OE U18s take Maximum Points in Kent League opener

Following the first whistle, Levi collected the Canterbury drop-kick and charged up the field. Some initial good handling ensued, but within 20 seconds our opponents had intercepted a long pass and were charging in the opposite direction!

A prolonged Canterbury onslaught ensued despite the elements which were to our advantage. Canterbury were up for this, and they pinned us in our own half for the next twenty minutes!

When we had eventually secured some territory, OEs scored the first try of the match with a rolling mall from a line-out, touched down by Levi.

Shortly afterwards, a fresh and newly subbed Manny was to demonstrate his speed and power for OE’s second try, which was successfully converted by Joe.

But Canterbury were still fighting, and clearly felt they deserved something from the first half. And indeed they had the last say with a stunning try finished between the posts and successfully converted. One could question the OE tackling, but it would be wrong to suggest that Canterbury did not deserve the score following their solid first half performance.

Half time – Canterbury 7 ; 12 Old Elthamians

All to play for, and OEs nearly went over shortly into the second period with Abdul crossing the line but being held up. But from the scrum, Fly Half Nick used his savvy, partly aided by the ever imposing threat of the OE backs that were available out wide, and crashed over with huge determination for an important score. With the extras, OEs were now comfortably over a score ahead, and looking threatening too.

And the OE back line were now moving the ball a lot better than in the early stages. Although at one point I found myself screaming at Max to straighten and not eat into Manny’s space, I stand corrected because they executed a switch move inches from the touch line that took out the covering defenders and gave Manny a 40 yard direct running line to the posts, (albeit with some covering defenders to contend with). Converted by Joe.

Khan was having a great game, yet decided to sub himself for “Super Khan” and scored an absolutely amazing individual try from his own 22, burning up various players before cutting a line and weaving inside and out to finish between the posts. Joe was in shock at this spectacular try and missed the conversion as a result!

We were now in full flow and securing good possession and territory, notably with some superb tactical kicking by replacement fly half Alex.The pack were also now imposing, particular praise to Jack, Levi, and MOM Ryan. (Joint MOM with Manny)

Making use of this territory, the ball was moved wide again with a precision long range pass by George to Abdul. In typical fashion Abdul used the space and burned round the defenders before touching down between the posts. By this time, Joe had recovered from the "Super Khan" experience and slotted the conversion perfectly.

Final Score - Canterbury 7 ; 38 Old Elthamians

Our thanks to Canterbury RFC, great bunch of guys, great facilities and welcoming Club House.