Match Reports

March 3rd 2007

Old Wellingtonians vs LSA

LSA square up to league leaders

London South Africa RFC (LSA) took on the Surrey One league leaders, Old Wellingtonians (OW), on Saturday, in a close game that resulted in a 22-22 tie. In what amounted to their biggest challenge so far of the season, LSA had hoped to break OW’s unbeaten home record this season. On LSA’s part, the club have got used to putting big wins over their opposition in recent weeks, as they have grown rapidly in confidence under the direction of new head coach, Bob Crooks. But OW were to be a tough challenge: they are a well-established side that had gained promotion to London Division Three at the end of last season (though later relegated two divisions into Surrey One for breaches of RFU rules). Hence, both sides have spent the season playing opposition that are mostly below their level, and Saturday’s match was a step up. The two sides were relatively evenly matched on the day: LSA’s forwards put OW under pressure, while OW’s backs responded with pressure of their own on the LSA backline.

Reflecting on the match afterwards, Crooks stressed the importance of learning from how LSA responded to being under this kind of pressure, especially in preparation for a crucial game against Kingston in two weeks time. LSA’s strategy for getting promotion at the end of season rests on keeping their second place in the League safe, in order to make the play-offs. So far so good, and Saturday’s tie still keeps them on course; but there can be no surprises and a win over third-placed Kingston is critical for staying on-track. In the meantime, this week LSA will play Chobham at home at Imber Court in the Surrey Cup, which will be good opportunity to prepare for the Kingston showdown

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LSA Surrey team:

Scott Kelly, Werner Swanepoel, Clint Dearmer, Justin Rose, Christian van Rooyen, Jake Hoddinott, Tiaan Visser, Anton Kriel, Vaughan Gilson, Matt Fendick, Nick de Kock, David Blackburn, Trevor Grundelingh, David Kelly, Malcolm Mirfin, Gerhardus Krugus, Aldo du Plessis, Nick Osman.