barnes, Martin, Topham