Old Elthamians 33 vs TWRUFC 1st XV 3

7th Dec 2024, KO 14:00

Old Elthamians - Away

Live Text, Match Report & Information

Match Report

Old Elthamians RFC 33 – 3 Thanet Wanderers RUFC

Elthamians draw clear in the final quarter to win the top-of-the-table clash.

The two sides have occupied the top two places in Counties 2 Kent League for most of the season, and both sets of supporters eagerly awaited this fixture. For Wanderers, Lenny Brown, Charlie Bailey and Ben Cannon were unavailable for selection in the pack; Dom Springer, Andy Letts and Finley Hickmott replaced them in the eight. Regular scrum-half Callum Doody again deputised for his usual partner at ten, Adam Harrison and his brother Leon was at nine. Ewan Maclean has been performing well in the 2s and he made his debut on the left wing whilst Tom O’Callaghan took an afternoon off from his preferred scrum half role to play on the other wing. Louis Marshall returned to the centre after injury.

It was a thoroughly unpleasant afternoon in Chislehurst but not quite as bad as the forecasters had promised. The wind was behind the hosts as they kicked off against the Wanderers in their unfamiliar pink change strip. Elthamians (OEs) attacked behind their kick-off and crossed for a converted try within the first three minutes. Wanderers captain, Warren Riddell-Bloomfield rallied his side and the defence then stood firm under some heavy pressure during the opening quarter. Full-back Henry Mirams made a good touch and Sub Charlie Stainton got on for a few minutes whilst Lewis Downer was treated. The penalties were mounting against OEs as the game’s excellent referee, Katie Gent, made plain who was refereeing the match. Wanderers were very competitive in the game during the second quarter but too often precious possession was lost in the tackle. Wanderers chose not to engage with the maul after a line-out and the hosts were again penalised. Thanet made their way to the other end and when OEs again offended Lewis Downer made no mistake slotting the penalty from close and at half-time OEs led 7-3. Wanderers coaches will have been satisfied by how they rallied after the early try against and closed the gap at the end of the half. The pack had gone well with the front row of Springer, Riddell-Bloomfield and tighthead Mike Whitehead, who also threw in well. scrummaging strongly.

Wanderers made a good start to the second half with Finlay White replacing Finley Hickmott, who had enjoyed a good half at number seven. White made an immediate impression with two impressive carries. Danny Clement replaced Springer at loosehead. The hosts reclaimed the initiative, attacking from deep and scoring wide left. With the clock ticking, the kicker had to take a quick drop kick conversion, which sailed over and opened up a 14-3 lead. The next score was hard fought for but the failure to keep possession was costing Thanet dear and it led to the hosts’ third try after some crisp handling. No conversion, but with a quarter of an hour remaining and 19-3 behind. Wanderers would need to find something special to get anything from the match. Clement showed strongly with a carry and a couple of brush-offs for potential tacklers before being floored Something special was served up by Elthamians who scored the try of the match with a quality flowing movement to secure their try bonus point which, with the conversion, put them 26-3 ahead. With full-time close, an attempted Wanderers’ clearance was charged down leading to another seven-pointer and a win for Elthamians by 33-3. Congratulations to them, Wanderers will look forward to the return match in the season’s penultimate game on the 22nd of March at St Peters.

The Wanderers Head Coach chose one of the back row as their man of the match. James Crompton. who was at number six today, played another fine eighty minutes marked by outstanding stamina, strength and no little skill to win the accolade. It was hard won in the face of competition from all of the other back five, Andy Letts, Dennis Davies, Brett Scott, Finley Hickmott and Finlay White.

Next week the first XV is at home to Vigo who are currently bottom of the table having won just one game of the first eleven. Kick off is at 2 PM and will be preceded by a Christmas lunch in the clubhouse. Please come along to that and support the team afterwards, contact Kelly to reserve your place.