Old Amplefordians 1XV vs Eagles Senior 1XV

Recap

Another pulsating game of rugby saw an Effingham win which puts them second in the league table due to try scoring bonus points on consecutive weekends.

Old Amplefordians who had a more dynamic pack took the game to Effingham in the first quarter and after a needless penalty was conceded the ball was kicked to within 5 metres of the line and the OAs pack rumbled over for an unconverted try.  Effingham gradually got into the game with the ball being moved around the back line stretching the play and inevitably the gaps arrived, and one such gap saw outstanding full back Rob Ellis glide over from 10 yards out. With Matt Johnson adding the conversion this took Effingham into a 7 – 5 lead which was doubled 5 minutes later when further attacking play saw the ball stretched to young winger James Bridge who cut inside his man to dot down by the sticks which Johnson duly converted.  OAs hit back when their centre went over by the posts for a converted try to take the half time lead to 14-12 in Effinghams favour.

OAs kept the pressure up at the start of the second period but a loose pass was picked off by speedy winger Joe Triegaardt who sped in from 60 metres out.  Johnson added the 2 points.  Once again OAs came back and when a forward burst was repelled by defiant Effingham defence the ball came back to the fly half who put in a pin point high kick across the field to the winger who tapped it down for the full back to score.  A fine move but with the conversion missed this still left them 4 points adrift and an indescretion in front of the posts saw Johnson add a further 3 points to Effinghams total.  OAs applied greater urgency but a great defensive effort by the pack saw them frustrated and then the try of the match sealed the game.  Johnson received the ball on his twenty two and whipped the ball across the backline to Rob Ellis who in turn found Bridge out wide.  He beat his man for pace and sprinted 50 metres up field, a superb tackle by the OAs full back saw Bridge tackled 5 metres short but the he popped it up for the Eagles excellent outside centre Tom Risby to dot down by the sticks.  This was duly converted by Johnson to take the final score to 31-17 to Effingham.

5 tries to Effingham which gave them a bonus point.
3 tries to Old Amplefordians

Next week Effingham entertain Old Freemans in what should be a mouth watering encounter with KO at 3pm.