On the 10th January on Hackney marshes, a chill breeze blew across a fine lush green rugby pitch, conditions were good for the first match of a new year. Thamesians 2nd XV Captain Hugh Brayshaw had assembled a fine squad of 19. Not satisfied with the number of pigs in blankets consumed over Christmas, the boys were chomping at the bit to feast on the flying pigs that stood before them, the Old Streetonians 3rd XV.
The first quarter belonged to T’s, after some aggressive tackling and barnstorming carries from Ben Armstrong that built momentum, centre Jamie Rose was held up over the Old Street try line. It was not long though before a 5m lineout led to Biff Bossier powering over the try line from close range, no defenders able to hold up his 148 kg.
After this promising start for T’s, Old Street began to gain the upper hand, Paddy Kearney (DoD) forced his own number 7 Ed Shapland off the pitch with a high shot. After this, powerful running from the Old Street full back and number 4 exploited some lack of organisation from T's at the kick offs. At half time Old street had a 24-10 lead.
Wayne McCarty came on at half time and brought some much needed directness back to T’s forward effort, his carries moved T’s into the Old Street 22 where Tony Rees (MoM) was able to stretch over for T’s 2nd try, bringing them to within 1 score.
The last quarter of the game became quite scrappy, with knock-ons and forward passes breaking up the flow of the game for both sides. Old Street crossed the T’s line once more before the final whistle to end with a comfortable 31-17 victory.
A disappointing result for T’s but an enjoyable game nonetheless, capped off with fine renditions of Juicy (Notorious BIG) by Wayne and Without Me (Eminem) by Paolo on the bus back to the clubhouse.
