Match Report - Effingham & Old Georgians
Welcome 2024 and a tale of two rugby matches…..
The Exiles enjoyed a strong finish to 2023, with both the 1XV and the Emperors enjoying pre-Christmas victories on the 16th December to lead into the break.
Availability has been strengthening and 2024 was greeted with a high degree of optimism.
As I pen this note on the 14th January, that optimism is restored after a strong performance against a plucky and well drilled Effingham and Leatherhead side that saw the Exiles run out 40 – 7 victors.
That raises the team up a place in the league and offers a stepping stone for the rest of the season.
The weekend before was shaping up to be a great contest with Old Georgians, but sadly a slew of injuries – a concussion, an ankle ligament and suspected wrist fracture – saw the second half descend into farce and the referee had no option but to call the game just beyond the 65 minute mark. Georgians running out 31 – 7 victors. It was a real shame as the first forty was a terrific contest and OG’s – who are top of the league – knew they were in a game. At half time, the score was 10 – 7 and it was very evenly balanced.
Thankfully this Saturday, after a strong mid-week training session, a strong squad took to the field and Effingham were undone by some long awaited pure Exiles running rugby and a very stout defence that despite one breach was excellent all game.
The front row of Whalley, Niall and Granty provided a solid platform, Muffy and Dan partnered up in the row and Kiwi Dan was back in the back row with Sam R and BDT. Similarly, the back line was very strong, with Peter back at scrum half, Loz at stand off and Charlie and Campbell bringing a solid and powerful centre partnership. Conor, Sam H and Ed made up the starting back three. All backed up by a super strong bench of Alex, Gaetan and Will, who all played a strong part as the game wore on.
Quickly into its running, the Exiles were able to manufacture quick ball and create space wide, releasing Ed, Sam and Conor into space yielding strong yardage. Exiles were simply too strong in the first half and went into half time 28 – 0 up.
Effingham rallied in the second half and the loss of Campbell to a hamstring strain and Muffy to a head knock slightly broke the Exiles momentum in the first fifteen minutes of the second half. Effingham came back in this period and scored their try to haul back seven points.
Gratifyingly, Exiles dug in, the defence was epic and before long a period of pressure saw Exiles once again break the Effingham line. 35 – 7. The pressure continued and as a humble observer, I was proud to see the Exiles maintain its balance and concentration on the task. A further try came in the dying minutes and Exiles happily left the field 40 – 7. Well done lads.
Fine times were had as always at the Red Lion afterwards and Effingham were gracious in defeat.
A particular highlight was the award of his Club Blazer to Brian du Toit, the Exile player of the year 2023. Highly deserved, not only a terrific player, but also a great Exile off the pitch, who leads by example in all areas of his involvement with the Club. Congratulations BDT!
Match Stats:
Effingham & Leatherhead:
Tries: Bebbington 2, Yates, Whalley, Smith, du Toit.
Conv: Harrocks 5.
MOTM: Hawkes
DOTD: Harrocks (for allowing his last kick to be charged down – harsh perhaps..?!)
Old Georgians:
Tries: Smith.