Following five consecutive wins in their current league the rhinos hosted Chess Valley this week. Coach Sinan had made clear that he expected a big result and the Rhinos burst into the match with two very early tries, one from some strong running and the other from an interception.

A period of defence followed, and the hits were big, with new addition to the back row Andy Emmott filling his boots. However while tackling round the chest prevented off load it allowed ground to the opposition. After a long period of possession Valley scored as one of their larger players crashed through the middle of the ruck.

Then followed one of this season's most controversial events, and an occurrence of such injustice that some could barely believe what was happening. In trying to pull the ball from the hands of a Valley player who had dived off his feet through a ruck won by the rhinos and was now laid, yes laid, with ball in hand, the rhinos scrum half was penalised for resting his knee on the player, and thus playing the ball without supporting his own body weight. I disbelief and before he could catch himself this scrum half, squeaked 'what' at the ref and was, to his dismay, shown a yellow card.

Half time followed shortly and after a stern team talk from The coach which impressed the importance of unified defence and sticking to our patterns the rhinos returned to the pitch to produce a try filed second half.

Several tries were scored following phases consisting of strong and aggressive runs from ball carriers off of fly half Tom Shirt, who distributed and ran the game well. The likes of Nik the Georgian and Maxi Miles carried well, and with the rest of the pack providing excellent support, quick ruck ball was distributed to the backs, who really lit up this December afternoon with some sharp handling and wonderful running lines. Almost every time the rhinos spread the ball wide from one side of the field to be other they scored. New centre Dan Thomas bagged a deserved hatrick, and it was particularly pleasing to see club stalwart Matty Peterson cross the line for a well earned try on the wing. It should also be noted that the rhinos scored from a scrummage ball taken against the head, just reward for a pack that got the upper hand, for most of the game, in both set piece and contact zone.

All in all, a good result came from this game, and other than the rather ropey middle period, the rhinos displayed some wonderful rugby for the home fans (some now travelling from as far afield as Nottinghamshire - your authors parents) and demonstrating further the benefits of commitment to training.

Haringey Rhinos RFC

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