Old Cats 2nd XV 12 - 0 Old Suttonians

On Saturday 27th January 2018, there were questions being asked weather conditions were playable, as there was a chilling wind, bringing with it horizontal rain, with temperatures flirting with 0 degrees Celsius. It was most certainly the worst day in terms of weather we'd seen this season, and we knew if you were playing to bring an extra layer with you!

Nevertheless, the ref deemed conditions playable (just), and the game went ahead. We knew that the weather would make for an interesting game to play in, but unfortunately for the brave souls that came and watched it wasn't so great, going scoreless for the entire first half! Having said that, there was some impressive defensive efforts, especially from Cats who found themselves pinned in their own 22 for most of the first quarter of the match. Being able to keep out the strong and hard running Suttonian side was not going to be easy, but they managed it nevertheless.

Encouraged by the first half defensive prowess, Cats were looking to put some points on the board coming out for the second half; this time with the wind and slight slope in our favour. Ill-discipline from both sides at the breakdown, and on the offside line slowed the game down a bit, but it didn't take too long for the deadlock to be broken, with the magical vision, majestic skills and blistering pace from the Cats fly half Harry Hopkins (whoever that is?), taking an interception and bringing it home for 5 points, of which he converted making a 7-0 lead to Cats. This lifted Cats' spirits and momentum was now in the home sides favour. This lead was still not comfortable, but thankfully a young Luke Hadley found himself in surprisingly familiar territory in the try area with the ball in his hands. There was however a debate with the referee and linesman, as neither actually saw the ball grounded. But, thanks to the great sportsmanship of the Suttonian skipper, he was gracious enough to confirm that it was in fact a score. It's great to see that kind of honesty and behaviour, and this did in fact earn himself a pint after the game from the OC members.

This made the score 12-0, that's how the score finished. Special mentions to Bobby who played number 8, having a stormer in both defence and carrying the ball from the back of the scrum. To Daniel Dolce who was disrupting the opposition the whole game from openside flanker, and to the entire pack of Cats who fought hard in a forwards dominated match.

A horrible day's weather, but a great day in the OC 2nd's Campaign.