Pitchero

Old Caterhamians

Old Glynonians

G Nye (3), R Norman (2), B Doney, Unknown (3)

Tries

B Davidson (7)

Conversions

B Davidson (2)

Penalties

Penalty Try

la 7 loka 15:00 - London & SE Division - Surrey 3 Full time Attendance 150

Report

Highlights

Selection

League round up

Old Caterhamians 1st XV vs Old Glynonians 1st XV

By Harry Hopkins

'We Are Top of The League, say, We Are Top of The League!'

On the day of the big opening of the new Clubhouse, the crowds gathered to see if the Old Caterhamians unbeaten streak would continue on home soil for the first time this season.

Unlike the previous weeks, Cats began the game with some authority and dominance, and moved the ball into the opposition half efficiently. Cats were awarded a couple of penalties which Ben Davidson attempted, one which was missed horribly, and another in front of the posts which anyone could've got. Shortly after, George Nye went over for the first try of the match, streaking down the left side, which was converted by Davo, bringing the score to an early 10-0.

Glynonians responded with a penalty of their own, but their hard work was put to little use, as Cats forced their way into the Glynonians 22, and ill-discipline saw not one, but two yellow cards issued to Glynonians players, accompanied by a penalty try. 17-3 to OC.

The momentum was in full swing in favour of Cats, against a struggling 13 players of Glyns. This opportunity was grasped by George Nye, going over for another try, doubling his tally. This was a well-worked phase of play from the Cats players starting from a lineout in their own half, gaining around 70 metres to reach the try-line. Following the score, Cats were victim to some of their own ill-discipline, and Alasdair Brown saw yellow and had to take 10 minutes on the sideline. Tut tut!

Penalty from Davo added to the gap, and young Ryan Norman who made great impressions in his first outing of the season, now going over on the right hand side this time, to stretch the lead before half time. 40 mins done, the players took a break at 32-3 in Cats favour.

During the early exchanges of the second half George Nye went over for his third, and completed the first hat-trick of the season by an Old Cat. With more attacking prowess, and destructive defence, Cats were dominating and putting on a spectacle for the supporters, despite the tough weather conditions. The new and improved Hamberg pitch was most certainly looking fine, and played a big factor in the effective work from the OC boys. At this point it would be worth mentioning that Old Caterhamians royalty; Roger Hamberg himself was in attendance, and cheered on as Cats extended their lead with another effort from Norman, going over for his 2nd try, with silky footwork. Ben Doney (who doesn't have silky footwork, added his inputs with an additional 5 points, doing what he does best and breaking through the line. This is Doney's third try in as many games, and put the score beyond the 50 mark for the first time of the season - 53-3.

Old Caterhamians number 10, Nick Crombie who had been orchestrating his back line put his name on the score sheet, with an impressive 40+ metre run from an interception, using his pace to get passed an injured and immobile full-back. This was the first of 3 tries for Crombie, giving him the second hat-trick of the day, and showed class and his merciless attitude to a fatigued Glynonians.

With additional penalties, and a finishing try from Glynonians to lighten the blow, the final score reached 81-8, and put OCs top of the league on points difference, getting a bonus point win from every game. Special mentions go to Matt Maynard who went scoreless in the match, but was awarded 'Back of the Day', shutting out Glynonians attack and assisted a couple of well worked tries. Also to Warren Jackson who was given the 'Forward of the Day' playing in an unfamiliar Hooker position, being 'all over the park' as dubbed by the OCs Chairman.

One thing is for sure, with the new clubhouse, a carpet of a 1st XV pitch, and performances like this, Old Caterhamians is a great team to be involved with right now, and onto our next fixture Away against Croydon RFC.