OAs vs Old Freemens
(26th January 2008)

Old Alleynian RFC 25 (13) [T: Mead (2), Ayres, Woodford; C: Docherty; P: Docherty]

Old Freemens RFC 10 (5) [2T]

Old Alleynians recorded another comfortable home victory on Saturday against a hard working Old Freemen’s side.

Old Alleynians had the dream start within a couple of minutes, a clean line out win on half way saw Docherty run unopposed straight through the middle of the Old Freemen back line, before releasing Rutteman who fed Mead to score in the left corner. The early score was soon wiped out as this time the Old Alleynian defence was lacklustre and failure to set up clean ball from the restart led to a turnover. From the resultant scrum a missed tackle out wide allowed the full back to score.

Old Alleynians soon regained the lead with a penalty for offside, but with Old Freemen’s opting for the elements in the first half they struggled to maintain any real territorial advantage. A number of penalties were awarded in their favour and the decisions to kick for goal from difficult angles went unrewarded several times.

Towards the end of the half Mead clocked up his twelfth try of the season, when a break down the right touchline saw Rutteman tap tackled just short and from the resultant ruck the ball was spun wide for a try in the opposite corner.

With the wind advantage in the second half, Old Alleynians lifted the intensity and started to produce quicker ball. Ayres was soon on the score sheet when he was on hand to end another free flowing move to score in the left corner. With Old Alleynians dominating possession and territory the game was made safe when a stampeding Woodford run was driven over under the posts for a converted try.

To their credit Old Freemen’s continued to compete all round the pitch, making life difficult and did eventually make a couple of line breaks. Although they never regularly threatened the try line, they were rewarded when they went over towards the end, with the referee adjudging the ball was grounded.

A second league win for Old Alleynians in 2008 maintained their second place standing in Surrey One as they look forward to the tougher challenges that February will undoubtedly bring. Next up is Croydon at home this Saturday, 1.30pm kick off, ahead of England’s opening Six Nations match that will be shown in the clubhouse.

Team: Woodford, Franklin, Wisson, Richardson, Thomas, Mahoney, Hartley, Wright, Kent, Docherty, Waugh, Rutteman, Sandars, Mead, Ayres.
Subs: Juuko, Van der Westhuizen, Wood.