Enough Is Enough, Just

The visit of London Irish Amateur to Motspur Park, the first since March 2009, marked the penultimate scheduled fixture of the season – more on that below. The visitors have found wins hard to come by this campaign, but had recorded one of their four against the hosts in December after coming back from a 13-29 deficit to edge that contest 32-29. Both sides had played Chichester and Camberley in recent weeks, each suffering heavy defeats to the latter, but the Sussex side only narrowly defeated LIA (17-19) whilst the old boys drew (25-25) suggesting that today’s protagonists were better matched than the league table might initially suggest.

King’s were pleased to welcome back to their number Luke Minors, his first appearance for 2yrs. Meanwhile in the starting XV there was a 10th different half-back combination for the backline to get used to, an impressive feat in just 21 matches – Will Slater and Charlie Dockery with the scrum-half and fly-half shirts respectively. With a decent crowd, full of a hearty President’s Lunch, availing themselves of the elevated view from the balcony, a minute before scheduled at 1459 exchange referee Josh Smith who had come south from Liverpool got things under way.

The first twenty minutes were nothing if not a little chaotic with plenty of close-run things but no points scored – LIA missing off the tee after 5mins, King’s held up twice over the line thereafter. As it transpired it was the away side who, even they would concede, against the run of play streaked clear from half-way with winger Jack Brewerton and full-back Nick Haynes combining with ruthless efficiency; 0-5. Stung by the concession King’s came back with gusto, LIA prop Farrell consigned to the bin as he sought to slow things down with an early tackle after Slater tapped a penalty. Barely moments later his remaining 14 teammates were taking a breather under their posts, captain Taylor scoring after a overthrown lineout was gratefully secured by Calum Young. Dockery added the two; 7-5.

A man up and now ahead on the scoreboard King’s supporters were given further cause to celebrate when with 29mins gone Taylor made a trademark break feeding centre partner Hook who still had plenty to do but finished with assurance allowing Dockery (LIA’s MOM) an easy kick for the goal; 14-5. Once restored to their full compliment LIA took no time closing the gap, a penalty for holding on bisected the uprights from close to half-way; 14-8. It was now Irish’s turn to play with their tails up as they unfurled a well-executed training ground move from a scrum which saw the impressive Haynes (King’s MOM choice) over wide on the right with the kick on target to close out the half.

HT: 14-15

If King’s had been disappointed to cede their lead before the break they wasted little time asserting themselves in the second forty. Whilst a high tackle on Hook went unpunished, the absence of arms in another on Taylor saw flanker Lafolafo taking a ten minute rest. In his absence King’s used their extra muscle to force a way over from close range, Dave Lawson getting the touchdown; 19-15. Having seen their opponents get two cards, it was time for King’s to have one of their own, winger Max Carroll on to the naughty step for a ball knocked on in the tackle, but the hosts were able to resist whilst he reflected with his thoughts.

Whilst plenty of time remained in the match – 32mins to be exact – in truth little of genuine note happened as the weather took a nosedive and the frustration became palpable, the air punctuated by many more blasts of the whistle more than anyone participating or watching would have wished. In fairness LIA looked the more likely to score – King’s down to 14 again for some of this period – and indeed they were themselves held-up near the end as King’s were hanging on at times in defence and unable to find any fluidity in attack. As it proved there were to be no more scores when Mr Smith did eventually call time with everyone cold and in truth not unhappy to see the end signalled.

FT: 19-15

Both sides were left wondering what might have been – Irish thinking, justifiably, they could have nicked it; King’s thinking, no less correctly, that they could and perhaps should have secured a try BP. As it was the outcome was a reflection of game which whilst vigorously contested was light on quality and which both will perhaps put in the ‘one to forget’ box. LIA have just one fixture remaining and we wish them well for that and going forward into next season, the current iteration of L1S will see the clubs part company and if that is the case we say ‘so long’ but not ‘goodbye’.

The next gameweek is a blank one for King’s (it was to be the Haywards Heath (H) fixture) so it’ll be Farnham (16th) or Medway (23rd) next. The former is in the diary on Easter weekend having already been moved once, but given most players will have – quite reasonably – long since made plans to be elsewhere, whether the clubs can raise sides for that day remains to be seen. Whatever happens with that one, Medway will go ahead and it’s Ladies Day at King’s so do invite those of the fairer sex in your life to join you on the touchline and enjoy some red, blue and old gold hospitality!