Men's 1st XV
Matches
Sat 24 Sep 2022  ·  Counties 4 Surrey
Streatham-Croydon RFC
Men's 1st XV
Tries: N Briggs, F Smart, R HunteConversions: A Sheehy (2)
19
24
Old Paulines
New look SCRFC narrowly edged out by Old Paulines in league opener

New look SCRFC narrowly edged out by Old Paulines in league opener

Freddy Green30 Sep 2022 - 13:27
Share via
FacebookTwitter
https://www.streatham-croydonr

Written by Alex Lipscombe

Following promotion to Surrey 4, from Surrey 4 (cheers RFU for that logical restructuring), the Frant road faithful were back in town for business or the league opener between Surrey 4 champions SCRFC and last year's runners up OPRFC. Following a solid preseason, epitomized by many, many Malcom's, the boys were in peak physical shape for the sequel to last year's classic. The summer has brought many changes to the club, with a new coach in Tony Knowles and several fresh faces making their debuts today. We also had a new co-captain announced in Charlie ‘former prop’ Pattihis. There was great excitement around the place and strong anticipation from the strong crowd. It was also ‘ladies' day’ at the club, with a little bit of the bubbly on offer pre-match.

At 3pm sharp the kickoff was kicked, and we were underway. Sadly, it did not take long for the war to take its first casualty. Matt ‘Rocky’ Doherty, playing 8 for the still sidelined club captain Freddy Green had been looking forward to many a push over try having not scored for the club yet after a strong previous season. Rocky took the ball from kick off, was met by an oppo back row, and took an awkward landing. It was clear that he was in a lot of pain, which was distressing for all on the pitch. Matt was stretchered off and received treatment from the paramedics, giving him gas and air. He sustained a dislocated and fractured hip but given the resolve of the man will still be at training on Tuesday no doubt. For a man who only joined the club 18 months ago, he has made a hell of an impression on the lads, and everyone at SCRFC wishes him well.

Strets were visibly shaken following their early loss, and there was some loose discipline around the breakdown and some uncharacteristically loose hands with the egg being thrown around and dropped like a hot potato. However, the defensive efforts were nothing short of exceptional, keeping out the Old Paulines onslaught for a sustained period of about 25 minutes, with excellent work from all on the pitch. It wasn’t pretty or champagne rugby, but it was intense and strangely satisfying to be a part of. Unfortunately, Strets eventually caved and let in 2 break away tries after our own period of pressure, during which the author, covered in vaseline ‘to make him go faster’ dropped the ball on the opposite 5m line. This event was only overshadowed by Freddie Smart, who seemed to have gotten out the wrong side of the bed, having our own penalty overturned for a shove. Smart by name, not by nature. The visitors then kicked a pen , and we also got back 3 points thanks to Shewee's boot. We thought this would be Shewee's last game for a bit due to upcoming surgery, however due to the NHS being the NHS, we get one more game out of him before his extended mid-season break.

In the second half, after some firm words from Charlie and step in coach for the day, the mercurial Fine Tzar Michal Parker, Strets came out with a newfound intensity in the 2nd half. We resorted to some nice, simple rugby and managed to hold it for many phases. This resulted in our own periods of dominance in the 2nd half. Big Lou and debutant Jacob Lange, who happened to go to oxford university you know, were making carries and clears everywhere. Jurek also made his debut off the bench to put in some strong scrummaging. We eventually broke through with Freddie Smart picking and going from close range. This was followed by some more of the free-flowing rugby we’ve been used to with the backline of Dario, Dr Nat and Dr Raymond combining to score 2 tries with some quick hands and flamboyant feet. All 3 on debut and it was a joy to watch when it came off, Dario won MOTM award for his multiple myriad of runs and all round MVP performance. Raymond had also taken personal offense and inspiration from my tackle on him earlier that week in training and turned into a small heat seeking missile, putting people in the ground at will, deservedly winning the man of steel.

Unforutnately, OPs managed to score a winning try late on and held out, winning by a 5 point margin. It was a well-fought opener and a good sign of things to come. Our next game is against Crodyon Away on Saturday 1st October.

MOTM - Daz
DOTD - Shewee
Man of steel - Ray

Match details

Match date

Sat 24 Sep 2022

Kickoff

15:00

Meet time

12:30

Location

Competition

Counties 4 Surrey

League position

1
Old Paulines
7
Streatham-Croydon
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Sponsor - Parkside Fabrications
Club Sponsor - Metro South Mechanical
Club Sponsor - Croydon Asphalt
Women's Shirt Sponsor - Anthony Gold