League Match-Midlands 5 West North
9 Feb 2008
Aldridge vs St Leonards
A solid team performance led by a powerful forward display fully deserved a better outcome which would have been achieved but for a single moment’s aberration late in the second half. We started slowly of course and from the kick-off soon found ourselves back defending our territory against a concerted early offensive from the visitor’s forwards. Luckily they chose to keep it close - if they’d looked wide they’d have spotted a lot of opportunities out there. Our defence hung on though and kept the line intact which gave the pack the time to consolidate and then assert itself. By keeping it tight, we started to gain the territorial advantages forcing the visitors back onto their own goal line. A series of pick and drives went close and it was flanker Dave Wright who eventually got over mid way out. Ashley Shingler added the extra points. Saints reduced the deficit with a Paul Donnelly penalty 5 minutes later but it was a deserved lead we took into the half time break. Another Shingler penalty just after the restart restored the comfort zone and we appeared well in control and with the opposition on the back foot, looked set-up to increase the lead further. We failed press home the advantages however. Some of the early intensity had faded and although we dominated the territory throughout the half, never managed to create any pressure situations. A penalty presented Saints with a rare sortie up to our line and the resulting forward flourish was finished off by No8 Gareth Jones crossing in the corner. We continued to control the territory and it looked like we could hold on to the game but with 15 minutes to go, a defensive lapse gave the freedom of the park to Saints fly half Richie Farrow who touched down between the posts to give them the lead for the first time in the match. Donnelly added the extra points. The remainder of the game was played out in the Saints half but infringements and errors prevented us from setting up any productive attacking opportunities. Full marks for a magnificent team effort which must give optimism for the future.
Final score:- Aldridge 10pts - St Leonards 15pts
Aldridge : - Try:- Dave Wright. Conversion & Penalty:- Ashley Shingler
St Leonards:- Tries: - Richie Farrow, Gareth Jones. Conversion & Penalty:- Paul Donnelly
3,2,1
3 pts - Phil Manders
2 pts - Eddie O'Neill
1 pts -Anthony Jaep
Second Team Result:-
Camp Hill III 3pts v Aldridge 8pts
2nd XV Scorers - Try:- Eddie Chikowore. Penalty:- Finlay O'Rourke
Third Team Result:-
No fixture
Next week Aldridge have a League match, away at FWOE
Kick-off - 2.15 pm
