Old Colfeians VS Sidcup The 321 Derby
Saturday the 21st of September saw Old Colfeians play their 1st home game of the season, after 2 tough back-to-back coach journeys. The opponents, local rivals Sidcup, who aptly named the fixture the 321 derby. The squad would see a 1st XV debut to Ben Kennard as well as a returning Charlie Baker and Dele Agorioge, the latter still strapping the boots on even after threatening to retire for the 4th straight season.
After slow starts in the opening 2 games, OCs seemed to have resolved the issue with a 3 point penalty taken just 2 minutes into the match. From the resulting restart Colfes executed a perfect exit, resulting in a lineout just 5m out from the Sidcup line. However, ill discipline coughed up a penalty for the away side, squandering a good try scoring opportunity, a common theme throughout the 80 minutes. After 2 more penalties and no more than 5 phases OCs saw themselves defending inside their own 22. Despite some much-improved defence, the pressure soon told with Sidcup scoring their 1st try of the game. Now this pattern of play would stay constant through the 1st half, with Old Colfes showing some good attacking shape, both Dele and Baker making some useful yards. However, it would often culminate in a turnover of possession, with Sidcup going up the other end and putting points on the board. The home side would end the 1st half with a deserved try, Freddie Holland-Oliver putting midweek’s maul practice to good use. Half-Time Score OCs 8 – 22 Sidcup.
The messages at Half time were obvious, come away with points when we have our chances and we’d find a way back into the game. OCs seemed to have taken this on board, putting pressure on the Sidcup defence culminating in a yellow card. Colfes would finally be efficient inside the opposition 22, with good hands from Ryan Napper putting Dan Hepden in the corner for a try. However, the issues in the 1st 40 would soon arise again, with Sidcup scoring a further 2 tries without putting together too many phases. Injuries would also hamper the OCs comeback, with the home side having to see out the final 15 mins with 14 men. Despite this, Colfes would get the final score of the game, with Conor Gray crashing over from short range. Final score OCs 23 – 46 Sidcup.
Credit to our visitors, they are a squad who make limited mistakes during a game and are ruthlessly efficient when inside an opponent’s 22, both things Old Colfeians will look to replicate for the remainder of the season.
Despite the 3rd loss of the season for the boys, the clear improvement in the willingness to defend and the understanding of the attacking shape gave plenty of encouraging signs for the season ahead.
Lastly a massive thank you to our returning fans, once again coming out in full force and being as passionate as ever…!
Man of he Match goes to Charlie Baker in his first game back.
Alickadoo honours go to Quba Edwin🍾
