Match Reports from Saturday 21st October
Men’s 6s 1-0 Rugby & EW
Goal: Thomas Kirk
You don’t win anything with kids!
A young saints side tool the field against a more mature rugby side in windy conditions at Hart Field Rugby, saints had played well in patches in the last two games but needed more consistency to wrest 3 points from the home team. the youngsters played well in the first half enjoying much possession and using considerable skill to keep Rugby guessing. Rugby were a difficult side to break down and kept pressing the Saints more mature defence of Dale, Tebbutt and youngsters Archie Darby and debutant Tom Kirk. A keen ball into the defensive circle by veteran Max Darby gave Tebbutt Junior a tough opportunity which he slotted away with the grace of a much older player. Saints created many more chances through Liam Street, Hamish French and Hayden Griffiths but failed to capitalise.
Rugby flourished in a second half with much more space and the ball flowed from end to end, but failed to beat the Saints Keeper. a scratchy last ten minutes were seen out by Saints to gain their first away win for the season.
Men’s 3s 4-1 Nottingham Players
Goals: Rose (3), t.Ward
Saints 3s travelled to Beeston to play Players in the top of the table clash between the only two sides in the division with 100% records. Captain Hillier had a fraught week with 7 of last week’s team, who had won so convincingly 7-1 at home the previous week, either promoted or unavailable. However a strong team with a blend of youth and experience went into the match in confident mood.
Saints started well, creating numerous chances in the first 20 minutes.. pinning Players back in their own half for long periods.. but were unable to convert despite the pressure. It was ironic that the deadlock was finally broken with a route one pass from James Miller to Dan Rose, who one on one with the keeper slotted home for the opener.1-0 Saints.
Saints did not look like conceding, partly due to some robust defending.. unfortunately not always appreciated by the umpires.. Nigel Down green and off to the sin bin, and not to be outdone.. Steve Morris, taking his cue from his elders… made a “they shall not pass” tackle on the 23… off with a yellow. However the period played with 10 in each case was negotiated with no real scares.
The half time talk was never going to be comfortable.. as saints knew they could play better. In the second half the Saints midfield started to get control, with Macca, and debutant Matt Smart dominating the middle, Phil Bridges running the Players defence ragged down the flanks, and Toby Ward and Mason Walding started to find some space in which to use their pace. The pressure eventually told, and after some good wing play and a pinpoint cross from Sam Wood, Rose netted his second. More of the same followed, but Players were always dangerous on the break, and used the long ball to effect.. however they could not find their way past James Miller who picked off most of their speculative passes. That said, Players were always in the game, winning a number of short corners, however Dan Couldrake was in fine form in goal, smothering and clearing all they could throw at him.
So it was a surpise when Players clawed one back. Scruffy defending down the left led to a ball free on the spot, and it was swept in. 2-1.
With 20 to go, Saints changed their game, closing it out and moving the ball nicely around the back to stretch Players wide.
This paid dividends in the last 10 minutes, with the tiring home side unable to cope with the constant movement and pressure, they conceded in short time to Rose for his hat-trick and then Toby Ward. 4-1 away win. Top of the table and clear by 2 points.
A satisfying end to a frustrating game, with the second half worth remembering and the first best forgotten.
So to the bar, with Nigel Down collecting the DOD award for his green, and for getting Steve Morris his yellow… (apparently Morris expected to get “off” with his tackle, but Down’s earlier offence had encouraged the umpires to look a little more critically at our defending methods).. and Dan Rose collecting the MOM for his work rate and hat trick. His jug was enjoyed by all.
Next week.. the nailers at home.. bring them on.
Report from Nigel Down
Men’s 7s 4-0 Old Silhs
Goals: Gibson, Benning, Frost, Ward
The 7s stormed to victory on Saturday despite the best efforts of the wind and side-ways rain!
The first half saw Saints lay siege on Old Silhs D, and they raced into a deserved 2 goal lead at half-time.
The second half saw a more open game with Silhs seeing more of the ball, but the Saints defence held firm and 2 further goals saw Saints come away with a comfortable victory.
Motm – Ian Street. Special mention to Phill Ashton and Jonny Adey.
Dotd – David Connell for paying £12 to not touch the ball.