2nd XV Pipped by the Post

Helmed by the indomitable, evergreen standoff, Derek Eldridge, this was the first run out for the new-look 2s. Any worries about lack of understanding and communication between new teammates were quickly dispelled and the side looked well drilled throughout; demonstrating the benefits of the senior squad training sessions that enable players to slot in to any team.

It took a very long time for the game to settle into any sort of rhythm with play constantly halted by the shrill sound of the referee’s whistle. In addition to the usual breakdowns, the penalty counts for both teams began to rise almost from the start of the match. Despite the infringements, both teams were unable to take advantage and play took place between the twenty-twos for a large part of the first quarter.

However, as the quarter turned Field had finally forced the visitors back into their own 22 and were ratcheting up the pressure; a clearance kick from Andover failed to make its touch and was played inside to the on rushing Field fullback, Alex Groves. Groves picked a line through the defence that opened them up in a way that would make Moses jealous and crossed for the score that he then converted.

Andover hit back almost immediately and a game that looked at one time like it would be a midfield stalemate saw its second try in five minutes. Andover repeated their hosts trick and fought into the 22, camping on the Field line before their sustained pressure was finally rewarded with a try.

Unfortunately for the watching supporters this exchange did not signal the start of a try-fest and the game returned to its stuttering progress up and down the pitch, the penalty count doing neither side any favours. Field, however, were winning the territory battle and crossed the whitewash again to end the half with number 8, Chris Brooker, barrelling over for another converted try.

As the second half began, Andover took their chance to close the gap with a penalty and then, with ten minutes gone, broke away from their own 22 to run in a try, their pacey left wing released to effectively run around Field’s scrambling defence following another sustained period of attack from the home side.

The arm-wrestling continued, Field once again enjoying the lion’s share of territory, but it was Andover who once again found themselves in penalty range, this time the kick went wide. Field failed to clear their lines and a turnover led to a long miss-pass out the Andover left-wing who evaded the tackle and went over for his second try.

Field had a penalty of their own rebound off the posts with minutes left in the match, but fought back to set up centre, Carl Sharrock, for a barnstorming break and he barrelled through for the try that ended the game agonisingly close for the home side.

A close result that perhaps should have gone the home team’s way given their territorial advantage, but Captain Eldridge was very happy with the way in which the team played, “The seniors have had an excellent turnout to training sessions and it was clear today that the hard work they have put in has paid dividends on the pitch. The guys are used to working together and this showed in our structure and discipline.”

The 2s are back at Penns Place next week to play Alresford, who sit just below them in the league, and Eldridge will be looking forward to the team kicking on from this weekend’s performance.

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