Upper Clapton

Upper Clapton

18th September 2004

National Cup 1st Round Vs Upper Clapton (away)

Result = 12-22

Ashmole were looking to have another good cup run following their credible achievements in the competition last year, but Upper Clapton were sure to be their most difficult match to date and the Essex div 1 side would not be a push over, not by long way.

OA's were boosted by many of their previously injured players returning to the squad especially Dan Doherty to the centres and Mattyhess Johannes to the second row.

Fly half Neal Granger took the captains armband for the second game in a row due to the continued absence of skipper Gareth Watson.

Ashmole started the match brilliantly, they really burst out of the blocks and the first twenty minutes of the game saw them play without doubt their best rugby all season.

They certainly made it all count with three great tries, the second of which involved some lovely interchanging between number 8 Tarron Miller and winger Mark Smith before Damian sprinted in the third, an outstanding solo effort from inside his own twenty two following a nice blind side move off the back of the scrum.

Regrettably OA's could not maintain their performance or upper hand throughout the rest of the game, but despite this and losing Tarron to a shoulder injury they defended admirably to hold out for yet another cup scalp.

Coach Emile was pleased again with the forwards display, even in the scrums where there was a distinct weight difference, the Ashmole forwards managed to provide many good attacking platforms from the scrum as well as the line out. The accuracy of the throw and jump in the line outs were again as in the previous game very good, it was just unfortunate that the ensuing pass was not always up to the same standard.

Although this was not a perfect performance by any means it did show just how good OA's can be on the attack and how brave they can be when called upon to defend.

The centre partnership of Dan and James looked especially solid despite being on the back foot for a large percentage of the match and even when Emile was forced to make changes you always felt that the replacements would not weaken any aspect of their side.

A couple of unwanted and disputable sin bins marred what was another step in the right direction for this ever improving young side.

The Ashmole camp is now full of optimism for yet another good season and if they are to take things that one leap further they will first have to contend with their fellow county cup finalists and winners from last year, Tring, who (you could have put money on this being drawn) are OA's next national cup opponents. It will undoubtedly be an eagerly anticipated and fiery match scheduled for October 16th.

Scorers = Gert, Mark Smith (Batman), Damian

Conversions/Pens = Andy consx2, pensx1


	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 Upper Clapton 18th September 2004 National Cup 1st Round Vs Upper Clapton (away) Result = 12-22 Ashmole were looking to have another good cup run following their credible achievements in the competition last year, but Upper Clapton were sure to be their most difficult match to date and the Essex div 1 side would not be a push over, not by long way. OA's were boosted by many of their previously injured players returning to the squad especially Dan Doherty to the centres and Mattyhess Johannes to the second row. Fly half Neal Granger took the captains armband for the second game in a row due to the continued absence of skipper Gareth Watson. Ashmole started the match brilliantly, they really burst out of the blocks and the first twenty minutes of the game saw them play without doubt their best rugby all season. They certainly made it all count with three great tries, the second of which involved some lovely interchanging between number 8 Tarron Miller and winger Mark Smith before Damian sprinted in the third, an outstanding solo effort from inside his own twenty two following a nice blind side move off the back of the scrum. Regrettably OA's could not maintain their performance or upper hand throughout the rest of the game, but despite this and losing Tarron to a shoulder injury they defended admirably to hold out for yet another cup scalp. Coach Emile was pleased again with the forwards display, even in the scrums where there was a distinct weight difference, the Ashmole forwards managed to provide many good attacking platforms from the scrum as well as the line out. The accuracy of the throw and jump in the line outs were again as in the previous game very good, it was just unfortunate that the ensuing pass was not always up to the same standard. Although this was not a perfect performance by any means it did show just how good OA's can be on the attack and how brave they can be when called upon to defend. The centre partnership of Dan and James looked especially solid despite being on the back foot for a large percentage of the match and even when Emile was forced to make changes you always felt that the replacements would not weaken any aspect of their side. A couple of unwanted and disputable sin bins marred what was another step in the right direction for this ever improving young side. The Ashmole camp is now full of optimism for yet another good season and if they are to take things that one leap further they will first have to contend with their fellow county cup finalists and winners from last year, Tring, who (you could have put money on this being drawn) are OA's next national cup opponents. It will undoubtedly be an eagerly anticipated and fiery match scheduled for October 16th. Scorers = Gert, Mark Smith (Batman), Damian Conversions/Pens = Andy consx2, pensx1