Old Dunstonians III 0 - 52 Southwark Lancers II

Squad: Mike Jennings, Mike Peters, Nick Rostron-Pike, Stu Buckley, Jake Wojtowicz, Richard Tromans, Tony Leigh, Jack Bullen, Kerry Rowlands, Tom Seaman, Alex Royle, James Munn, John Hehir, James Tennet, Fred Orella, Todd Adsett.

It was another travelling week for the rebels as they looked to avenge one of the 3 defeats they had suffered in the first half of the season.

The first half found the Rebels attacking with the wind behind them, desperate to take advantage of the fact they were guilty of spoiling chances and possession on numerous occasions (something we were guilty of in the first half of lasts weeks match). Unlike last week the opposition never had the ball long enough to threaten the Rebels 10m line let alone the try line as excellent tackling and rucking allowed the Rebels to remain camped in the Old D half. It was however left until the last 15 minutes of the half for the Rebels to break the deadlock as concerted forward pressure allowed Nick Rostron-Pike to crash over and for Alex Royle to convert. A second try was quickly added I think by James Tennet but who knows (there were nine of them). The half finished 12-0, it should have been more.

It was decided at half time following much pressure in the scrum and lineout (that and the tiring opposition) that the Rebels were going to run the ball at every opportunity. Unlike the first half possession was better retained and despite some minor early pressure the Rebels ran riot as both forwards and backs ran at will at the flagging opposition defence. It had even gotten to the point where the backs could call set moves (which is a nice change) and the forwards were hunting in packs (or pods, again a nice change). Good consistent play resulted in 7 unanswered tries being run in, 5 of which by a returning Todd Adsett. Other wings would have relished playing in this match as overlaps were created and taken advantage of.

Despite the excellent result there is still more to come from the Rebels squad as a more controlled first half would have seen more points on the board.

Big thanks to Jimmy Munn for playing in the 2nd row this week, he may not have enjoyed the scrum (an area to improve on) but his work in the lineout was that of an experienced 2nd row. Fred Orella had an excellent game and was unfortunate not to get a score himself. Welcome back Todd you have summarily jumped to the top of the clubs scoring charts. Big shout to all the forwards for the hard running and rucking which secured the win and to the backs for the excellent tackles that went in and the outstanding hands.

Tries : Todd Adsett x5, Nick Rostron-Pike x1, Jack Bullen x1, James Tennet x1, Mike Peter x1

Conv: Alex Royle x2

Pens: Alex Royle x1

M.O.M: Todd Adsett – 5 tries hard not to really, despite calls from certain players for the skipper to take it.

D.O.T.D: Richard Tromans – Until he turns up on time and with all his own kit no one else is getting close! Also forgetting to lift in the lineout when you have only one jumper is unforgivable