Uxbridge claim first league win on the road at Pinner

Uxbridge come out on top in end-to-end game against solid Pinner side

Uxbridge made the trip to what has become a regular haunt in recent seasons, Pinner, spurred on by a strong showing last time out against High Wycombe Second XV and recent good performances but unfortunate results.

On a warm autumn day, Bridge played with the sun behind them as the expected forward onslaught came from Pinner and there was nothing to separate the teams for the first 20 minutes. Stefan Manners, Isaac Williams, Jake Lamport and Tom Redrup all making notable carries and contributions.

Pinner enjoyed a good phase of possession with some hard running and opened their account after some dogged defending by Uxbridge, with about 15 phases of play before they dotted down. Their second shortly followed to take the score to 10-0.

This appeared to settle the visitors and quickly managed to get a foothold in the game, numerous penalties that fly-half Dean Poland kicked for touch were gaining ground and scrum-half for the day Matt Cowper providing good service to the forwards. Adam Dender was judged to have been held up, but the team kept knocking at the host’s door.

With five minutes until the break and with the slight upper-hand in the scrum, Uxbridge were five metres out before Sam Dillamore carried from the base and dotted down.

The half-time team talk was positive and the command was more of the same and stick to what we know so with those words in mind, Uxbridge came straight out and scored another try through Dillamore after laying siege to the line.

The second half ebbed and flowed more as tiredness set in and despite several visits ‘Bridge were unable to add to their tally. Pinner registered the next score despite some confusion about a foot in touch, the try stood and seven points were added to their tally.

Only marginally behind, ‘Bridge rallied and found themselves camped in the Pinner 22 up against some fierce defence. A penalty on the five-metre line was kicked into touch by Matt Cowper near the 22 (yes really!) and after a few phases of play the ball found its way out to Kyle Buckingham to score in the corner.

With the wind in their sails, and a couple minutes to go Bridge kept going and got their reward as skipper Jake Lamport evaded four tackles to dot down and seal the win 19-24.

Next week we have two games, the First XV are at home to London Scottish Lions and the Second XV are away to U.C.S Old Boys Third XV.