First Team beat Aldershot 45-3

SRFC win scrappy game convincingly away at Aldershot & Fleet

After a hard fought game against Alresford and a week on light and dry evenings during training, SRFC arrived at Aldershot with the aim of playing an expansive, fast tempo game. Unfortunately the narrow pitch and sudden pre-game downpours seemed to disrupt SRFC's plans - which weren't helped by the minibus, and following cars, turning up only 45 minutes before kick off.

The shortened warm up and couple of new / inexperienced combinations across the pitch led to a sloppy start. SRFC were never threatened seriously by Aldershot, but a lack of precision in passing, catching and playing with structure limited SRFC's ability to put points on the board.

SRFC's did eventually score through full back Connor breaking away down the flank. Pablo slotted home the conversion off the posts. However lack of discipline led to Aldershot gaining a penalty just outside the 22 in the centre of the pitch. It would be their only point scoring opportunity of the day.

SRFC dominated the loose and a clearance kick was left to bounce (like many kicks all day) which Connor jumped upon to score his second. The forwards were getting going by this point and Vincent broke off a rolling maul to charge down to the line. 2-on-1 with the full back (with Kenny running a support line) Vincent decided to Fijian sidestep the full back by doing his Jonah Lomu impression - unfortunately the Aldershot full back held his own. Luckily Josh Rihan had caught up and finished off the move.

Ash Saunter added another from a cheeky Danny Care style scrum half break. 26-3 to SRFC at half time.

The second half started poorly. Again SRFC had all the territory and never came under any pressure, but silly errors prevented any early scores. Most notably was Student Captain Harry breaking clean through only to knock on when attempting to touch down.

SRFC did eventually score with Connor gaining his hat trick and Chris B showing off his pace to go around the outside. Pablo topped off a MOTM display with a try of his own.

In all 7 tries were scored and none conceded but SRFC had plenty left in the tank. Aldershot matched up in the set piece, if not winning most scrums, but SRFC had too much out wide.

Whether it was the late arrival, or late weather change, or even the come down after the emotionally driven Alresford game just a week before, SRFC did not seem to be at their most aggressive. They will have to up their game to beat Locksheath next weekend before the Club Dinner.