Uxbridge returned to action in the Floodlit Cup against regular Cup semi-final foes Ruislip, this time at neutral Harrow RFC (nowhere near Harrow as most sat-navs will testify) on a dry but breezy evening.

Despite a few last minute alterations…with a rich, deep squad to choose from, a Bridge were able to field a strong side across the park. Numerous times would have shown

The first two minutes saw Ruislip have the ball and exert pressure in the scrums, which Bridge absorbed well leading to a turnover giving Sam Dillamore, Adriano Martins, Tom Redrup and Matt Coker the chance to punch some holes in the Ruislip defence. Dillamore was clawed down on the ten-metre line but Bridge were on the up.

The ball was spun out by skipper Ieaun Jones, via the deftest of touches from Kyle Buckingham to Mark Coles, who saw both a yawning chasm in the Ruislip defence and one of the world’s finest wingers in Joe Elwig outside of him, so being a true team player, gave Elwig the pass to open the scoring.

Bridge quickly got their second through Jack Davey, who ran all manner of angles to scythe his way through the Ruislip defence and extend the lead. Fly-half Elliot Wake added the extras.

The third was the real try of the night, again from the golden-boy himself (his hair was actually extra golden under the crepuscular gloom of a Stanmore evening) Joe Elwig. If he’d been at Cheltenham this week, would’ve been a 19-20 on and would have given Sir AP McCoy a run for his money in his prime. From in his own half, Elwig hurdling and evading tackles like David Silva, the trailing Ruislip defenders jumping more like David Brent…

A small lapse in concentration allowed Ruislip to score their first of the night with strong running across the park.
Bridge managed to score more tries either side of half time (despite both players being down to 14 men for a period for high-tackles) through workhorse Simon Coldwell, Kyle Buckingham, another for Davey and a particularly impressive sweeping move in the backs from Jack Moceica and Davey which Isaac Williams got on the end of the crash over.

Ruislip also got their second after a good spell of pressure laying siege to the bridge line and running back a loose kick down the right hand-side.

What else to talk about…Matt Cowper also got a try. It was 95% Jack Davey’s flair, pace and undoubted talent that set it up for him it, but he’ll tell anyone who will listen how they were on the same wave length etc. etc…. (Yawn)…Stay awake at the back!...

The final try came through a penalty advantage from strong carries from Dender, Coker and McLoughlin and a superb cross-field kick allowed Bartlett to feed joint man-of the match Buckingham to score his second and Bridge’s ninth. Wake added the last of his six conversions to take the final score to 57-12

Uxbridge advance to the final against Ealing 1871. The date is yet to be confirmed but likely w/c 19th April at Ruislip RFC, but please do try and make yourself available or come down to support the boys if you’re able- Ealing will have a big crowd and the support will be much appreciated.