Cats fail to roar

In a gesture of friendly rivalry, Battersea turned up with a mix of A and B team players for this important “top-of-the-table” clash. Cats were pumped up and ready for action.

Battersea kicked off and Cats immediately attacked with good runs by Lewis, Aaron and Toby only stopped by a desperate Battersea defence. For the first 10 minutes it was all Cats with Will Mac and Dan O also going close but an excellent Bats defence kept Cats at bay. Cats were dominating all phases but could not penetrate the tight Battersea defence and then against the run off play in a sweeping move started close to their own line, Battersea conjured up a good try scored under the posts which was easily converted. Cats 0 – 7 Battersea. The game now started to be more even with Battersea tails up following the score and Cats looking disheartened for no return from their hard work. Once again Battersea attacked wide and scored in the corner but unconverted. Cats 0 – 12 Battersea. It was coming towards the end of the half but still time for one last attack. Following good work from Lewis and Dan O, George took the ball on and scored wide out, unconverted. The half ended with Cats 5 – 12 Battersea.

Cats knew they had to keep it tight in the second half and work their way back into the game but unfortunately a loose ball near the line was not cleared up and Battersea opened the scoring with another try, converted to make it Cats 5 – Battersea 19. Cat’s heads were starting to go down and Battersea continued to use the outside line well running in another 3 unanswered tries to give a score line of Cats 5 – 36 Battersea. At last stirred into action Cats started to roar and following good lead up work by both forwards and backs, Conor scored a good try, unconverted. Cats 10 – 36 Battersea. However Battersea had the final say running in a converted try to make the final score Cats 10 – 43 Battersea.

A disappointing performance from Cats point of view with a lack of support in phases and took much space given to the speedy Battersea wings while Battersea defended well and capitalised on every opportunity. The inclusion of A team players in Battersea’s side was a telling factor as their experience proved the decisive advantage in the game result.