Match Report - Tetley Bitter Vase (Rnd 2) |
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| Date - 7th October 2000 | Old Brentwoods 1st XV -v- New Ash Green |
| Steely Performance from the Old Brentwoods Produces Cup Shock win 25 - 10 | |
| An immense performance from the Old Brentwoods pack set the
platform for a cup victory over New Ash Green, a team from the heights of Kent One. In
poor conditions, the home side took the game to the visitors from the off, and there was a
refreshing confidence about the way the Old Boys pack took on their heavier opponents up
front. The home side countered the visitors rolling mauls with some notable work from Aims, Inglis under the marshalling of Alistair Rigden. Old Brentwoods provided all of the answers when Ash switched their attention to a rucking game with some robust tackling from skipper Laws, Clancy and fly-half Doug Cutmore. The pressure told when Ash conceded a penalty which was duly slotted by Laurie Cutmore. It was a tribute to the forwards’ hard work that Ash were forced to switch their tactics to running the ball through the backs where they encountered the brick-wall defence of Reah and Jason Lee. The Old Brentwoods were much more imaginative in their use of the quick ball, a fine move was rounded off by winger Neil Hannaway who then promptly cancelled out his good work by allowing the slowest of opposition full-backs around him for a soft try. Digging Deep 10-5 up but playing into the strengthening wind meant that the Old Boys had to dig deep to continue their cup-runs of recent years. In the first 20 minutes, New Ash Green were almost battered into submission by direct running from Paul Buchanan and Billy Mullen. Recent emphasis on fitness work paid dividends when the Old Brentwoods forwards enjoyed a second wind, disrupting the visitors’ set piece ball who were forced to kick away much of their possession. These kicks were returned with interest by full back Cutmore and particularly by man of the match James Holmes who went over for a well earned score. In the last 20 minutes, the home side allowed Ash Green back into the game, but there was a steely resolve about the home side’s defense - particularly by the pack. It was gripping stuff for the vociferous crowd who had braved the worsening conditions. After being camped on the line for what seemed like hours, New Ash Green scored a try which brought them back to within 5 points. But the Old Boys then ground their way back up the pitch, inch by inch before a well worked move saw Laws batter his way over for a score which stretched the Old Brentwoods lead. Self Belief Still Ash Green refused to give up and still the Old Brentwoods answered all of the questions asked of them. Charlie Raymond, after a great all-round display, was lost to injury and replaced by the fresh legs of Jamie Davis. The Old Brentwoods refused to buckle under what was now an onslaught from Ash Green with the forwards showing an immense amount of character to not only do the work in the set piece, but also all around the park. Ultimately, this win was achieved by the pack playing better as a unit than they have for some time. The question remains: when will the Old Brentwoods start playing with this sort of self-belief every week? |
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| Old Brentwoods Scorers Tries - Neil Hannaway(1),
James Holmes(1), Michael Laws(1) |
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| Man of the match James Holmes | |
| Team Prop - Scot Inglis Scrum Half - Alastair Rigden Subs - Gareth Boyce, Jamie Davis |
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