Saturday 15th September 2007
EGHAM HOLLOWEGIANS 7 - 25 Old Oundlians

The first league fixture of the season ended in defeat, but there were plenty of good points......

After a disapointing defeat to Worth Old Boys 2 weeks ago in the EDF Vase, the season got underway properly at Kings Lane on Saturday against Old Oundlians. There was a sniff of optimism as EHRFC welcomed some new faces to the side - Justin Brown from the University, Pierre and Tiann fresh from thier win over England in Paris on Friday night, Dan Coffey from Chiswick, Matt Snedon, formerly an RHUL OB and Jonny "the milkman" Holloway starting his first full season of rugby, because "you don't get to hit anyone in soccer". It was good to see some old friends back too. Martin Hayne returned after two seasons out giving birth and playing with motor bikes, Lumper needed something to do after being kicked out of the army and Chis came out of retirement for the 17th year running.

The season kicked off and EHRFC were under pressure from the start. Oundlians were well organised and disciplined and controlled the opening half. EHRFC were turned over in the tackle, and Oundlians pounced to score in the second minute. 0-7.15 minutes in, EHRFC had still not got into any rhythm. Thet went off their feet in the tackle, and Oundlians kicked their goal. 0-10. 14 minutes later, EHRFC were penalised for again not rolling away in the tackle. The penalty was converted. 0-13. Oundlians were on the score sheet again in the 29th minute with a try from concerted pressure. EHRFC could not clear their lines, and Oundlians went over from close. The try was converted. 0-20.

In true fashion, when it was almost too late, EHRFC shook of the lethargy. The lads stopped sniping at each other and concentrated efforts on the ball. The last 5 minutes of the half was dominated by EHRFC, but any promise was cut short by basic errors, with the ball beinf spilled too often.

Half Time EHRFC 0 - 20 Old Oundlians.

The second half was much more encouraging. EHRFC went on the offensive straight away, but were again blighted by basic handling errors. Halfway through the half, it looked as though the game was going to be over. Old Oundlians broke through the defence and had a clear 3 on 1 overlap. The blight of modern rugby came to EHRFC's aid. Oundlians tallented fly half ran at the defence, but did not straighten his running line. he gave the pass, but the scrambled defence drifted and forced the knock on under the posts. EHRFC breathed a sigh of relief, but this was short lived. The ensuing 5m scrum was still unstable, despite the intoduction of Chis at half time, and scrappy ball was knocked on in goal, with Oundlians pouncing for the score. The conversion was missed. 0 - 25.

With 7 minutes to go, EHRFC finally broke through the defence. Jonny Holloway was fed a short ball from Dan Coffey and broke the defence to score under the posts. The try was converted. 7-25. Given that the short ball has been worked on so hard in training, it was great to see it producing points. The disapointment was that it took 75 minutes to get the oportunity.

EHRFC finished the game strongly, but the options were limited against a well organised and effective defence.

Full Time EHRFC 7-25 Old Oundlians.

Well done to all the lads who played. This was not a poor performance; just a reality check. A little more discipline and organisation, and we will bounce back from this. The team is beginning to take shape, with some good combinations beginning to understand each other. There is plenty of promise ahead.