Uxbridge avenge for September defeat to London French

Uxbridge finish league season on a high with 34-25 win at London French

It’s here, the final league game of the season with an in form Uxbridge side taking on Barnes-based London French.

Looking to continue the good work of the previous two fixtures, coach Ron Matthews politely as ever reminded the team just turning up wouldn’t be enough.

With that in mind neither side were willing to give an inch but it was the visitors that made it onto the score sheet first with Bridge giving away a penalty well within kicking range, which was duly landed.

Not long after that Uxbridge turned to their scrum as a weapon and with repeated scrum penalties all too close to the line a penalty try was awarded to the home side to take the lead.

London French then found their rhythm and made their way into the Uxbridge red zone. With some great wide play, over the try line they went, twice.

Uxbridge needed a response and it came from the ever reliable source of No. 8 Sam Dillamore bulldozing his way over the try line from another strong scrum platform. He repeated the trick twice in short succession to regain the initiative for the home side.

The final exchanges of the half found scrum half Brian Cassidy tap quickly and wiggle his way over the line under the posts.

At half time the mighty Bridge knew they were in a game and were left in no doubt with communications from the coaches about different targets for different players.

With this in mind Uxbridge come out looking to consolidate their lead. Unfortunately the French had other ideas as they themselves had been given a little pep talk. And responded with two more scores, scored with typical French flair.

With Uxbridge now behind and everything to do, Kyle Buckingham produced one of his trade mark interceptions and ran half the pitch to get the ball down over the line.

Shortly after a very well worked team try from the line out saw winger Matt Cowper score in the opposite corner. Resembling a training park pattern, Coach Matthews was very happy to see the score (N.B- this week’s match report was guest written by Matt Cowper).

With Uxbridge now back in front they looked to the reliable boot of Cassidy where he added another 3 points. The referee blew the final whistle and with the match ending 34-25 the league is over for this season.

Uxbridge can do no more and are sat fourth with Old Millhillians having one last fixture against West London to decide who finishes fourth next weekend.

Bridge are back in action on Wednesday 17 April away to Ruislip Second XV in the Floodlight Cup to try and avenge last year’s and get to a final and win some silverware. Kick-off at Ruislip is 19:30. All players are needed and all support is welcome.