Shooters Hill III 20 vs Greenwich II 35
Saturday 11th October 2008

Line Up: James Lambert, Gavin Blackston, Sam Knapp, Mike Corbin, Ross Knapp, Danny Hogarth, Stuart Frost, Gerard Vallely, Bruno Boucherikha, Uf Hasan, Ray Bianci, John Lambie, James Barker, Ciaran Keys, Billy Ford Replacements: Richard Hatch, Gavin 'Beadle' Brocker, Okey Ewerum, Dave Winfield

Greenwich RFC's second XV put their first points on the league table this term with a win away from home against some experienced and tough opposition as well as energy sapping summer conditions this weekend.

Greenwich started the game on the front foot and spent the first 10 minutes in the shoots 22. They had several chances to score but made the wrong choices and were kept at bay by a solid defence.

The Greenwich tight 5 struggled to cope with the Shoots pack from the outset and failed to make the downhill advantage count. Despite this and losing number 8 Gerard Vallely to the sin bin for some 'vigourous direction'of the referee, Greenwich managed to hold Shoots to a single penalty score, going in at half time 3-0 down.

The introduction of Okey Ewerum on the wing at half time and the targeting of the Shoots winger by Ray Bianci and Uf Hasan immedeatly paid dividends with 2 tries in 5 minutes. Okey showing his pace and touching down under the posts and scrum half Bruno Boucherikha adding the extras comfortably.

Outside centre John Lambie added his first try for the club soon after, stepping inside his man and turning on the gas to score with Bruno again adding the extras. Uf Hasan, who had a superb game with Ray Bianci beside him then ran in a try of his own with the ball moving well through the backs.

Sensing victory Greenwich then let their work rate drop a little, allowing Shoots to run in a converted score. They were immedeatly hit back by another incisive run from the ever improving John Lambie running in under posts once more with Bruno keeping his conversion rate at 100%. Some weak tackling then saw Shoots add another two trys before the end with the heat starting to take its toll.

Bruno kicking all of his conversions as well as having a solid game at scrum half and seeing Danny Hogarth back playing on the flank after last years knee injury were huge plus points for the club. Gerard Vallely put in his usual abrasive age-defying performance and the club welcomed new player Gavin Brocker to the wing 10 minutes from time. James Lambert played his first full 80 minutes for the club at prop and did well against some very tough opposition.

There's still plenty to work on but Greenwich will be pleased with the progress they're making and look forward to their first home game of the season next week against Bromley RFC IV's.

Men of the Match
3-Okey Ewerum 2-John Lambie 1-Bruno Boucherikha