| Captain's Report Sat 19th April 2008 |
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| Written by Administrator | |
| Monday, 21 April 2008 | |
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The Shelford team included a Tongan centre partnership of Aki Lea and Sam Tovo, who's physicality and destructive abilities were only matched by their reluctance to pass the ball to the wings! Before the game, rumours spread that Thanet were forced to resort to their second string centres after the first choice pair developed a sudden and acute respiratory syndrome, known in rugby circles as "antipodeanitis"! Naturally, this coincided with them seeing the Tongan bulldozers lining up against them in the warm up! Shelford started the game brightly and spent the first 10 minutes camped inside the hosts half. Unfortunately however, we were unable to convert our territory and possession into sufficient points and had to settle for a solitary penalty from the boot of our very own kicking metronome, Tom Dann. The remainder of the first half was a very scrappy affair, with both sides failing to put together anything that could be described as a meaningful attack. As the weather deteriorated, Shelford's collective performance improved and the second half was much better period for the visitors. Playing into a significant breeze, we attacked from all areas of the pitch and constructed several attacks where the ball went through many pairs of hands. The try of the game came from Dave Macauley who was in support after Tovo, Jones and Lea had combined to decimate the defence on Thanet's left flank. Two further tries came from yours truly and Sam Tovo, grateful beneficiaries of some fine work in the tight by the forwards. Two of these three tries were converted by kicking ace, Dann, for a final score of Thanet 5 - Shelford 22. Oh yes - forgot to mention, Thanet managed to score a push over try! The manner of victory could have and perhaps should have been more impressive. Players playing out of position combined with a lack of motivation and incentive should be highlighted as possible reasons for this less-than-convincing display. However, ultimately, a win is a win. Another win! One of 16 victories for us this year where we have progressed in every department of our game. Whilst we have not achieved promotion in this campaign, we are ideally positioned for National League rugby the year after next. Next on our collective itinerary is the cup final against Cambridge on Tuesday followed by a well-earned rest for our battle-weary bodies! |
Thanet Wanderers 5 - 22 Shelford | < Prev | Next > |
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