Old Haberdashers

Old Haberdashers

The Old Ashmolean RFC (41) v (3) Old Haberdashers RFC

Well they made it. Following a superb evening at the wedding reception of their player/coach Emile Hertz, the Ashmole players dragged themselves out of their beds, ditches and gutters and prepared themselves for yet another tough test in Herts/Midds 2. They were eager to maintain their unbeaten record, but considering that a couple of them were still singing records from the night before, onlookers were more hopeful than expectant of another good performance.

They started brilliantly. One of the players absent from the prior evenings festivities, showed how preparation can be crucial with one of the tries of the season so far. Centre James Morgan received the ball from his centre partner around half way with seemingly little on. He stepped inside his man then used his pace to get away from the inside tacklers. Having left his support gasping behind him, it was important that he provided his own finish - he found yet another gear and rounded the full back for a memorable score.

Then it was typical Ashmole really, plenty of possession, plenty of threat and some stout opposition defence. Haberdashers seemed to offer little going forward but should be commended on their endeavour as they consistently thwarted the league leaders. Penalties were exchanged before a Johan Van Dyk score took us to the half time interval at 13 - 3. Both teams would have been relatively happy with this, although the moles would have wanted at least one early score to secure a win and spare any nerves. However, the Habs defence, particularly in the backs was looking strong and the usual fluidity in that area for the moles was sometimes lacking.

As the second half went on with more of the same, the Haberdashers defence understandably tired. When you are tiring, your list of favourite things does not include the bullocking Van Dyk smashing at you from close range. Unfortunately for Habs, this is what they got. The centre added two more scores to his place kicks and earlier try and wrestled the game away from Habs in the process. Further tries from prop “Quas” and scrum half Newman, who has an impressive tally already, polished off the game.

A note at this point for Kier Mcfaddyen, who despite failing to hold down a regular place in the second row this year was this reporter's man of the match. He provided consistent lineout ball, off both the Ashmole and Habs throws and was a pest around the park making both hard yards and close quarter tackles. If he continues to improve a regular place may well be his… if he can behave himself.

A Stirling effort from the leaders. However, their squad really is being tested now, even more injuries have hit and they approach Roysten next week stripped to their bones. 7 out of 7, a married coach, a youngster playing well not bad Ashmole, not bad.

The Old Ashmolean RFC scorers

Tries: Johan Van Dyk (3), James Morgan, Phil Newman, Quash

Con: Johan Van Dyk (4)

Pen: Johan Van Dyk


	Hendon \| Mill Hill \| Hemel Hempstead \| Chess Valley \| Grammarians \| Old Haberdashers \| Royston \| Chelmsford \| Old Haberdashers \| Chess Valley Semi Final \| HERTS TROPHY CUP FINAL \| Mersea Island Old Haberdashers The Old Ashmolean RFC (41) v (3) Old Haberdashers RFC Well they made it. Following a superb evening at the wedding reception of their player/coach Emile Hertz, the Ashmole players dragged themselves out of their beds, ditches and gutters and prepared themselves for yet another tough test in Herts/Midds 2. They were eager to maintain their unbeaten record, but considering that a couple of them were still singing records from the night before, onlookers were more hopeful than expectant of another good performance. They started brilliantly. One of the players absent from the prior evenings festivities, showed how preparation can be crucial with one of the tries of the season so far. Centre James Morgan received the ball from his centre partner around half way with seemingly little on. He stepped inside his man then used his pace to get away from the inside tacklers. Having left his support gasping behind him, it was important that he provided his own finish - he found yet another gear and rounded the full back for a memorable score. Then it was typical Ashmole really, plenty of possession, plenty of threat and some stout opposition defence. Haberdashers seemed to offer little going forward but should be commended on their endeavour as they consistently thwarted the league leaders. Penalties were exchanged before a Johan Van Dyk score took us to the half time interval at 13 - 3. Both teams would have been relatively happy with this, although the moles would have wanted at least one early score to secure a win and spare any nerves. However, the Habs defence, particularly in the backs was looking strong and the usual fluidity in that area for the moles was sometimes lacking. As the second half went on with more of the same, the Haberdashers defence understandably tired. When you are tiring, your list of favourite things does not include the bullocking Van Dyk smashing at you from close range. Unfortunately for Habs, this is what they got. The centre added two more scores to his place kicks and earlier try and wrestled the game away from Habs in the process. Further tries from prop “Quas” and scrum half Newman, who has an impressive tally already, polished off the game. A note at this point for Kier Mcfaddyen, who despite failing to hold down a regular place in the second row this year was this reporter's man of the match. He provided consistent lineout ball, off both the Ashmole and Habs throws and was a pest around the park making both hard yards and close quarter tackles. If he continues to improve a regular place may well be his… if he can behave himself. A Stirling effort from the leaders. However, their squad really is being tested now, even more injuries have hit and they approach Roysten next week stripped to their bones. 7 out of 7, a married coach, a youngster playing well not bad Ashmole, not bad. The Old Ashmolean RFC scorers Tries: Johan Van Dyk (3), James Morgan, Phil Newman, Quash Con: Johan Van Dyk (4) Pen: Johan Van Dyk