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OAs vs Old Caterhamians
(Home - 27th October 2007)
Old Alleynians - 27 (13) [T: Rutteman, Foster, Penalty; C: Docherty (3); P: Docherty (2)]
Old Caterhamians RFC - 7 (7)
Old Alleynians bounced back from the disappointment of the previous weekend with a much improved performance, and ultimately comfortable victory, over Old Cats at home on Saturday.
Playing with the wind advantage in the first half, Old Alleynians kicked off and immediately seized the early initiative when a knock on just outside the 22 provided an early scrum. Old Cats managed to avert the danger but strong running from broken play and a series of inter-passing took Old Alleynians deep into the 22. From the resultant ruck, Rutteman burst through in the midfield to score by the left of the posts.
Old Alleynians soon extended the lead when careless use of the boot at a ruck provided a penalty from 30m out which was converted. Old Alleynians then contrived to make life difficult for themselves, when a penalty for not releasing led to an Old Cats penalty. The resultant lineout was spoilt but the attempted clearance was knocked on in the dead ball area and Old Cats were first to the loose ball and reduced the arrears to three points.
With Old Cats struggling to maintain their discipline, Old Alleynians benefited from a number of penalties which allowed them to camp in the opposition half. A number of catch and drives were held up just short before a further penalty was kicked to extend the lead to 13-7, which remained the scoreline at the interval.
Playing into the wind in the second half, Old Alleynians looked to the keep the ball in hand much more, while Old Cats struggled to make any territorial gain. This was partly due to a token kicking game and also struggling to combat Wright, who dominated the line out battle.
Both sides missed a penalty attempt apiece and the scoreline remained a vulnerable six point lead to Old Alleynians. In the last ten minutes the home side’s fitness and continuity showed with two late tries. Quick ball from a ruck was spread wide and Foster finished well on the right touchline, and in the last play of the game a loose ball was hacked through into the in goal area and in the race for the ball, Foster was tackled off the ball and a penalty try was rightly awarded. With both late tries converted Old Alleynians ran out worthy winners and now look forward to an away trip to Old Freemans this weekend.
Team: Wisson, Topham, Inzani, Juuko, Richardson, Orr, Hartley, Wright, Kent, Docherty, Robertson, Rutteman, Sandars, Mead, Foster.
Subs: Beaumont, Sanger, Woodford.
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