Conditions were classic rugby weather today at Crescent Farm the home of Sidcup RFC. The rain was coming down fast, hard and the ground was wet and muddy. The boys warmed up and got ready for the game with real professionalism and unity as they prepared for the battle ahead.

OE’s won the toss and chose to kick to Sidcup and the boys hit the ground running with Adam P first to score on the back of an epic run through their back line. This was quickly followed by a classic forwards try from Eamon Q that broke through the forward and back line to ground the ball to take the score to 10-0. Some very well contested rugby from both teams with some end-to end rugby that ended with Charlie D pushing through after some great rucking from OE’s to take us 15-0… this was closely followed by another push through with some great passing from Marcus B to pass down the line to Adam P again that grounded the ball to take us 20-0. The rain subsided and that brought out some great side stepping from Sam G that came out with two quick tries into half time as OE’s took a 30-0 lead at the break.

The second half was firmly contested by both teams and Sidcup came out of the blocks hard and fast and really pushed OE’s back and it needed some very good defensive play from OE’s to stop Sidcup breaking our defensive line as OE’s were on the back foot. OE’s composed themselves and a great lay off from Patrick G to Tommy L resulted in OE’s only score of the second half to take it 35-0. Again, Sidcup responded positivity and were rewarded some great attacking play as Lucas S scored and the game finished 35-5.

The forwards were solid, with Eamon Q, Rufus M, Charlie D, Toby S and Tommy L all linking up well ensuring our rucking was top draw and meant scrum half Marcus B had plenty of opportunity to get the ball out cleanly from the ruck and scum, getting the ball through to the backs Sam G, Tom S, Tommy B, Archie L, Pat G, Adam P and James R that chased hard, tackled hard. The forwards and backs worked as a real team.

Some really great rugby on display from both teams with aggressive rucking and ball distribution but OE’s used the weather to their advantage with some great kicking, gaining territory and ultimately the hard work in training really paying off. Great sportsmanship on display from both teams with a massive three cheers for each other at the full time whistle. Great sportsmanship from both sets of supporters all respecting the referee and all giving positive encouragement to both teams.

Post match, our hosts Sidcup put on a great spread and it was an honour to see both teams looking smart in their shirt and ties as each team held their de-brief and had some well earnt hot food in the warm and dry clubhouse.

The boys did themselves proud under v hard conditions… the training is paying off lads!!

Team sheet:

Eamon Q, Rufus Q, Charlie D (vice captain), Toby S, Tom L, Adam P, Marcus B, Sam G (captain), Tom S, Tommy B, Archie L, Pat G, James R.

Thank you to our hosts for looking after us today!