There was an electric buzz around the club for the last game of January, with the 2nd XV having their inaugural social lined up in the evening and the 1st XV looking to join them after what they hoped would be a usually entertaining fun bus back from Basingstoke.

For the 1sts, with the memory of a heart-breaking 43-39 defeat still fresh in their minds, the squad went about preparations in the normal way: sizeable portions of McDonalds, questionable stories from the night before and JHC providing pre-game carb loading for the entire squad with a plethora of sarnies. With the decision making of the squad at its finest, worried glances were exchanged as the team embarked on their journey down to play against an in-form Basingstoke who currently sat one-place above in the league. A pit stop for several (unsuccessful) scratch cards (net expenditure in excess of £25, including the coach driver) didn’t do much to ease the nerves. This was starting to shape up to look like a typical Old Tiffs away day - rugby taking second stage.

A professional and effective warm-up meant the players started to switch on just as the sun came up and perfect Old Tiffs conditions were in place for KO. The clinical warm-up was immediately put into action, the ever reliable Joe Hughes received the kick off and Tiffs immediately put the Basingstoke fullback under pressure with a deep return. A knock-on meant the Tiffs pack were able to lay down a strong statement for the rest of the game - dominating the first scrum, giving the backs clean ball and Ali Watkins the chance to execute a delightful chip over the top. The returning Old Tiffs talisman, Michael Osborne, easily collected the favourable bounce and ran in under the posts. 7-0 with less than 5 mins gone.

Tiffs continued to keep their foot on the pedal; some strong ball retention and forward carries allowed the backs to keep the aerial pressure on the Basingstoke back three. Basingstoke weren’t yet up with the pace of the game and a penalty easily slotted by Watkins gave the visitors a healthy 10-0 lead. Memories of the previous encounter were clearly having a positive impact on the Tiffs squad as they continued to put pressure on the opposition defence and set up camp in the Basingstoke 22. The pre match talk had focused on Basngstokes strong 'pick and go game; and the need for Tiffs to defend well around the fringes. One fine example of this saw Carvill and Bannell drive a Basingstoke forward back 10 yards, resulting in turn over ball.The possession was swiftly used and slick hands from the the centre partnership of Josh Graham and that man Oz, allowed Watkins to accelerate through a gap and touch down in the corner. A tough conversion missed, Tiffs 18-0.

The resounding reminder of the score line bellowing through some impressive speakers kicked Basingstoke into gear and Tiffs found themselves defending their line for the rest of the half. Some sloppy body positions allowed the Basingstoke forwards to successfully win a penalty in the Tiffs 22. An effective catch and drive from the line-out was easily converted. 18-7. Although Tiffs went looking for their third try of the half by continually calling for scrums from a penalty 10m out from the Basingstoke line, the home side defended relentlessly and managed to prevent another Tiffs score. Half time 18-7.

The second half started with an ever impressive defensive display from Tiffs. Fringe defence has continually been to blame this season for Tiffs scuppering a lead and it was refreshing to see such a strong performance around the breakdown with Staples, Mackee and Jae working tirelessly. Basingstoke were held up on three occasions and a cool-headed Tiffs defence managed to force several more errors. The Tiffs backline looked excellently in sync, repeatedly finding space and gaining yards through strong running performances from Halse, Oz and Graham. Continued persistence paid off when a rolling maul straight out of the playbook went over, Jae crashed down and Tiffs had all but done the job. 23-7. Tiffs uncharacteristically kept their cool and effectively put the game to bed. To prevent the home side from scoring in the second half is a testament to the efforts of all the entire Tiffs squad.

Special mention has to be made of the Tiffs set piece. The front five worked tirelessly and scrummaged superbly throughout. Carvill has impressed all season and yet again put in a relentless shift in open-play and in the front row. When Alun figured out how to scrummage a prop ¼ his size – the scrum was unstoppable and “Go-Go Gadget” Banjo did the rest, turning numerous against the head.

A seriously strong performance from the entire squad and hopefully a marker for the rest of the season as the side continue in their quest for a top 4 finish.

Post-match analysis: Tom Carvill “I’ve played at this level for a few years now and I don’t think I’ve been involved in a performance as good as that” - (although still uncertain if he meant the team’s performance or his own).

MOM- Carvill, Banjo, Alun and Laur(oh wait…).

DOD- Banjo – questionable pre-game motivational chat. Some say inspirational, others were holding back laughter. Either way, at least he made it through dry January.

Edit - The fun bus back to South London was epic, as was the social that followed.

Match Report by Kumara Mallik