Woodford

Ashmole had been starved of games post Christmas and with a massive match looming on the horizon against fellow North Londoners Enfield Ignations it was important for them to put minutes under their belt.

Woodford looked to be just the team to challenge an under strength Ashmole side in need of a confidence boost following the disappointment of the County Cup defeat.

The ever growing injury/absentee list at OA's was nearly into double figures, including Jacob, James and Seve to mention just a few, despite this there was a return to the 1st team for Dominic and a debut for flanker Gabby.

The match was a brilliant spectacle from the neutrals point of view, a free flowing hard hitting game that provided plenty of tries.

Woodford 2's were in the same merit league as Letchworth 2's a side who had provided some good opposition for OA's over the last couple of years and Woodford were no different. Ashmole struck with an early try through Ryan, his first ever try for the 1st team, but Woodford hit back with a try of their own.

The game would follow this pattern for the entire match, right down to the few final minutes.

Woodford attacked the fringes of the rucks and mauls with great effect, especially their South African scrum half who was proving a real handful, his weaving runs were getting Woodford into some good attacking positions.

Ashmole were putting together some great attacking rugby, but their fitness was letting them down, all too often the numbers at the rucks and mauls was low and this resulted in turnovers.

Ashmole centre Johan was back in blistering form, his powerful runs were smashing the Woodford defence to pieces whilst his tackling was outstanding, on one occasion in particular he saved a certain try with a last ditch tackle which resulted in an Ashmole scrum after the Woodford player knocked it on.

Hooker Craig and fly half Neal combined brilliantly with a trade mark over through from the line out that almost resulted in a try when Neal fed number 8 Tarron on the inside but his pass to centre Johan fell short. It typified OA's adventurous side and the great communication that they have developed over the years.

Ashmole showed some great determination and resilience in the face of a very tough opposition, they did not play very good rugby by their usual standards, and their lack of matches showed their poor fitness but their effort was 100%.

They secured the win through captain Neal Granger but Woodford came close to drawing the match when they got a last minute penalty, but they took the wrong option and gifted OA's what was in my opinion a well deserved win if only on endeavour alone.

This game was important for Ashmole, it will have given them a well timed confidence boost and a chance to work on things before they head into the final run of league matches.

They will be looking at the injury list and hoping for a few miracles as they strive to win their second league championship in two years.


	Top Scorers 2004/5 SEASON \| Hendon \| Totts \| Saracens Ams \| Ignations \| Woodford \| Hemel \| Watford \| Totts \| Hackney \| Saracens Ams \| Hendon \| Harrow \| Letchworth \| Watford \| Ilford \| Hatfield \| Upper Clapton \| West London \| Mill Hill \| Aylestone Woodford 26th February 2005 Friendly Vs Woodford 2nd Team Result = Woodford 17 - 20 Old Ashmoleans Ashmole had been starved of games post Christmas and with a massive match looming on the horizon against fellow North Londoners Enfield Ignations it was important for them to put minutes under their belt. Woodford looked to be just the team to challenge an under strength Ashmole side in need of a confidence boost following the disappointment of the County Cup defeat. The ever growing injury/absentee list at OA's was nearly into double figures, including Jacob, James and Seve to mention just a few, despite this there was a return to the 1st team for Dominic and a debut for flanker Gabby. The match was a brilliant spectacle from the neutrals point of view, a free flowing hard hitting game that provided plenty of tries. Woodford 2's were in the same merit league as Letchworth 2's a side who had provided some good opposition for OA's over the last couple of years and Woodford were no different. Ashmole struck with an early try through Ryan, his first ever try for the 1st team, but Woodford hit back with a try of their own. The game would follow this pattern for the entire match, right down to the few final minutes. Woodford attacked the fringes of the rucks and mauls with great effect, especially their South African scrum half who was proving a real handful, his weaving runs were getting Woodford into some good attacking positions. Ashmole were putting together some great attacking rugby, but their fitness was letting them down, all too often the numbers at the rucks and mauls was low and this resulted in turnovers. Ashmole centre Johan was back in blistering form, his powerful runs were smashing the Woodford defence to pieces whilst his tackling was outstanding, on one occasion in particular he saved a certain try with a last ditch tackle which resulted in an Ashmole scrum after the Woodford player knocked it on. Hooker Craig and fly half Neal combined brilliantly with a trade mark over through from the line out that almost resulted in a try when Neal fed number 8 Tarron on the inside but his pass to centre Johan fell short. It typified OA's adventurous side and the great communication that they have developed over the years. Ashmole showed some great determination and resilience in the face of a very tough opposition, they did not play very good rugby by their usual standards, and their lack of matches showed their poor fitness but their effort was 100%. They secured the win through captain Neal Granger but Woodford came close to drawing the match when they got a last minute penalty, but they took the wrong option and gifted OA's what was in my opinion a well deserved win if only on endeavour alone. This game was important for Ashmole, it will have given them a well timed confidence boost and a chance to work on things before they head into the final run of league matches. They will be looking at the injury list and hoping for a few miracles as they strive to win their second league championship in two years. Scorers: Neal Grainger, Ryan, Emile, Johan Cons/Pens: 0