OAs vs Sandown & Shanklin
(Away - 26th April 2008)

Sandown & Shanklin RFC - 15 (8)    [2T; 1C; 1P]

Old Alleynians FC - 16 (6)    [T: Aitken-Read; C: Docherty; P: Docherty (3)]

Old Alleynians returned to the London Leagues on Saturday after a spirited comeback against Hampshire One runners-up Sandown & Shanklin of the Isle of Wight. Trailing for much of the game ten unanswered points in the closing twenty minutes saw Old Alleynians through in a close encounter which could have gone either way.

Old Alleynians started well and soon opened the scoring when the second of two penalty attempts was converted. Repeated first half infringement at the tackle area prevented the quick ball the Old Alleynian backs desired. Sandown & Shanklin soon kicked a penalty of their own and their dominance in the scrummage was evident all afternoon.

The excellent referee’s patience ended shortly afterwards when he dispatched the home Number 8 to the sin bin, the victim of a continued penalty count. In this time Sandown & Shanklin took the lead, somewhat fortuitously, when a loose pass was intercepted and the home winger beat the covering defence to score in the left corner.

Old Alleynians continued to meet the Sandown & Shanklin ball carriers head on with Hartley and Wisson leading the aggressive defence. Despite the struggle up front the Old Alleynian line out functioned well providing clean ball to generate territory. Just before half time the deficit was reduced to 8-6 with a penalty and Old Alleynians turned around playing up the slight slope, in otherwise glorious conditions.

The second half was a tight affair with the differing game plans of each side evident. It took a rare free-flowing backs move to open up the Old Alleynian defence. A number of offloads took play into the 22 before a neat offload allowed the home winger to score in the corner. With the touchline conversion successful, Old Alleynians were up against it with twenty minutes remaining.

Old Alleynians were struggling to find territory before a moment of magic from Aitken-Read brought the visitors back into the game. The home centre made a half break inside but there he met Aitken-Read who robbed the ball in the tackle and sauntered in unopposed from half way. With the conversion successful the game was in the balance.

Both defences continued to hold strong before the final few minutes defined the game. Old Alleynians were awarded a penalty 30m out and the successful kick gave the visitors from Surrey One a slender one point lead. Looking to run the clock down Old Alleynians gathered the kick off and took play up to half way. Needing just to retain the ball for the final minute, Old Alleynians were turned over and the ball was spread wide and a maul ensued down the left touchline. A penalty was awarded for coming in at the side, and despite the scrum half tapping and going, the referee adjudged the Old Alleynian defence to not have retreated 10m.

With no time for the line out the penalty kick would decide the game. The kick was pulled to the left of the posts and Old Alleynians returned to the London Leagues.

Many thanks to all the spectators who made the long trip and provided welcome support on the day.

Team: Wisson, Fison, Van der Westhuizen, Richardson, Thomas, Mahoney, Hartley, Wright, Kent, Docherty, Beaumont, Aitken-Read, Hill, Foster, Ayres.

Subs: Hipperson, Jaanimagi, McVean, Woodford.