To quote that well-worn cliché, Old Caterhamians season opener away to Old Haileyburians was certainly ‘a game of two halves’.

Faced with big ball carriers on a hot afternoon, Cats were under pressure right from
kick off as a penalty and converted try quickly put the opposition 10-0 up.

The visitors began to weather the storm hitting back with a kicked penalty by Tom
Clayton who then went on to touch down a well-worked team try initiated by a
strong break from Lewis Young and finished off with a smart offload by Oscar Nye.

Cats were sticking to their game plan but were guilty of some unfortunate handling
errors after good work by the backs. A converted penalty then put the opposition
further ahead 13-8.

Taking advantage of a sloping pitch the Haileyburians pack continued to add
pressure and it eventually paid off with an unconverted try to take a 18-8 lead at half
time.

Now with the slope in their favour, it was Cats who turned on the pressure, which
they did throughout the whole second half.

After winning a penalty, Taylor Harris kicked well to give Cats a lineout within the
opposition’s 22-metre line and as a result of a series of strong ball carrying, flanker
Will Runge muscled the ball over the line.

Deep into Haileyburians half once again George Perry found a gap, which gained
valuable metres putting Will Buxton in a prime position to pick and go over the try
line. A missed opportunity to convert left the score poised at 18-18.

Still piling on the pressure and sensing victory Oscar Nye powered his way through
the opposition defence to set up a classic Zach Uddoh snipe from the base of the
ruck, weaving his way to score the winning try.

Full time score: Old Haileyburians 18-23 Old Caterhamians

Steve Wagstaff, Old Cats Director of Rugby, spoke positively after the match.
“What was really pleasing to see, we kept to our system, we exploited spaces and
players playing out of position showed it was a great squad effort so as far as I’m
concerned, a fantastic bonus point away against a very very tough team.”

A great start to the new campaign following last season’s promotion. Next week the
boys find themselves at home against old rivals Warlingham.