To say the lads were excited for their game against Old Paulines after watching England demolish New Zealand would be an understatement. Streatham had had a tough start to the season losing their three opening games. However their was a sense of optimism going into the game, it could have been how well structured the team had become but probably because importantly their opposition were yet to win.

The game started brightly with Streatham making a clean line break which looked to be a certain score until returning full back Ben Cowell butchered a 3-1 opportunity. It surpassed Bob Dean going back for thirds as the greediest thing that happen that day. The home team continued to knock on the door but failed to convert a number of opportunity’s. The opportunities could not be missed forever with Freddy Green rumbling over the line and Harry Peddle concerting the try with ease, on the day he orchestrated play with ease and converted 4/5 conversions. Some say he is the best Peddle to play at that the club...they would be right.

After Freddy’s score the opposition hit back with two penalties to make it 7-6 at half time. No one heard what was said at half time but after what were some clearly choice words from captain Barney Barns Streatham came out firing. The forwards put in a huge shift, Craig stole a number of opposition line outs, Freddy Green channeled his inner Maro Itoje cleaning up around the ruck winning a number of penalties. With the game on the edge, former prop Charlie Pattihis was introduced into the centres to add some bite to the Streatham back line. Streatham’s scrum was solid and it set a great platform for their second try. Centre Joe West put the ball on a plate for Ben Cowell as he beat three defenders and scored.

This try opened up the flood gates and Streatham got themselves very much into gear. A fantastic run by lock James Benyon was rewarded under the sticks. Freddie Smart had an excellent game, receiving the nickname the puppet master for the way he controlled the game. However he used brute force for his score and he rumbled over the line. And to finish the game debutant Lewis Carter dived into the corner after his forwards crashed into the opposition 22.

All in all and an excellent performance from the lads. No game next weekend but join us at the club for the WORLD CUP FINAL as England take on Wales hahah I mean South Africa.

Steatham Croydon 33 - Old Paulines 6

Man of the match - Freddy Green
Dick of the day - Ben Cowell