ANOTHER BIG WIN FOR THE TWO’s
REEDS WEYBRIDGE 5 – EXILES 2nd XV 67
What a weekend for the Exiles. Two superb performances on the pitch matched with gusto by the post match celebrations. Managing to get chucked out of two pubs in one evening is quite some achievement.
Back to the game. A new look twos side trekked over to Reeds Weybridge for what promised to be the toughest challenge of our unbeaten season, against our closest rivals and 2nd in the league. Chan’s cooly delivered comment that “Don’t worry, I used to play for these boys and they’re sh*t” whilst the opposition captain walked behind him only added to the pressure – losing was clearly not an option.
Despite the team being bolstered by Exiles stalwarts Taffy, Orr and Horrocks, a controversial line up saw the team of 14 consisting of just 2 recognised forwards and 12 backs. Fortunately the sun was shining and the stage was set from some glorious running rugby, if only we could secure the ball. With Muz’s inspiring team talk ringing in our ears (good to have you back captain) we raced out the blocks for our best start of the season. Remi’s direct lines and searing pace soon saw him crashing over the try line, ably converted by Chan who stepped up to take on the kicking duties. This was very much the story of the half and with Orr pulling the strings from 10 and strong running from Taffy, we scored a fantastic try straight from the restart, with the ball going through almost every pair of hands from one side of the pitch and back again to touch down in the corner. Exiles even managed to dominate the line out with the cunning tactic of throwing it to Toby in the same place each time. The only blemish of the half was Arthur suffering a “really sore ankle”; fortunately by this time our super-sub had arrived and so he was replaced by none other than Club President Edge to add some much needed bulk to the pack.
The second half started in much the same vein. With a Reeds Weybridge outcry to “respect the shirt”, any thoughts of a comeback were quickly banished as we scored straight from kick off, with Cattle sprinting down the line to finish a move started from our own try line in the opposite corner. However despite a number of exquisite tries, the moment of the match came from what must be a candidate for tackle of the season. Exiles were defending a scrum in a dangerous position as the big oppo Number 8 went blind, looking to crash down the line and take advantage of their extra man. Gaunty the blindside had over ideas, exploding out of the blocks to smash him in half, clearly galvanised by the unusual feel of the number 6 shirt on his back. The ball spilled straight to Orr to jog it in for another try, whilst the victim was left moaning on the deck. The game well and truly won at this stage, things started getting scrappy. With the opposition humiliated they started whining about how they would have won were it not uncontested scrums… given the margin of victory this seems somewhat unlikely. Strong performances all over the pitch, with the makeshift pack putting in the hard yards for the backs to benefit.
Final Score: Reeds Weybridge 5 – London Exiles 67
MOM – Remi. Cracking pace and strength on the ball straight from the off.
DOTD – Cattle (obviously). For a ridiculous failure trying to showboat.
DOTD 2 – Jed. For not even making the match due to his car breaking down after taking it for an unnecessary polish.
DOTD 3 – Scoops. For getting more bruises trying to walk home than during the game