Uxbridge fall in semi-finals to local rivals Ruislip

Ruislip earn place in final after second half comeback in local derby

Uxbridge buoyed by a solid win against Pinner in the last round of the Floodlight Cup and on the back of a good showing in the league against Thamesians came into this game in good form expecting a tough game against a physical side.

And that’s exactly what they got as the opening encounters saw hard running and hitting from both teams as they tried to lay down an early marker. Uxbridge probed and prodded and enjoyed the lion’s share of the early possession finding themselves camped in the Ruislip half. Strong running from Tom Redrup, Adam Webster, Isaac Williams and Alex Clamp made dents in the home sides defence and it was left to Sam Dillamore to open the visitors account from close range.

Uxbridge continued to turn the screw and the second try came shortly after as fly-half Nick Guy fired the ball out across the back line for the pacey Naz Rafaithu to scorch his opposition winger and touch down. Sadly the conversion was missed.

The expected backlash came from Ruislip shortly after as solid work in the forwards sucked in the Uxbridge defence to give space for the Ruislip winger to score out wide. Just before half-time Guy added a penalty to take the score to 13-5.

Ruislip nothing but a guileful bunch came out in the second half looking to play route one rugby and this worked as they worked themselves up to the visitors try line and with the wind in their sails crashed over despite a dogged Uxbridge defence. A try under the sticks meant a simple conversion to give a 14-13 lead.

They further extended their lead further a few moments later with a five minutes spell of dominance that yielded two tries to take their score to 24-13.

With the clock running down and he visitors seeking a comeback, Uxbridge launched several phases of attack to try and close the gap. Solid work by Matt Cowper, Ollie Seward and Matt Coker generated quick ball to provide Dillamore with the platform to register his second try of the evening.

Sadly time was not on Uxbridge's side and shortly after the referee called time and give Ruislip the passage to the final. Final Score: Ruislip Second XV- 24, Uxbridge RFC- 20.

Uxbridge are back in action this weekend (Saturday 17 March) as they take on Mill Hill at home (Kick-off- TBC).