Victory sees BA move to 6 from 6!

Northolt powerless to prevent BA maintaining their 100% record

British Airways entertained Northolt on Saturday, in what was another top of the table clash.

Entering the game with a 100% record, BA knew that a match against their local rivals would provide a true guide as to their performance and progress this season.

A strong squad was assembled, albeit a little light on forwards – not ideal against a team with a huge pack. Fly half Rick Mee returned from a 5 week absence, Martin Cotter stepped up in the front row, while Josh O’Rawe returned from a heavy programme of drinking at university.

With the downpour that welcomed the teams during the warmup, it was clear an expansive game was not a viable option – certainly suiting Northolt.

The game kicked off with BA playing into the wind. After a number of phases of posesion from each team, BA made the breakthrough. Dene Richards spun the ball out wide to Oli O’Rawe, who kicked the ball in behind the flat Northolt defence. Chasing his own kick, he beat the fullback to the ball, dinking it over the try line. The conversion was missed and the score remained British Aiways 5-0 Northolt.

BA failed to take the restart effectively resulting in a penalty to Northolt. Their fly-half reduced the deficit to two points.

A scrum on the Northolt 5 metre line was the source of BA’s second try. David Brett Picked the ball up from the back of the scrum, bouncing off three tackles before diving under the posts. Oli O’Rawe slotted the conversion to make it BA 12 – 3 Northolt.

BA began to use their squad in the second half providing fresh legs and a fresh impotence. After an injury delay. Instead of going for touch, Oli O’Rawe took a quick penalty to Rick Mee who spun the ball down the back line. Some champagne offloads between Dene Richards, Dom Stock and Ali Burr resulted in Dom Stock going over in the corner – a 45 yard try. A missed conversion took the score to British Airways 17-3 Northolt.

Two penalties from Oli O’Rawe extended the lead to 23-3. This could have been increased by Rob Love with the last play of the game if the referee had let a quick BA line out. I think Rob is still berating the decision today.

Over all a good performance from everyone, resulting in an undefeated record before the international break.

BA have now played all teams bar Quintin II, who sit bottom of the league with 5 defeats from 5. We travel to Quintin on 23rd November.