OTs run riot to celebrate Jae’s Centenary in style

As Tiffs arrived in Andover, Loz began his much-loved historical narrative that told of large props and rough games in games gone by between the two sides. Not since the 15/16 season had they met, with Andover winning promotion, flirting with relegation for a few years and then, finally succumbing to the drop along with league leaders Winchester. A string of solid performances in recent weeks gave Tiffs confidence, with Andover placed just below them in South West 3.

The warm-up began sharply, despite late arrivals in the back line firstly promoting Fawcett to centre before ultimately condemning him to a coaching role once more after an injury in the run through. Conditions were favourable but the slope was perhaps the most severe Tiffs had encountered. With the toss lost, Ts were given the uphill task second half so looked to build a lead in the first stage of the game.

Tiffs at first struggled with this pressure and allowed the kick off receiver to carry the ball deep back into their half. The first scrum of the game was called and the forecasted large props emerged to send the Tiffin pack retreating for the first time this season. The resulting penalty was easily slotted through but this would be as good as it got for Andover. Shame.

Back Tiffin came with some strong carries from Carvs and Lawro forcing Andover to scrambled defence on their 5. Hands in the ruck brought a penalty advantage which was instinctively kicked cross field by Blackers for the on rushing Favoured-Fawssett to capitalise on. This conversion from the corner struck the post but Gav would later nail 5 as well as a penalty – well done Gavin.

Tiffs began to let loose as the first half drew on. A solid defence with deafening calls and comms will delight the coaching team no end and helped Ts stifle the Andover carriers. K-Pup in particular could be heard barking orders at the defensive line to great effect throughout the game. This left the opposition 10 with no option but to punt up field after a few phases with huge, crunching hits coming in from Kiran and young Josh Graham. The resulting possession was wasted a few times early on before Jae collected the ball and carried to the half way line before popping to Gav, who went the long way round and circled back under the posts to score. Jae had continued his run to congratulate the young centre, who is enjoying a stellar first year in the 1s, but was instead given back the ball so he could touch down on his 100th appearance for the club. A touching gesture that got this reporter very emotional and also showed that even if you have only been involved in this club for a short time, the commitment and love for the club that Jae has is clear to all.

Ts were positively rampant now and had regained control at the scrum as the Andover props tired from the relentless defensive showing. The move of the game came shortly after with a smart break from Nips and quick hands from other backs I cannot name culminating in a clever finish from Blackers, who moaned that it was ‘too easy’. Mike OC was stealing lineouts for fun and Taylor running the show in the backline, the latter being rewarded for a delightful dummy pass and infamous ‘self hammer’ with an easy score under the posts just before the half ended.

Blackers and Tim were keen for Ts to not relent on the impressive first half performance, and demanded that no try be conceded in the second. Changes were made as the dynamic Kiran and less-dynamic-but-still-somehow-gets-lifted-in-lineout Mike OC were forced off with Hather coming on to add yet more bite to an already ugly defensive unit. The opening 20 minutes of the second half were tighter as Andover dug in and decided to tackle a bit more. Some fancy footwork from Gav and Old Josh Graham, spurred on by the form of his younger namesake, saw Tiffs continue to make incisions with Boshy cutting 2 disgusting lines out of nowhere to add 2 tries to his tally for the season.

The game drifted slightly as Tiffs managed the game to the close. The desire to not concede a score throughout the game remained however, and Ts should be proud of not allowing Andover over the line – that has happened on just 1 other occasion in the entire league so far this season. Andover’s frustration at this boiled over in the last 15 minutes as an offside runner deliberately hit away the ball as Tiffs bore down on the opposition try line once more. An ensuing scrap saw Josh ‘the Champ’ Graham and George ‘Chelsea-Smiler’ Taylor dish out a few blows to the Andover flankers, with the Andover instigator sent to the bin. The resulting penalty was kicked to the corner, a mess was made at the line out but Apos broke through to score his first try for the 1s. Nips gave him a kiss and it was lovely.

There was still time for one more as little Josh broke through and ignored support to touch down for a well-deserved try. Beels would have collected 2 or 3 tries on the day if the Andover defence had made the last tackle and forced a final offload, great tackling and hard lines on debut from the feisty winger.

Overall a very impressive performance from Tiffs who will look to continue their fine form in the 2 games before Christmas. The bus back saw an incredible shanty rendition from Hather and a strong showing at the CH for Jae’s milestone. If Ts can repeat their defensive solidarity against stronger opposition then they can really start to make movements in this league.

MOM- Gav. Don’t think he was tackled all game.

DOD- Fawcett. Harsh but everyone played amazing so no other contenders!