Match Report: 12 January 2008

As Cup Matches go this one had it all. A nail biting game that could have gone either way right until the final whistle. In the end Old Edwardians deservedly took the spoils 11 - 6 in a thrilling game against Old Culverhaysians in the Bath Cup. Originally a home fixture for OE's the game had to be switched hours before kick off due to a waterlogged pitch so OC's had the unexpected home advantage. Although they failed to make the most of this and OC's were under the cosh from the start.

The OE's pack were in rampant form and were not intimidated by their heavyweight counterparts. At the breakdowns OE's did what they do best - recycle the ball quickly making territorial gains from forward charges round the fringes which their back row is so good at. They avoided for the most part taking the ball into labourious rucks and mauls. Fly half Paul Eke had an assured game and made inroads through tactical kicking and breaking the gain line making the most of decoy runners.

It was OC's who got the first points on the board - they went for the three points rather than go for a kick for touch on the OE's line. A sign that they knew they were in for a tough afternoon. It was OE's who then gained the momentum and making the most of their superior handling and tactical acumen scored what was to be the only try of the game. Some deft support play between the backs and forwards allowed Johnnie Cross to suck in the defence and offload to Martyn Poolman to canter over the line. Although the conversion hit the posts an exchange of penalties soon after meant that at the turnaround it was 8 - 6 to the visitors. And game on for the second half.

OE's knew the first ten minutes would be crucial and battened down the hatches with some dogged defense against a recharged OC's. The OC's were frustrated by their lack of headway in the pack and tried to play a wider game but were constantly kept at bay which led to a lack of discipline. A yellow card was brandished for the OC's number 14 who decided he didn't like being tackled and preferred to puff out his chest instead. OE's were calm under pressure despite the desperation of the home side as the clock was counting down.

A penalty kick from OE's Ian Bushell made a five point margin and this was to be the only points of a tenacious second half. Crucial OE's turnovers in loose play kept them in control and OC's best chance went begging after camping out on the OE's line with ten minutes to go. But OE's kept their heads and played with discipline and nerve and held out for a memorable victory which puts them one game away from playing in the final at the Rec.

Stand in captain Rob Holmyard said 'OC's, who are fourth from top of Somerset 1 were beaten by a side near the bottom of Somerset 2 and this game just shows the excitement of the Bath Cup'.

And as it appeared in the Bath Chronicle...