Match Report: 5 January 2008

Old Eds made a flying start to the new year with a convincing 62-5 away win versus Gordano. Under leaden skies and a steady downpour, the opening 20 minutes were well-suited to forwards-style rugby and Gordano’s larger pack controlled the set pieces well forcing Old Eds into their own half. The opening score was by Old Eds, however, with open side flanker, Rob Holmyard, scoring an impressive individual try following an unfortunate 22 drop out by the home side. The initial lead was short-lived and Gordano soon retaliated with a try of their own following a series of well-worked rolling mauls and rucks leaving the score at 5-7 to the visitors after 20 minutes.

Old Eds more dynamic back line made the most of the improving weather conditions in the run up to half-time. Swift passes from the base of a line out on the Gordano 5m line resulted in a converted try under the posts for Old Eds number 13, Ian Bushell. Bushell scored again only six minutes later following a charge down on the Gordano 22m leaving the half-time score at 17-5.

In the second half, Old Eds again made the most of their stronger back line, keeping the ball away from the Gordano pack. Despite some impressive loose forwards play, Gordano struggled to keep possession and two quick tries by Old Eds fly-half, Paul Eke, meant that the writing was on the wall for the home side. Their disadvantage was further compounded by the referee sending two Gordano players to the sin bin in quick succession following a verbal disagreement and a dangerous obstruction.

The last quarter saw Old Eds impressive Number 8, Andy Todd, score two tries under the posts, the first of which came from an advantage after a Gordano kick-off failed to travel the requisite 10 metres. Superb interaction between Todd and Holmyard saw scrum-half Martyn Poolman on the scoresheet. He was joined by winger Rob Blissett, who scored his first try of the season in the corner having been unleashed by an impressive chinking run by Eke, and later by outside centre Johnnie Cross.

Old Eds skipper, Guy Levell, commented, “I really am thrilled with the team’s performance today. The first game of the new year is never easy but today’s performance has given us a real psychological boost for our forthcoming games. We’re currently second from bottom in the league but only by a small points margin and with a game in hand. Our challenge is to stay focussed and to perform consistently in our remaining league games to ensure that we avoid relegation.”

Old Eds next league game is versus Midsomer Norton on 19 January 2008 at Bathampton, 2.30pm KO. Spectators always welcome.

And as it appeared in the Bath Chronicle...