Dubs 23 – Economicals 24 (08/03/08)
Having beaten E’s 19 – 9 in the first season fixture, their steady progress up the league table since indicated a strengthening team and an even contest was anticipated for the return fixture on the reserve pitch at Woodies.
With us playing against a strong wind in the first half, the first 30 minutes saw no score and an even exchange of play. Both teams were making mistakes and just failing to convert chances – I’m not sure if the presence of the local archery club directly alongside the pitch was off-putting at all, but with the blustery conditions the wingers were looking a bit nervous!
We continued to defend really well until just before half time when an intercepted pass by the E’s 10 saw them take the lead with an easy score, converted, 7 - 0. We compounded this soon after by falling asleep at a quick tap and allowing E’s to run through some atrocious 1st up tackling to score under the posts. We were 14-0 down at half time.
In the 2nd half we had the advantage of the wind and on the wide Woodies pitch the game plan was to win 1st phase ball quickly and work it wide. We scored almost immediately through the backs out wide to pull one back, unconverted, 14-5.
The game then opened up for the last 30 minutes and the backs on both sides saw more ball than they normally see all season, with a further 6 tries scored. Rob grabbed a brace to probably lead our try-scoring table, including an interception try to make up for the earlier concession. E’s scored a further 2 tries, one good and one through a poor defensive line as fatigue set in. Darren went over out wide and also kicked a decent penalty.
I forget the exact sequence of tries so apologies to the scorers, but we scored last to make it 23-24 with the game hanging on the conversion. Sadly, Darren’s attempt went wide and with it the game.
E’s were hanging on for the last 10 minutes and their relief was plain to see when the final whistle went. We outscored them by 4 tries to 2 in the second half and but for missed conversions (0 from 4) we could easily have taken this game. With promotion no longer an option, both sides were probably content to have put in a good game, overall a very enjoyable contest.
The final mention should (unusually) go to the ref who was excellent throughout and considerably enhanced the game for both sides.
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