Putting the marker down

Last season OA’s had given Cats a tough encounter with the final score being 17-7 in our favour, so we were expecting another close match. The squad were fired up and focussed with every player ready for the battle. Dan won the toss and elected to attack with the sun at our backs – the pitch was in good shape notwithstanding the snow and icy conditions suffered and the day was ideal for attacking rugby.

OA’s kicked off and Cats controlled the ball. From the maul the ball went wide and Lewis made a strong run before being tackled but a good offload saw Conor surge over in the corner. Just the start Cats were looking for and although the conversion was not successful Cats led 5-0. OA’s kicked off again and it was well taken by Will Morris who made ground before passing to George who took the ball on. This time it was Conor’s turn to charge up the middle before passing to Lewis who went over for another good try. Cats 10-0 OA’s. OA’s kicked off and this time the ball was taken by Will Mac who took it into the OA’s 22. From the ensuing ruck OA’s were penalised for offside and Rory took it quickly passing to Conor who crashed over the line with several OA players hanging on. Rory converted for Cats 17-0 OA’s. Another OA kick-off and sustained pressure on the Cats line following a try saving tackle by Scott on Alleynians flying winger before a good turnover by George and Conor saw Rory’s (clever) sideways kick being well taken by Jack on the wing who then took off down the side line before being tackled midway half and OA’s 22. The loose ball was well picked up by Jamie who made good ground before offloading to a supporting Jack who went round two players to score close to the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful and at half time Cats led 22-0 OA’s.

The first half had seen some excellent work by the whole Cats team with the forwards strong on the ball and the backs giving their opposites no space to move. The second half started with Cats kicking off which was well fielded by OA’s who launched a good attack, eventually putting pressure on cats within the Cats 22. However Cats weathered the storm and following sterling work by the forwards the ball was released to Jack on the wing who made ground eventually being tackled just outside OA’s 22. From the ensuing ruck Lewis charged through the OA defence to register a good try under the posts. Converted by Rory for Old Cats 29-0 OA’s. It was time for squad rotation and on came Oskar in the front row, Ieuan on the flank, Gordon in the centre and Kieran on the wing. The Old Cats team ethos ensured that there was no loss of continuity and there was no let up for Alleynians as Cats settled back into the routine. From the kick-off the ball was fed out to Will Mac in the centre who made a strong run from inside Cats half to score close to the corner flag. Unconverted and Cats led 34-0 OA’s. In an almost repeat move from the kick-off the ball was again moved to Will Mac who again scored in the corner following a strong run – Kieran providing good support. Cats 39-0 OA’s. With the bonus point in the bag and time running out Cats relaxed which allowed OA’s to finally get on the score sheet following some good work by their forwards and a strong run from their wing. Unconverted and Cats led 39-5 OA’s. A stung Cats team kicked off and immediately put pressure on OA’s. More good work by the forwards saw George twist and turn to drive over the line but the ref called held up and an attacking scrum was awarded. From the scrum Lewis went over close to the posts and Rory converted for the final act of the game. Final score Cats 46 – 5 Old Alleynians.

This was another excellent team performance from Cats where every player from 1 to 19 contributed. The scrum was solid putting Alleynians under severe pressure and enabling Toby to take several strikes against the head. The front row of Dan O, Toby Conor and Oskar when he came on ensured that Alleynians had little quality ball while Conor had an immense game in the loose, always making ground and justifiably winning the man of the match. Jamie and George performed superbly in the tight putting in the hard yards and winning good ball in the ruck and maul situations. Dan D, Will Morris, Lewis and in the second half, Ieuan ensured any loose ball was won by Cats and put good pressure on the OA’s loosies. Lewis supported and ran strongly with just reward being 3 tries. Rory worked hard ensuring the right options were taken (I especially like the “tactical” kick to Jack in the first half) while Tom directed the back line well and distributed the ball well. Trent’s incisive running, and Gordon’s when he came on ensured that all ball was “go-forward” ball and providing Will Mac, Aaron, Jack and Kieran plenty of opportunities to run at their opposite numbers. Scott contributed with some strong running from full back, linking well with the forwards and strong defence with one excellent tackle in the first half stopping a certain try. The backs also closed down OA’s space quickly which cut down their attacking options. All in all a tremendous team effort with an excellent result just reward for the hard work on the field.