Latest Match Reports
Old Whitgiftians 31-3 Croydon (2010-03-27 )
Croydon were always destined to struggle in this game. Whitgift are second in the League while Croydon are near the bottom.
With a number of late cry-offs, Croydon started with skipper, Craig Bond, who had played all season in the centre, filling in at scrum half, Jake Henderson making his debut at fly half and wings, Ronnie Kettle and Jay Blake, both starting for the first time.
Whitgift were quietly efficient in all they did and gradually accumulated the points to earn a comfortable victory.
Croydon’s pack has had the better of their opponents in recent weeks, but OWs were solid in the set pieces giving their back line plenty of chances to show their paces and Croydon were constantly on the back foot.
Bond, who’s preferred position is open-side, showed what a versatile rugby player he is with a combative performance at 9, feeding his line well and running at the opposition at every opportunity.
Jake Henderson did very well on his debut, kicking effectively and getting his line moving when he could and both wings did all they could with the posession they got.
Ows were just a little bit better all round and took all their chances well.
In the forwards, Billy Simons, who is now beginning to establish himself in the side had his best game so far in the team and it was nice to see Chris Elmes back in action after 3 months off with a fractured wrist.
Croydon’t last League match is in 2 weeks time against Old Walcountians, a win is essential if First Division status is to be maintained.
Croydon:
1 Gareth Moss
2 Anthony Abou-Zeid( Chris Elmes 52)
3 Dom Plumb
4 Toby Boatwright
5 Bill;y Simons
6 Rob Beard ( Gareth Phillips 52)
7 Sam Gleig ( Rory Stewart 79)
8 Chris Palmer
9 Craig Bond
10 Jake Henderson
11 Ronnie Kettle
12 Sam Clarkson
13 Chris Friend
14 Jay Blake
15 Mike Pedersen
