1st XV show improved performance in loss to Millhillians

Old Millhillians 39 vs 10 Verulamians

The second phase of the league kicked off with an outing to the tranquil ground of Old Millhillians in Headstone Lane. On what was a nice day to play rugby, Vee’s started strongly, immediately exhibiting the intensity that was missing at the reverse fixture a fortnight ago. Patient phase play and industrious defending promptly showed the hosts what the Vee’s are all about. A try from a lucky break and two yellow cards in quick succession to Josh Lawrence and Joe Breeze somewhat stunted the early momentum. The hosts capitilased on the imbalance of players on the pitch to extend their advantage to 17 - 0, the Vee’s helped by an off day for the host’s kicker.

Regretting their past indiscretions, the two yellow carded players for the Vee’s atoned with a try apiece off the back of sustained pressure, with a try for Old Millhillians and half time sandwiched between the two. 22 - 10. 

A strong kick game and crisp passing aided the hosts in getting some control of the game, helped by the fatigue of the Vee’s from the monumental first half effort and the loss of goose-stepping prop Rob Campbell to the local dentist. Eager to follow in his brother’s footsteps, Jake Lawrence earned himself a yellow card, leaving the Vee’s a man down for the third time in the match. The hosts exploited this yet again to score a converted try, taking the score to 29 - 10. With the Vees running out of steam and an unfaltering Old Millhillians side, the hosts scored a further two tries, unconverted, to leave the final result 39 - 10 to the hosts.

All in all, a considerably better showing than the reverse fixture, with some tries against the run of play and yellow cards flattering the hosts on the final scoreline. The intensity played at in the first half will be much needed for a huge game against Bank Lane in a fortnight in the battle for third; make sure to get yourself down to the Cotlandswick Colosseum for that one. 

Plenty of hard working performances, so won’t be able to talk about all of them but honourable mentions go to Andre Fourie for a big performance in the new position of number eight, Harry Mack for a plethora of good lineout throws (as well as two good kicks that he’s far too modest to mention), the two Royal College Vets Jo & Woz and Man Donaghan for hooking back an opponent’s scrum feed - absolute sex. 

Written by Tom Shenton