Match Report

From the re-start the Old Boys attacked the Stanford three-quarter line but could not retain their attacking rhythm which brought so much success last season. Stanford's main attacks came via their much larger forwards, whose rucking and mauling saw them spending much of the first half in the Old Brentwoods 22. Tackling from the back row combination of Michael Ashby, Jamie Davis and John Mole thwarted the Stanford forwards. It was only when a quick penalty was taken as the Old Boys re-grouped that the Stanford team broke through with a decisive score, converting to make it twelve nil.

The second half saw the Old Boys camped in the Stanford end for extended periods in the first quarter with attacks from the Old Boys three quarters of Ian Hannaway and Gareth Boyce unable to be converted to points. Stanford's defence held firm, with clearance kicks enabling a dominant line out to secure ball in the Old Boys half. Again the Stanford backs could find no way through the vigorous tackling of Simon Peace, Gary Kelleher and Jonny Davies. It was only when long ball in the line out five yards out from the Old Boys try line released the Stanford number 8 that the last points of the game were conceded.

Srummaging throughout the game from the Old Boys tight five of the Knapp brothers Steve Gorrod, Mike Haddock and Ed Gooday, proved that technique can hold firm against a much larger pack.

This season has seen only four matches played from seven fixtures for the Old Boys 2nd XV, which has seen them struggling to find last seasons form. The defensive commitment throughout the side is second to none, but the problem remains converting pressure into points.

Prop - Steve Gorrod
Hooker - Bob Knapp
Prop - Dave Knapp
Lock - Mike Haddock
Lock - Ed Gooday
Flanker - Jamie Davis
Flanker - John Mole
No 8 - Michael Ashby

Scrum Half - Hugh Godfrey
Fly Half - Danny Pembroke
Centre - Ian Hannaway(Captain)
Centre - Gareth Boyce
Wing - Gary Kelleher
Wing - Jonny Davis
Full Back - Simon Peace

Subs -  Matt Istead