| Captain's Report Sat 12th April 2008 |
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| Written by Administrator | |
| Monday, 14 April 2008 | |
 Shelford 31 – 18 Portsmouth Tries: Birkby (3), Glynn (2) Conversions: Dann (3) As so often happens towards the end of the rugby season, teams find themselves in an unenviable position where they can neither improve nor lose their position in the league. When this happens, it is difficult to muster the same kind of enthusiasm and motivation that is associated with a fixture where league position is at stake. This is the situation that faced the Shelford collective on Saturday and we managed to achieve a more-than-satisfactory result. The weather was fine and the footing firm. The crowd were in good voice and the Davey Field was filled with an air of expectation. Everyone present knew that Shelford can be irresistible when we are on top of our game and people had come to see us at our best. Shelford managed to meet this expectation, albeit it only in part in part. We put together some stunning attacks that yielded several memorable team tries. The forwards worked hard to lay a solid platform from which the backs were able to launch various penetrating attacks. The first 10 minutes allowed the “Shelford glider”, Christopher Glynn, to cross the whitewash twice and nearly for a third time. The first three tries of the match would have resulted in a genuine hat trick for Glynnie, but unfortunately a serious hamstring injury meant that he could take no further part in the game when only 20 minutes were on the clock. In his absence, however, Shelford continued to attack and were rewarded with a further two tries before the end of the half. A poorly defended blind side allowed yours truly to sneak in for my first try and then a well-worked back row move from an attacking scrum provided an opportunity for me to score my second. Aki Lea’s scoop pass that went between his legs totally flummoxed the visitor’s defence and allowed me to scoot home for my second. Confusion in the Shelford defence allowed the visitors to cross the line themselves and a further two Portsmouth penalties meant that they were still very much in the game at the end of the half. Shelford 24, Portsmouth 13. The second half was a little lacklustre in comparison to the first, as Portsmouth continued to creep slowly back into this fixture. A defensive line out was not defended at all well by the home team and resulted in the Portsmouth blind side flanker crossing for Portsmouth’s second try of the match. This served as a reminder to Shelford that the game was not yet won and we responded positively to mount several attacks of our own. From another attacking scrum, a powerful burst by the ever-threatening Aki Lea resulted in my third try. I feel obliged to apologise to Tom Dann who was on my shoulder and had a clear run to the line. However, as I explained to him, when I am 5 meters away from the line, I tend not to pass the ball! This however, is nothing in comparison to Sam "Smuggler" Tovo, who does not generally pass the ball when he is within 80 meters of the opposition try line! Sam - joke - please pick me next week! Tom Dann duly converted this final try, making the final score 31 – 18 to Shelford. After this final home game of the season, on behalf of the Shelford first team, coaches and management, I would like to thank the Shelford supporters who have been a constant source of encouragement for us throughout the season. I hope to see you, your families and friends at the Davey Field next year as we endeavour to achieve what we have so narrowly missed this year and gain promotion to the National Leagues. Thank you all, once again… |
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