Shelford 17's/Colts 41 Dulwich College 3rd/4th Teams 7

Shelford finally overcame a stubborn Dulwich side but they only managed to put daylight between to the two sides in the final quarter of the game. In an evenly balanced first quarter with the weather doing it's best to spoil any decent passages of play, both sides struggled with the slippery conditions. It was Shelford however who did start to gain some momentum with a series of phases, but went into contact too many times when a final off-load would have been a better option. A break by centre Fergus Snell finally broke the deadlock as he forced his way over for the first score, converted by Lewis Cracknell for a 7-0 lead.

Shelford continued to threaten but kicked away too much possession down the throat of the dangerous Dulwich full back who ran everything back with interest. Shelford did learn their lesson and started to keep the ball in hand more, but only after some good driving play by the forwards with Sam Till and Nathan Taylor particularly prominent. Quick ball then went wide for Harri Beasley to finish off well in the corner, with the conversion being well struck by Cracknell from the touchline for a half-time 14-0 lead.

Dulwich started strongly in the second half with a series of pick & drives which took them close to the Shelford line. Shelford infringed on a number of occasions to try and slow their progression down, but ultimately they drove over the line for a deserved score, which was converted to bring the scores to 14-7.

Shelford responded well with a similar try of their own, with Connor Denton being the recipient to drive over the line for a 19-7 scoreline. Shelford started to play more confidently against a tiring Dulwich defence and started to stretch the play wider. Fast hands from quick ruck ball after a charge through by Connor Denton resulted in a great score out wide for winger Ollie Newnham, superbly converted again by Cracknell from the touchline, 26-7.

A great run from full back Nick Webb after he took a Dulwich clearance kick saw him then kick ahead and put pressure on the Dulwich defence. Shelford regained possession and again quick, fast ball away from the breakdown saw Calum Miller score out wide, 31-7. Calum Miller then had a break himself to put Sam Till away as Shelford pulled further away at 36-7.  A final Shelford try was scored by Toby Poirier as he pounced on a kick ahead by Cracknell, 41-7. This was a stunning 4 try final flourish by Shelford in the final 10 minutes as their superior fitness kicked in against a tiring opposition, but the scoreline did not reflect the close fought nature of the game during the first 60 minutes of the encounter.

This was a great game played in good spirit by both sides in conditions not conducive to running rugby, which was well refereed too. We wish Dulwich College well on the rest of their tour.

Many thanks to Rory and Annaleaza Finlayson and to everyone else who helped during the rest of the evening too.