Resilient Scorpions Sink Guildfordians To Top The Tree At Christmas

Streatham-Croydon’s 2XV defeated Guildfordian’s 2XV 19-0 in an action packed match on a blustery Saturday afternoon in CR7. The Frant Road outfit didn’t have it all their own way though as their Surrey opponents fought with them toe-to-toe. This was the all-important final game for both teams before the Conference 3 Christmas break as Strets looked to consolidate on their fine form so far this season. The high-flying Scorpions have only tasted defeat once in the league, ironically 61-12 away to Guildfordians last September.

It was a scrappy affair after the first scrum as both sides struggled to secure a grip on the game. The most notable event within the first five minutes was an injury to Guilford player after a collision with a Streatham-
Croydon player. Unfortunately for the Guildfordians’ player, the injury meant he could no longer continue. After that point, things didn’t get much better for the Surrey side as Streatham-Croydon began cranking up the scores before half-time. Tries were becoming plentiful for the hosts as they began pushing their opponents’ defence further back. A scrappy first-half to say the least, ended 7-0 to Streatham-Croydon and manager Bob Dean would have felt that his side could have led by a larger margin had his side been more clinical with their chances.

Strets’ began the second-half as they ended the first, pressuring the opposition to the point that the home side were almost uncontainable. However, despite all their possession, Streatham-Croydon still couldn’t break down Guilford’s solid defence. Bob Dean attempted to change this by bringing on Phillip as a substitute. Much to the manager’s delight, the faith he’d shown Phillip in his substitution paid off as the Scorpions scored a try and appeared to be more incisive with their attacking play. The heavy wind that had been hindering Strets’ chances during the first half had settled down and the hosts took full advantage as the tries began to flurry. It was also a special occasion for ex-Wrestler and now Streatham-Croydon player Atel Izin who made his first appearance to the club. New to grassroots rugby himself, he did his chances of pushing for a starting place in the side little harm as he helped his side consolidate on their lead and beat Guildfordians’ 2XV 19-0 in revenge for Guildfordians’ 61-12 in Surrey earlier this season.

Following the Christmas break Streatham-Croydon 2XV’s next game will be against Old Freemans 2XV away in Ashtead, Surrey on Saturday January 16th, kicking off at 2pm .The side will remain top of the league during this period after their 10th win of the season.

By Terrelle Iziren