Last weekend in a below par performance Old Caterhamians suffered a first defeat of the season, so were looking to bounce back as they travelled to their away fixture against Old Blues.

Cats were troubled last week by John Purley Fisher’s strong scrummaging but this week their pack was bolstered by the return of Will Buxton and Bayley Mondesir.

As the match got underway on a blustery afternoon, following morning rain, it was clear that the pitch would inevitably play its part in proceedings.

A minute into the game and Old Blues were 3-0 up following a penalty but Cats hit back with one of their own, which was comfortably converted by Tom Clayton.

Cats then started to play some flowing rugby. Alex Criscuolo ran through and slipped a pass to George Nye who at speed gave Tom Clayton a no look pass and the opportunity to score what was a well-worked team try to take a 8-3 lead.

There were some comic moments at this stage in the game, at one point Old Blues chance of scoring was thwarted by the large puddle inside Cats 22.

It was clear that Cats line-outs and scrums were a vast improvement from last week and it was through a quick ball from scrum half Zak Rhodes that led to a second try.

Ollie Morris took a pass from fly half Seaghan Davey at pace and powered his way through touching down between the posts. Tom Clayton claimed the two points to give Cats a half time 15-3 lead.

The second half didn’t start that well for Cats who squandered a couple of chances to score then Old Blues converted another penalty to reduce their arrears to 6-15.

Cats then suffered a set-back as centre Alex Criscuolo suffered a nasty injury in a collision with the old Blues flanker who was lucky to stay the pitch.

After a lengthy injury break, Old Blues were back on the scoreboard as they intercepted a pass resulting in an easy touch down, which they surprisingly failed to convert.

The game ebbed and flowed until Cats managed to put the score out of reach. Another quick ball from Zak Rhodes allowed Seaghan Davey to set up full-back Tom Clayton who powered through the gaps in the Blues defence to score Cats third try.

Following a successful conversion the afternoon ended with Cats seventh win of the season.

Full time score: Old Blues 11-22 Old Caterhamians

After the match Cat’s skipper Oscar Nye summed up the afternoon.
‘Great to get the win and bounce back from a disappointing loss last week. The lads gave an excellent performance with the pitch conditions working against us but we showed our ability to adapt to the environment, work through our game plan and execute some beautiful rugby against a strong Old Blues side.’

‘We are all wishing Alex Criscuolo a speedy recovery.’

Despite missing out on another bonus point, the win moved Old Cats into third place in Counties 2 Surrey League, still with a game in hand. That match will be played next Saturday away at Old Whitgiftians.