1XV v Gravesend

1XV v Gravesend.
3.00pm KO*
*Time is subject to change

Report

Saturday Old Reigatian 1st XV hosted Gravesend for the last game of the first round of fixtures. The Reigate team is still searching for their first win of the season.

Gravesend have been in the same league as OR’s for a while and have always been a tough opponent. This week, another five changes to the Team from the Saturday, which brings a total of 46 players used in the 1st XV in half a season, with 15 of those players being teenagers. This shows how unlucky with injuries and unavailability the Club has been this season, but also to have these young players coming through is exciting and looks great for the future of the Club.

Saturday, the performance again improved, and for much of the game, the home side were in the fight, and it was gracious of the Gravesend coaching staff to say that the scoreline didn’t reflect the game, and once again they congratulated the Lads in Green & Blue for sticking with it and showing great spirit.

The game got off to a nightmare start with a poor kick-off. The Gravesend back three ran the ball from within their own half and caught the home side’s defence asleep to score straight away. Before 2 minutes were on the clock, the visitors were leading 0-7.

Credit to ORs and Captain Ben Holder to lift the lads. Straight away, the home pack totally dominated the first scrum, which led to a good attacking position. The backs moved the ball well for Max Nicol to score with Jonny Bridges’ conversion, 7-7.

Gravesend gained a good field position and set up a driving maul. A few meters out from the try line, the maul collapsed, and the Ref had no hesitation to award a penalty try and send Reilly Franklin Talbot to the bin. 7-14 and down to 14 men. Reilly may not be the Captain now, but remains a hugely influential player for OR’s. With no Reilly and a player advantage, Gravesend were always going to take advantage, scoring twice in those ten minutes and then a third just before half-time. 7-31 at HT.

Second half, the home side played with more purpose and took the game to Gravesend. After a period of pressure, Captain Holder dummied his opposite number and space opened up in front of him for him to break for the try line and score under the posts. Bridges again with the conversion. 14-31.

During the half, Gravesend scored two well-worked tries to extend their lead. Until 35 minutes into the half almost a carbon copy of his first try. Holder dummy one player and had the pace to score his second try of the game.

Gravesend finished as convincing winners 19-52, but certainly an improved performance by Old Reigatian.

Two tough games coming up before Christmas, with Sidcup at Home this Saturday before the trip to Sutton & Epsom.

1st XV Old Reigatian
1. Ethan Monk 2. Ciaran Nestor 3. Ciaran Lee 4. Reilly Franklin Talbot 5. Bobby McEvoy 6. Paul Marshall 7. David Niven 8. Adam Mendoza 9. Ali Webb 10. Ben Holder © 11. Max Nicol 12. Harry Smith 13. Dom Flynn 14. Jonny Bridges 15. Will Parker 16. Val Garrec 17. Tom Goodwin 18. Lucas Stephens