Rugby
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Old Gs throw away victory
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| Brett Buckingham crosses the line. JOHN OXTOBY. |
Old Gravesendians 17-17 Old Olavians
OLD Gravesendians were awarded the two points for their final league fixture as Olavians could not raise a front row.
This resulted in the imposition of uncontested scrums, which was rather disappointing as the set scrum has been one of Old Gs' strengths this season.
The result of the match had no effect on either team's position in the league as Gravesendians were already confirmed as runners-up to Park House, while Old Olavians were secure in third place.
The game was no classic as it was littered with errors, but there was a vibrancy to the play and both teams tried to keep the ball alive and produce some open attacking rugby.
Old Gravesendians started the game with some tempo and produced two early tries.
After an uncontested scrum, Michael Hodge, taking an inside pass, broke through the defence and was unstoppable from 20m out.
Richard Oxtoby converted.
This was followed by a rumbustious burst from Brett Buckingham, who forced his way over from a lineout.
At 12-0 Old Gs were maybe hoping to deliver something similar to the 32-0 beating they gave Olavians the last time the two sides met.
There was nothing but pride in the game for the visitors and a lesser team may have folded.
Olavians, though, certainly have some talented players as their results this season have proved and they came back strongly.
A great break by their captain and number eight Sam Akinluyi, using his pace to outflank tacklers, resulted in a try for Simon Griffiths and the scoreline remained 12-5 at half-time.
The second half opened with Old Gs doing all the attacking.
A chip ahead into space looked promising until David Akinluyi scooped up the ball and set off for the line from his own half to score a fine try, leaving an embarrassingly long trail of defenders in his wake.
The conversion was missed but with a slim two point lead, Old Gs needed to up their game.
They did so and came back quickly and with some intent.
The forwards powered up and threatened to score themselves with Matt Coomber, Brett Buckingham and Alex Cave to the fore, well supported by the rest.
Having fully involved the Olavian defence, the ball was spun wide and a long miss pass from Richard Oxtoby gave Phil Timewell the space to stroll over under the posts and stretch the lead to 17-10.
Unfortunately the conversion was missed, but Old Gs were now starting to take control.
The last 10 minutes belonged to Gravesendians.
Olavians were down to 14 men after a sin-binning and their line was put under siege by Old Gs' rampant runners.
The visitors somehow held out and finally nullified all of Gravesendians' efforts with a piece of sharp thinking from Michael Clark.
With the Olavian defence stretched, Richard Oxtoby put out another long pass and a try would probably have been scored if it had not been for Clark's interception.
He scurried off down the pitch to score with no Old Gravesendian player in front of him as all were committed to attack.
This Saturday sees Old Gravesendians entertain Gillingham Anchorians in the semi-final of the Kent Vase, kick off 2.30pm.
Old Gs will be looking to atone for one of their poorest performances of the season a fortnight ago, losing 24-3 to the same opponents.
Meanwhile, Old Gravesendians' third team had a welcome 22-7 Merit table win against Sevenoaks.
Matt Wilson, Jack Tomlin and John Paulson scored tries, Paulson converting two and adding a penalty.
3:08pm Tuesday 15th April 2008
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