Buoyed by their strong showing at Dartfordians last week, a similarly youthful Colfeian outfit travelled to Old Alleynians, brimming with confidence. However, a timid start to the warm up period set the tone for the first 10 minutes of the game, where OCs were not at the races, letting in a soft try out wide. The next phases of the game were spent camped on the opposition try line, with OAs fronting up well to defend the onslaught of our forward pack around the fringes, but Alex Verissimo eventually powered over in the corner. OCs were struggling to string together any phases in the backs however, and as a result of a wayward pass out the back, an Alleynian forward had an easy run in over the line, seeing them go in at half time firmly in the lead.
Captain Stamp knew that something needed shaking up, and decided to make an unexpected, but what would turn out to be an inspired substitution. Last weeks fly-half Dan Hepden was thrown in to the back row, and spurred on by the denial of his try last week, scored two this time round in quick succession, one from a quick tap after sustained pressure from the pack, the second from a nicely delayed pass from veteran fly-half Terry Allen, and Hepden stretched over the line to put OCs in the lead for the first time. With roughly 20 minutes left on the clock, Colfes were dominant, the ref was on our side (a genuine shock) and we looked comfortable. But a breakaway try from OAs five minutes from time threatened to spoil this comeback, putting the oppo 4 points in the lead. OCs were not to be denied though, and showing great heart, the forward pack geared up for one last shift on the oppo’s try line. A huge number of forward phases set up Stampy for a well taken five-pointer around the edge, He converted his own try, and OCs held on to the ball in their own half long enough after the restart until the clock went in to the red, showing great composure, and the comeback was complete.
Full time, 26-23.
Author – Dan Hepden
