Gravesend 22
Old Colfeians 29
Tries: S. Storey, M. Jones, L. Baker, A. Agorioge, F. Holland-Oliver
Conversions: R. Napper (2)
It’s playoff semi-final time!
The Old Colfeians Senior Men’s 1st team are on a mission to secure a semi-final spot in the promotion play-offs. They’re travelling to their local and old rivals Gravesend for a high-stakes match. Historically, this fixture has been filled with excitement, passionate fans and unpredictable results, but this time it’s different. Both teams are fighting tooth and nail for a semi-final spot.
The OCs kicked off the first half with electrifying energy. They showcased fast-paced carries, quick ruck speed and silky hands. Could this be the team the fans have been waiting for?
As the match progressed, the OCs grew in confidence. Napper kicked a deep penalty into the corner, creating an opportunity for the forwards. A back-of-the-lineout call led to a speedy maul that made it difficult for Gravesend to disrupt. Slowly, the forwards marched forward until a lovely gap opened for Fred to dive over the try line. Will Fred become the top try scorer? The last forward to achieve this feat was Chris O’Malley in the 2019/20 season.
Our second try came from Shay Storey. The OCs demonstrated remarkable patience with their hard ball carrying and options at the line narrowed Gravesend’s defence. This left plenty of space and a 1:1 opportunity for Shay to bully their centre and winger. What a lovely finish!
Next up, potentially the try of the season with Miles Jones’ bedtime watching NRL jumping tries paid off. Patience again from OCs’ decision-makers and forwards, forwards setting up either side of the ruck to shorten Gravesend’s defence, phase after phase of brutal attack soon opened the opportunity for quick hands to spread the ball wide. Miles has 10m space quickly being closed down by their winger but leaping Miles finishing brilliantly with a one-handed try in the corner – Thank god for proper Assistant Referee!
WHO can stop Louis Baker??? Steam rolling Louis competing for top try scorer, from the base of the scrum on Gravesend’s 5m line, a well-worked move enabled Louis to step back inside onto back-heeled defenders managed to power through and reach over the line!
Onto our 5th and final try comes from club legend, physio, father, fitness instructor, influencer, Albert Agorioge! After a little kick tennis between the teams, Jed catches the ball to settle things. Louis at scrum half, picks and goes to break the defence, one-hand offload to Charlie Baker galloping towards a 2v1 when suddenly, a bright shining light from Dele’s head gave Baker a passing option. Dele actually catches the ball and bursts with never-seen-before speed and power over 20m, colliding with two opponents who were the size of Dele’s leg had no chance. Dele finishes with a beautiful one-handed try with a questionable celebration to finish.
Well done to Gravesend for fighting back and making today’s occasion worth fighting for.
I believe this play-off game had a sprinkle of Brendan McMillan who was looking down on us with a pint in hand, smiling and cheering us on!
Onto Winchester!
Written by Bill Ramdhan.
