OWRFC|Match Report
Match Report by Phil Scott.| Date: 18th October 2008 | Opposition: Gillingham Anchorians | Venue: OWRFC |
Old Williamsonians 0 Gillingham Anchorians 18
The cup bought the unexpected visit of Anchs to the fortress on this bright crisp Saturday and whispers of a giant killing were circulating the touchline, sadly it was not to be, instead the spectators were treated to a glimpse of just how far the Old Boys have come in the last couple of years.
As many would have expected Anchorian’s were immediately on the front foot testing the resilience of OW’s defence, they stood firm giving as good as they got in the tight, refusing to be bullied by the ‘bigger boys’ of Anchorians. When Old Willies did get the ball they threatened, Adam ‘Bambi’ Bambridge coming close with a chip through from spilt ball. Had kicks at goal been a little more accurate the old boys could have headed into a lead and the shape of the game could have been completely turned on its head. Anchorians showed their experience with two well worked tries, spreading the home sides defence one way before switching play back, however for all their possession and territory there weren’t many clear cut scoring opportunities and had a refereeing decision to disallow a Willies try been more favourable to the home side they would have pegged the visitors back heading into the second half with the wind and slope behind them.
In true Old boys fashion they are not defeated until the final whistle is blown and the second half saw a complete role reversal, this time with Anchorian’s feeling the heat, unable to fully clear their lines. However the home side were not quite able to break through. A further score from Anchorian’s against the run of play was given, however, without TMO and Brian Moore to tell us he would bet his mortgage on it not being given it was interesting to see the officials arm go up.
Disappointment was the initial feeling at the final whistle but this was that was short lived, the fact remained that even with injuries to key players the old boys managed to not just contest the game but to cause concerns to the Kent 1 team. This is a true testament to the hard work put in by all at the club and the guidance provided by coach Glynn Mitchell. The old boys will be seeking promotion to Kent 1 within the next two years and judging by the game on Saturday this is a very realistic target.
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