On Saturday we welcomed undefeated league-leaders Haywards Heath to Horn Park with both sides no doubt looking to replicate the performance of the national team earlier that morning. From past experience OCs knew what they needed to do against HH, front up to one of the larger packs in the league and contain a lively, well-drilled back division. Easy right?
It was clear from the opening set piece that something was different. OCs were able to win scrums both with and without the put-in. Special shout out to ‘no one’s favourite’ Andruw Gardener who showed a hook as sharp as his tongue for the entirety of the match. Bullied with their dominance at scrum time OCs started brightly. Winning many of the early contests ultimately lead to OCs first try.
Following more set piece pressure OCs were able to maneuver the ball out to winger Alex Verissimo,who was a late call up having been due to play for the 3XV against Shooters Hill, who used his considerable speed and power to blast over the opposition winger and score in the corner.
Being honest, OCs were probably a bit shocked to be two scores up without much resistance from the league leaders but instead of getting complacent OCs became rampant. Young Chris Harris who was untouchable in the first half was seemingly side stepping his way at will through Heath to set up field position for OCs to add another score through the forwards. The highlight of the half came when the ball appeared in the hands of coach’s pet Jack Potter on the edge and found himself with an 80 metre run to the line. Safe to say he didn’t quite have the wheels and was being chased down by the opposition full back. Luckily, Chris Harris did have the pace and Potter managed to find him and allow him to do the rest. We then conceded a cheap score and (I think) added another of our own. HT score was a heady 34-7.
All we focused on at HT was sticking to the pattern that was working and getting the next score. Thankfully, we achieved this and won impressively 67-7. Wait… this is Old Colfeians right?
In a second half that couldn’t live up to the domination of the first, OCs conceded three tries on the bounce. Haywards Heath were now talking of the greatest comeback since Charlton at Wembley last season. However, not deterred OCs stuck in there and battled against the momentum swing. A few subs from HH saw them pack out their pack with a few bigger lumps than they had first half and scrum time became a bit more of a contest. The good news is OCs were able to hang in there and get the job done. A scrum penalty in the 79th in our own 22 typified the effort the lads put in. FT score 34-26.
A great result against a (previously) unbeaten side. MOTM went to the Teflon Kid Chris Harris. We welcome Thanet to Horn Park next week so get down and cheer the boys on!
Author: Chris O’Malley
