EXILES 1ST XV 8 – OLD PAULINES 11

Preparation started bizarrely well and rather organised with everyone getting to the ground in good time allowing a productive warm up.

 

The ground was soft and conditions dry with the only curveball being a strong wind towards the on left corner of the pitch. The Exiles won the toss and opted to use the wind in the first half.

 

We started well with an aggressive and enthusiastic defensive line. However, within the first 2 minutes Pumps had a split second of hot headedness and a Sonny Bill esque swinging arm saw a yellow card raised and an arm showing him to the touchline. Down to 14 men it was not the ideal start however the Exiles stayed tight and kept the intensity high.

 

However, some good counter attacking and disruption from Old Paulines around the tackle area quickly saw the Exiles on the back foot and defending on our line. After a couple of missed penalty opportunity’s Old Paulines finally crossed the Exiles line to put to scores at 5-0.

 

The Exiles quickly responded and slotted a penalty (albeit a rather dodgy looking kick) to put the scores at 5-3.

 

Old Pauline’s immediately responded with some fast paced attacking around the fringes picking holes within the Exiles defence however some determined defence on the Exiles line kept Old Pauline’s at bay and eventually saw an Exiles turnover. Jake Niarchos used the wind well and relieved the pressure putting the Exiles back in the opposition half.

 

This seem to provide us with a lift and after some good attacking phases turned this pressure into points with a wide move finishing with a pass from Pumps to Sam Gourlay and some fine footwork and attacking finesse (his words not mine) saw Gourlay crossing the line to put the Exiles 5-8 ahead just before half time. I naturally missed the conversion.

 

Only 3 points ahead and facing and very strong wind meant this would be no easy task for the Exiles.

 

Old Pauline’s used the strong wind well and kept the ball in the Exiles half for the majority of the half. Sustained pressure from OP’s meant a strong Exiles defence was the nly way to keep them out. After continuous pressure some ill-discipline gifted OP’s 3 points to level the scores up at 8 a piece.

 

The Exiles reacted well and managed to gain to territory and possession however a lack of being clinical (which seemed to be the story of the game) meant any turnover ball was put straight back into the Exiles corners.  However, some impressive defence allowed us to keep the scores at 8-8 with 5 minutes left on the clock.

 

Unfortunately a mistake was finally made and a penalty was given under the posts gifting OP’s another 3 points to take a 3 point lead.

 

We responded well and a sequence of destructive pick and goes from the pack got us to the OP’s 22 however a knock on within injury time sounded the final whistle and handed the Exiles with their first defeat of the season.

 

Overall it was a frustrating day and a lack of being clinical handed us with a loss despite a very brave defensive effort.

 

MOTM: Kroeger

DOTD: Pumps (yellow card) and Caz (penalty under the posts)

Other notable mentions: The front row for a very strong performance and everyone in a lederhosen for a cracking evening despite the disappointment from defeat.

 

Next game – National Cup – Hackney RFC

 

Our next game is this Saturday against Hackney. The key is to bounce back from last week’s defeat and step up a gear to reach that number 1 spot.

 

Please email myself or Worz with your availability for this Sat if you haven’t done so already.

 

All the best

 

Hupfield