Uxbridge made to pay for early lapses in concentration

Early errors cost Uxbridge side dear in defeat despite scoring four tries.

After a strong performance and victory for a club side against Southgate the week before, Uxbridge First XV were back to league action, making the long journey up to Finsbury Park RFC, hoping to continue a string of strong performances against a side going well near the top of the table.

Unfortunately for the visitors, Finsbury Park came out the stronger and were quick to punish a series of errors leading to two quick tries. This sprung Uxbridge into life, building momentum and playing in the right areas of the park, Mike De Jager ran a straight line through the Finsbury Park defence for Uxbridge’s first try of the game.

Finsbury responded in turn with a try of their own through strong forward play despite the best efforts of tackling power houses Nick Guy and Dan Gardiner, who had both spent a large chunks of the game thus far putting in some big tackles.

With neither side looking at giving in, good work from young Jack Moceica to follow up on a kick chase allowed him to get over the line for Uxbridge’s second try of the game. Going into half time the tides were beginning to turn and after a strong half time team talk from coach Ron Matthews the away side looked to come out in the second firing on all cylinders.

With the hosts growing frustrated penalties began to come in the away side’s favour and through the boot of Nick Guy, Uxbridge began to play in the right areas of the park once more. The pressure paid off when Matt Cowper found himself in space in the wide channels to run in the away side’s third try of the game.

Finsbury replied with a try of their own but Uxbridge were not finished and responded in style with Mike De Jager darting over for his second of the fixture to bring the final score to Finsbury Park 34-Uxbridge 22.

Despite the result there were many positives to draw from the game and plenty to work on in training over the next two weeks before the next league fixture on December 9 2017.

Next week (Saturday 2 December) the Second XV are home to Hayes Baa Baas in the cup (K.O- 14:00)