In a season where the objective for SCRFC mens 1st XV is unbeaten promotion, so far Strets have won every challenge that has been thrown at them. This week, the opponents were Old Pauline, who have been joined at the hip with SCRFC in our unfortunate successive relegations. In the reverse fixture at Frant Road, Strets came out on top in what ended up being a comfortable victory in front of the home faithful. However the boys knew that this would be a tougher challenge with returning players being available for a youthful looking Old Paulines side. Strets turned up to the always impressive Old Paulines ground on the Bob "Danger" Dean Fun Bus (thanks again to El Presidente Bob) and set about the task.

After a sharp warm up in the December air, the game started furiously. If Strets didn't know they were in a game yet, they sure did after the first 5 minutes as the defence was tested by some powerful running by the opposition centres. Strets were momentarily taken a back, but in big games this season, the boys have stepped up to all challenges thrown at them. Some structured play gave Strets some possession of the ball, and following some clever kicking, they found themselves in the opposition 22. In difficult conditions, lineout leader Will Ballantine and Prop/Hooker/Flanker/Centre Jonny Orritt lead the lineout brilliantly the whole game, and provided the backs with clean, fast ball. With some great work over the ball from former captain and man-of-the-tape Barney Barnes provided a penalty in front of the posts, which was duly knocked over by fly half Adam Sheehy.

Old Paulines came back hard. With some strong and direct running from their young players, the team stepped up to make hits. In particular Ben Cowell, continuing strong form this season, put in many bone crunching hits (the ones where he tackled players with the ball were considerably better) to put doubt in the mind of OP when running down his channel.

Another typical dominant performance by the pack at scrum time constantly gained metres and put OP on the backfoot. A front row of Chis, Jonny and Max set the foundation which was built upon by the ever impressive Strets engine room this week featuring Big Willy B and Lou Green. Another penalty, and Adam Sheehy was asked to knock it through the posts which he did with ease.

In a half where the Strets team had the slope, the wind and the sun in their favour, they knew that this was the half to score points. At 6-0 up, the sizeable Strets support were hungry for points (well, Mo was hungry for pints). In another perfectly orchestrated line out, clean ball was set for the backs in the oppo 22. Some beautiful hands and interplay from our 10, 12 and 13 combination put winger and top try scorer Ibby Campbell through a gap to score under the posts. Unfortunately this cannot be described in more detail as this match report writer was face down in the turf at this point.

Half time, and Strets were not sure whether they had done enough with the favourable conditions. Strets started brightly however and secured a quick penalty in the oppo 22, which, in another imperious kicking display, Adam Sheehy knocked it through the posts. The sun was getting lower and full back Liam Gallagher knew he would be busy this second half. However, truth be told, Strets were not hoping he would be busy in the way that occurred. After trotting back to our own half, commotion was heard behind us where "Magic" Mike Lawrence was found in a scuffle with the OP bench. A yellow card duly followed, however it became clear that the real instigator, Liam "Away Days" Gallagher had escaped and hidden behind the larger boys. DoD sorted there.

The Strets defensive line held firm. Tackle after tackle coming from all players kept OPs out, until finally the pressure told and OP went over in the corner and converted. 20-7. With momentum shifting towards the opposition side, Strets knew that more points would shut the game out. After being awarded another penalty around 15 metres out from the OP try line, most of the Strets team suggested softly to the inspirational, good-looking and all round top guy captain Freddy Green that 3 points would be the way to go. The man mountain of a skipper had different ideas. After a typically huge scrum, know featuring Robb Montgomery after his last game for the club last week, enabled Freddy to dive the remaining couple of feet over the line. In one of his best all round games for the club, marshalling the forwards and organising the backs, Adam Sheehy stepped up to convert. Job done. Battered and bruised the Strets faithful and team were elated to secure this big win and get on the bus home.
With a walkover given by Woking in the upcoming weekend, Strets go into the xmas break unbeaten. Lets go boys.

MoTM - Ben Cowell
DoD - Liam Gallagher
Man of Steel - Ben Cowell