HSBC 1st XV 48 v 7 Old Gravesendians RFC

Looking to kick on from the previous weeks narrow victory, and with the bar set high with a tremendous performance from the 2nd XV, the 1st XV took to the field on the first club day of the year against a determined Old Gravesendians side. A full 80 minute performance was the goal, with everyone keen to show what the squad is capable of when fulfilling their potential. Bank delivered 79.

As the saying goes, you have to earn the right to go wide. With the pack providing the perfect platform from the off, Bank looked to build on this immediately. Early possession and ball retention built the platform, and a penalty was the reward. The attempt was narrowly wide but the with the team focussed, another penalty attempt was earned moments later. This was converted and Bank were off the mark.

Feeling confident, Bank started to push things a little too soon. With good headway being made, some passes were being forced and weren't sticking. Some fine early line breaks from Coles and Payne were coming up short, calmness was needed. Although this didn't happen, it's more fun that way. With Graves clearing to touch, a quick line out was taken. The ball was spread to the middle of the pitch with Payne taking the outside line clear through the defence. Snagged inches from the line, a deft off-load to Brooks and Bank were under the sticks. Try converted, 10-0.

The rest of the second have proved a tight affair, with both sides holding their own in defence. Discipline proved the key, and with moments to go in the second half, a needless late tackle by Graves gave Bank the opportunity to close the half with a 13 point lead. With the radar now honed in, yours truly slotted the penalty, and we were into the break with our tails up.

Having squandered a lead the previous week after the half, Bank were determined to maintain the intensity and focus from the restart. A high hanging restart and a thundering hit set the tone for what was to be a Bank dominated second period. Bank almost got off the mark early doors with Colfer racing down the sideline, only to be well tackled at the line. Instead of holding on to the ball to dot down, a supporter on the sideline reported him dropping the ball in order to brace himself to "save his face". Apparently he only likes to dot the ball down, doesn't like getting dirty either.

Some back and forth ensued, with Bank feeling we'd cut loose any minute. The spark came after a speculative chip ahead from Graves was touched down in goal by Payne for a 22 drop out. The kick may not have been the most pretty, but it worked. The ball landing (rolling) into space, Colfer, eager to make up for his previous aversion to scoring, popped up with a Simon Zebo-esque flick to himself, afterburners on, there was no catching him. 20-0, and the gates were swinging open.

Soon after the restart, Bank were in possession again. Some controlled phase play resulted in the ball being worked down the narrow side. With McBain making the line break, he was superbly supported by Brooks. Some text book draw and give passing, and a one two, had Brooks racing to touch down in the corner. Conversion expertly made from the touchline, 27-0.

It's here we reach the highlight of the game. Some tremendous 15 man rugby working Bank all the way up the field to the Graves 22. With the defence stretched, and an overlap on. What look like an easy finish, was apparently too easy for Chris Corry. "Not today" he thought, the look on his face striking fear into his own team-mates. What resulted was something that wasn't a chip over the top, and wasn't quite a Garryowen. The kick travelling perhaps 1 metre in total, and hanging long enough in the air for a least 3 people to shout "what the ?*@! are you doing Corry???!". The relief on Colfer's face was there for all to see. Corry had without doubt secured himself the New Beckenham Special pint.

Picking themselves off the floor after that hilarity, Bank continued to press the opposition. Continuing with strong carrying from the likes of Botha and Polese, Bank made inroads again into the opposition half. Some pick and go around the fringe sucked Graves defence in, and with numbers out wide the ball was sent out. The defence blitzed, although dog legged, leaving it as an easy delayed pass to Gretton who had picked a fine line. Brushing off the wood be tacklers, he powered into the corner for the bonus point try. Another conversion right out of the top drawer left it 34-0.

Bank weren't done yet. Seeking to put the opposition to the sword, the relentless attack continued. With tired bodies and minds, and fine angle of running, Bank continued to find holes in the defence. Again it was the turn of a forward to score. Having once again rumbled our was to the opposition 22, it was a matter of quick thinking and quick feet. From a ruck under the posts, and with the defence stacked to one side, Wookey fed Botha, who in doing the complete opposite to every other carry he made in the game, ran at the space. One step and he was under. 41-0

It was left to the skipper to apply the final touches. A training ground move, worked off a scrum set piece that had been excellent all day, provided the smallest of gaps for Peberdy to power through. Fending some tired tacklers, he skipped his way under the sticks. 48 points on the board and not a bad day at the office.

The only blip on an otherwise exemplary performance coming in a momentary lapse in concentration. A poor clearing kick was not dealt with, giving Graves an overlap and an easy walk under the posts. This aside, the positives far outweigh the negatives. With 2 weeks to recover and put the work in on the training ground, Bank should kick on from this performance and continue the strong start to the season.

And what about that kick from Corry???