Eagles Senior 1XV vs Old Rutlishians’ RFC 1XV

Recap

Effingham started their new rugby campaign with a home loss against old Ruts but still managed to take 2 league points from the game for scoring 4 tries and finishing within 7 points.

Played in glorious rugby conditions the Old Ruts attacked from the start but 5 minutes of great defence from the Eagles kept them at bay. Once Effingham got into the game a lightning break instigated by fly half Matt Johnson saw centre James Bridge link with Tom Durbridge who popped the ball back to Johnson who dotted down. Old Ruts hit back with 2 tries to take the half time lead to 5-12.

Effingham started the second half brightly and excellent pressure by Dan Stukins saw him intercept the ball and race 40 metres upfield where he popped the ball back inside to winger Selous Nicholle to dot down.  Johnson levelled it from the tee. From the kick off Effingham went off their feet at the ruck and Old Ruts took the 3 points but this was cancelled out by a further Johnson penalty.  The see sawing continued when an excellent line by the inside centre saw him race clear and score by the posts to take the away side lead to 7 points but James Bridge snaffled a pass 40 metres out and he breezed in to score under the sticks for Johnson to level the scores again.

Effingham’s resistance was broken twice again when the winger went in at the corner swiftly followed by the centre crashing over again, both tries excellently converted.

James Bridge did pull one back to earn a bonus point and the whistle went on an entertaining game with plenty of positives for the home side.