COBHAM SNATCH OCs OPENER
Final score: Old Colfeians 22 – 32 Cobham
Man of the match: William Smith
Alacadoos: Victor Spaczil
Tries: Penalty try, Victor Spaczil, Andrew O’Malley
Next match: Old Colfeians v Reeds Weybridge – 9.9.23
HERE WE GO… Rugby returns! The first league game against unknown opposition Cobham, was well under way in the unbearable heat and at a different home venue of Colfe’s School Leathersellers Sports Ground – thanks! The home crowd was in full force, seeing many of the players’ family, partners, and some older boys enjoying some encouraging rugby from both sides.
OCs start to the campaign was a slow one (again), with Cobham stripping the ball to regain possession and with quick thinking got the ball out to space, to find gaping holes in the OCs defence to score over the whitewash. This continued Cobham’s intensity and persistence to use the offloading style of play to their advantage, which they clearly worked on in training, and soon score again. This left OCs scratching their heads and working out for themselves for a solution… quickly.
OCs bounce back with a strong, arrogant, and fierce less defence, with low chop tackles (yes even Bill Ramdhan) and smart tackling to stall Cobham’s quick and accelerating attack. Eventually, thanks to O. Burkett decent kicking to touch, the platform was set for the forwards to do some damage with the maul, the maul got together tightly, creeping closer and closer to the try line but it was too much for one Cobham player, who collapses the maul and in return gives us a penalty try. Off goes the Cobham player for 10 minutes.
After a chat in the shade and some well needed hydration at half time, OCs look to continue implementing their game plan. A. O’Malley’s finishing touch to an excellent and organised attack from the lineout, showed credit to the team’s determination and effort to challenge Cobham’s defensive game. The backs’ catch and pass truly came into effect with V. Spaczil’s try with confidence and precision to again, send shivers of panic in Cobham’s defensive game.
As the game entered its final 15 minutes, OCs focus was blinded by the glaring sun as Cobham’s fitness and precision, clearly meant business as the scoreboard quickly swept away from OCs reach. Cobham’s offloading game from their own 22 broke OCs defence and with cool heads finished their scoring opportunities well. A hard fought game in Dubai-esque conditions, but nevertheless, a learning curve for OCs with every player’s intention to improve their game.
On behalf of all OCs players, we thank you for your support and are excited to see you throughout the season!
Bill Ramdham
We also had a ladies match Millwall Venus vs Belsize Park taking place.
