Match Report

First home defeat in a year a lesson for LSA…

Saturday 23rd September 2006

If there had been any lingering thoughts that Surrey One would prove to be an easier proposition than the Canterbury Shield competition of last season, then they were dispelled by Old Wellingtonians and some interesting “interpretations” by the referee. In a hard fought opening OW made their tactical intentions clear by kicking their first 3 points ten minutes in.

With fifteen minutes gone, some good work by Gary Johnston set up field position for LSA and after a strong forward drive, Tiaan Visser crossed for a score which Aussie fly half, Peter Howlett, converted to put LSA in front 7 – 3.

With the referee making life difficult for LSA at the breakdown, OW were beginning to maintain territorial advantage and some slack defence from a 5m scrum on 24 minutes allowed OW to cross to put them back in front 7 – 8. It took LSA only two minutes to respond when Denis Schutte’s pace created space for Gary Johnston to score in the corner to put the South Africans 12 – 8 up.

The turning point in the game arrived on 28 minutes with pack leader and hooker Werner Swanepoel picking up a yellow card. In the 10 minutes LSA were down to 14 men OW’s capitalised well, scoring twice to wipe out their deficit and hit the front 12 – 20. Undeterred LSA showed their character and hit back on the stroke of half time to make it 17 – 20 with a slick backs move well finished by Dave Kelly.

The second half brought more intense rugby, frustrations with inconsistent refereeing interpretations and another sin bin for LSA. OW’s were able to convert their two penalty chances and although LSA scored another try to bring the score to 22 – 26 that was how it remained for the last 20 minutes of play in a half that proved to be an educational experience for the players and coaches alike.

“The effort level was great and we’ll regroup next week before our game against [league leaders] Cranleigh and come back more focused and hopefully stronger” commented a disappointed head coach, Bert Merritt. “Today was certainly an interesting lesson for the guys”.

Surrey XV Squad

Gareth Dickson, Werner Swanepoel, Ross Cooley, Johan Smit, Justin Rose, Tiaan Visser, Hanno Vermaak, Dennis Schutte, Tom Hendry, Peter Howlett, Nick Osman, Dave Blackburn, David Kelly, Malcolm Mirfin, Gary Johnston, Tom Modinger, Mark Howell, Gareth Williams.