14th October 2006
HASLEMERE 12:30 EGHAM HOLLOWEGIANS

Was this to be third time lucky for EHRFC at Haslemere? Haslemere shaded the pre-season warm-up at Kings lane, and last weeks trip to the southern reaches of Surrey was in vain, as there was a mix up on the fixtures card! It was a perfect autumnal day for rugby - crisp, dry and still.

EHRFC were fielding close to a full team for the first time this season. Josh Burdet returned from a 4-week modelling trip across Europe and the USA, Jon Kaltner was back from theatrical sabbatical, and the Army boys were back from exercise. Lee Clark was making his debut for the 1's after strong performances for the 2's, and there was a buzz of expectation.

EHRFC kicked off and the pattern quickly took on a familiar look - Haslemere looked very powerful up front, and had EHRFC under pressure for the first 20 minutes. What stood out by comparison to previous weeks was the ferocity and commitment to the tackle. The defence was rock solid, with Haslemere being turned over in a number of promising positions, but EHRFC put themselves back under pressure by trying to run it out from under their own sticks.

On 20 minutes, EHRFC got the break they deserved. Haslemere were caught off side, and Hugh Strivens stepped up to kick the penalty. 3-0 EHRFC. Egham continued to pressure, and following up on a delightful kick to the corner by GV, Hugh won the footrace and touched down for his first try for Egham. Nick missed the conversion. 8-0.

Egham continued to attack, often of scrappy ball, and GV danced through the defence before rounding the winger and scoring under the posts. This time Nick made sure of the conversion. 15-0. The next 10 minutes was possibly the best spell of rugby Egham have played in the last couple of seasons.

From the kick off, Egham collected, and the clearance was sliced into touch. Rob Smith stole the Haslemere lineout, and the ball was again cleared. Rod stole the next line out too, and the ball went through the hands before GV kicked deep for Thomas, just going into touch. From the lineout, Haslemere tried to break out but knocked on. From the scrum on the Haslemere 10 meter line, Josh was tackled but off loaded. The ball went through the forwards hands in close play before Burdett spun it wide through Strivens and Walker, the latter releasing Hyndman on the over lap to score. 20-0 at half time.

In the second half, as expected, Haslemere piled on the pressure. After numerous penalties, their second row crashed through for their first score. 20-5. Haslemere were straight back on the offence, and gave their backs some rare ball. They crossed for a second score, and the conversion made it 20-12. Egham were in danger of going into their shells.

The next 5 minutes changed the pattern. Haslemere were again attacking through the forwards. Their strong second row had crashed over for another score, only having to touch down. He was hit so hard by Captain Callander, Seb Warner and Mark Hyndman, that he was driven back a full 2 meters. He was penalised for holding on and EHRFC cleared their lines. 2 minutes later with 15 minutes to go, as Haslemere attacked again, Joseph intercepted on halfway and touched down under the posts. Strivens missed the conversion. 25-12. Shortly after, following some strong driving by Warner, the ball was spun wide, and Hyndman scored his second. Final score, 30-12.

This was a very positive game, and hugely important after a very disappointing start to the season. Everybody fronted up and did their bit. Abtin, Stu and Lee were strong in the front row against very big props, and there was good power from the row. The back row were very effective, and Nick and Josh linked up well. There were a few scary moments here, but they recovered well! Sam and Hugh are developing a good understanding in midfield. Euan and JK did not see much ball, and GV and Joseph were class.

But there is better to come. There was a lack of control at times at the base of the ruck, and if we get continuity of personel, we can can focus on a game plan.

We welcome the Fire Brigade next Saturday to Kings Lane, where we can hopefully build on the success of a glorious autumn day in Haslemere.