Despite an indifferent start the Old boys really put on the style in this
very important league game & came out victors by 32-3.
Early passages of play suggested that the contest would be close run with
both sides showing signs of good form. It was the Old Boys that struck
first Paul Buchanan clearing up well from a well won line-out to power his
way to the line for a fine try, ably converted by Lawrie Cutmore.
The home team then slipped into a familiar lax period of play giving away
needless penalties which ultimately lead to a successful penalty by
Millwall after 10 minutes. The Old boys managed to pick themselves up
fairly quickly & the remainder of the half saw them take a firmer grip
on the game. The main strength came from the pack where scrums were won
with great regularity, line-out were dominated by Jason Lee & Pat
Stroud & great rucking from Chris Davies & Charlie Raymond among
others helped secure more ball than the backs have been used to having all
season. Constant pressure brought the home team further rewards in the
form of a try from James Holmes, converted again by Cutmore enabling the
Old Boys to go in at half-time 14-3 up.
The second-half saw the game swing further in the Old Boys favour although
surging runs from Peter Womersley & Andy Born were often stopped short
by some fine tackling by the Millwall defense. An early penalty from
Cutmore got the ball rolling extending the lead to 17-3. As the half wore
on the backs seemed more keen to bring the wingers into play & it was
from this
source that the home side were able to extend their lead further. Some
fine work from Doug Cutmore,Alex Hughes & Neil Hanaway enabled John
Mole to claim the ball outside the 22 yard line & race over the line
for a excellent try. Moments later the brute strength of James Holmes
increased the score further, the centre bursting free from a maul to score
another try. Both tries remained unconverted but further rewards were not
far away. The scrums were totally dominated by the Old Boys throughout the
game & an opportunity 5 yards from the Millwall line was not wasted as
the pack powered over the line, Billy Mullen claiming the try that sealed
Millwalls fate , the home team running out convincing winners by
32-3.
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