1st XV match reports |
|
| September 17th 2005 |
Powergen National Trophy Round 2 |
|
Shelford 7 London Scottish 32 Scottish duly disposed of their hosts from a division below to progress to the third round. They are joined in the draw by Norwich, Ealing, Canterbury and Worthing from the London Division, plus sides from National 3 South and South West Division. It was a comfortable win for a much-changed side, coach Rowly Williams using the opportunity to rest a few niggling injuries and to give others a chance to challenge for selection in the league. Among those who shone were scrum half Max Evans – the club’s fourth #9 in three matches – while in a purple patch at the end of the first half the back three of Stuart Peel, Callum Morris and Fraser Smeaton threatened to run riot. That however was the only purple patch., Scottish laboured for the best part of half an hour to break down organised and enthusiastic but very but limited opponents. Shelford’s smart ground had attracted a decent crowd, including a few from Cambridge RUFC just up the road; but the opening exchanges were error strewn. Scottish were under no real pressure, just unable to make the best use of their quality. Suddenly all that changed with 26 points in a breathless eight minute spell. First Scottish kicked the latest in a series of penalties into the corner and from their the trademark catch-and drive proved unstoppable as it has so often in the past three seasons. Simon Devane, in at 8 for the absent Hensley and Alesbrook, coming up with the ball from the bottom of the ruck. Tom Williams converted, and did so again four minutes later when a great break down the right seemed sure to end with Smeaton scoring in the corner; he was hauled down just short but Peel collected the pass out of the tackle and dotted down expertly just as he too was caught. At 14-0 the game was won, but Scottish made sure. Two minutes later Scottish tore down the other flank. Chris Webb this time made the break and Morris, who has grown in strength during the past season while he was finishing his studies, has lost none of his pace, easily swerving his way to the try line. Williams missed the kick but two minutes later made amends from right in front. Peel had looked on for a score but Shelford regrouped, intercepted and almost went clear only to spray a loose pass directly into the path of Peel himself and with the defence completely missing, he trotted 20m for a simple score under the posts. Shelford rallied in the second half as Scottish understandably eased off. The home full back scored and converted his own try; Williams replied with two penalties; Scottish gave the subs a run to make their journey worthwhile, though one was enforced when Peel went off with that fashionable injury, a stinger to his shoulder 15. Stuart Peel (Matthew Johnson), 14. Callum Morris, 13. Christopher Webb (Luke Stack h-t), 12. Nick McClelland, 11. Fraser Smeaton (Nick Pindar) h-t), 10. Tom Williams, 9. Max Evans (Ed Bishop 56), 8. Simon Devane (James Templeman 70), 7. David Watt, 6. James Street, 5. Michael Goodbody, 4. Colman McCarthy (Freddie van der Merve 35), 3. Alan Stewart 2. David Box (Stephen Neville 67), 1. Magnus Macdonald tries: Devane, Peel 2, Morris; cons Williams 3; pens Williams 2 Scoring sequence: 0-7 (26 mins), 0-14 (32), 0-19 (34), 0-26 (34), 7-26 (48), 7-29 (70), 7-32 (78) Yellow Cards Devane 44, Stewart 69 conditions, firm ground, dry, sunny spells and warm Paul McFarland |
|
