30th September 2006
EGHAM HOLLOWEGIANS 13:27 WOKING

The weather at Kings Lane was a mixed bag for the Surrey 4 meeting between EHRFC and Woking, although the sun wasn't shining on the home side at full time. This fixture produced two draws last season, and was heading for a similar result with 20 minutes to go.

Woking started the match very much the stronger side, scoring a penalty after 5 minutes, and adding to this with an unconverted try on 16 minutes. The score was 8 - 0 to Woking, and EHRFC looked like they were suffering from the hangover of last weekend's defeat to Merton. Although the side was bolstered by having a full squad of 18, and the mood was optomistic, EHRFC seemed shellshocked by the ferocity of the Woking attack, and their aggresive defence.

To their credit, EHRFC shrugged off this lethargy, and some rumbustious runs from the Prodigal Son, Seb Warner, sparked some self belief amongst the home side. This led to some good phases being built upon, and EHRFC's first score looked inevitible, but Abtin Pourgieve spurned the 5 on 1 overlap in a quest for glory.

The pressure continued to build for the home side, and 6 phases saw Matt Hay go over on 20 minutes for his first try for the club. Trooper Lindsay converted to bring the score to 8 - 7. EHRFC were on top by now, and worked hard at their defence. Toby Passant was distributing the ball well in his first outing of the season, and the pressure led to a penalty in front of the posts on the half hour match. Trouper Lindsay made no mistake, pushing EHRFC in front for the first time. Five minutes later Lindsay added another penalty, and the half ended with EHRFC 13 - 8 up.

The second period continued where the first had ended, with EHRFC continuing to apply pressure. Woking defended with real determination and aggression, and there was no way through. On the 50 minute mark, Jon Mellish came on for Matt Hay. He was immediately called upon to keep Woking out, as they began to pressurise the home side.

On 60 minutes, Abtin was nearly away for a canter in from 40 yards. The build up had been very good, but captain Gavin Callander's pass was judged to be forward. Abtin was substituted for Lee Clarke.

The next series of events was to turn the match. There was a difference of opinion on the Woking 22, which resulted in yellow cards for Warner, and his opposite number. From the ensuing scrum, EHRFC were straight on the attack, but the scoring pass to John Holloway was intercepted, and the Woking outside center showed real pace to run the length of the pitch and score. The try was converted bringing the scores level on 13 each. Shortly after, Mark Hyndman left the field with an injury to be replaced by veteran Stevie Rankin.

Woking were now in the ascendency, and EHRFC were struggling to keep them out. A short tap penalty inside EHRFC's own 22 taken by Callender marked the frustration creeping in to the home side. This came to nothing except for Callender leaving the field from a ferocious tackle. Woking immediately capitalised, and scored again. The try was converted taking the score to 20 - 13 to Woking with 8 minutes to play.

Callender returned to the field, and EHRFC pushed hard to equalise, but Woking pinched the final score on 80 minutes to make it 27 - 13.

Definitely another disapointing day for EHRFC. This was a match which was virtually won, and one pass was the difference. There are a few learning points.... the right decision at the right time. There were 9 tap penalties taken, 7 of them in our own half, and 3 of these inside the 22. Considering how effective the line out was, surely kicking to touch was the option...

In the warm down/debrief, somebody said "lets finish on a positive". There were many positives in saturday's performance against Woking, as there have been in all our games so far this season. But we need to have more positives than the opposition if we are to win games.