Greenwich II 7 vs Beccenham VI 17 (Home Friendly)
Saturday 29th November 2008

Line-up: James Lambert, Ross Knapp, Sam Knapp, Nick Wallden, Dave Winfield, Danny Lewis, Stuart Frost, Sam Nutland, Bruno Boucherikha, Dave Jones, Paul Van Deventer, John Lambie, Dave Rainbird, Bill Ford, Koso Keys Replacements: James Barker

Due to the autumn internationals Greenwich 2nd XV kicked off early on Plumstead Common this weekend. With conditions wet and slippery Greenwich tried to play open rugby and for the most part succeeded all afternoon while Beccenham opted to put the opposition back three under pressure with their kicking game.

With injuries decimating the entire Greenwich squad, captain Ross Knapp had to step in to play hooker and young Danny Lewis stepping in to play his first game for Greenwich at flanker (when he usually plays fly-half). Also making his debut for the club was Paul Van Deventer at inside centre.

The early play was mostly seen in the forwards with Greewich rucking and passing well. Bruno Boucherikha seemed a lot more comfortable this week getting the ball away quickly and efficiently, allowing Greenwich to get some useful field position bringing the backs into the game. A little less hesitation from the forwards should see the 2nd XV create a lot more opportunities and bring a bit more pace to their game.

After a sustained period of pressure for Beccenham having to play in their own half the ball was turned over they managed to break free of the Greenwich backs and run a try in from long range which they failed to convert. Greenwich were disappointed to lose a try but didn’t let their heads go down and went straight back at Beccenham, hitting them hard on the restart and immediately putting them on the back foot once more.

The scrums went uncontested towards the end of the 1st half due to a Becs player having an injury problem. This allowed Ross Knapp to move to the back row giving the Greenwich forwards improved mobility around the pitch. With Danny Lewis, Stuart Frost and Sam Nutland getting around the pitch quickly, making tackles and carrying ball in equal measure, they allowed the front row the time to get into position for the 2nd and 3rd phases. Greenwich managed to go in at half time only 5 points down feeling as if they were not out of it by a long shot

With the ball now moving through the backs hands extremely efficiently (especially considering the conditions), Greenwich started to stretch the Becs defence. After moving the ball wide and within 5 meters of the Becs try line the Greenwich forwards managed keep their composure and prop James Lambert managed to pile over from close range with his 1st try for the club.

Beccenham were now trying to run the ball through the hands a bit more with not too much luck as Greenwich managed to keep the pressure on. But with numbers over out wide Beccenham managed to run a long range try in against the run of play with around 10 minutes left. With the wind taken out of their sails a bit and fatigue starting to set in Greenwich switched off and allowed Becs to run in another try which they duly converted and effectively ending the game with a couple of minutes left.

Despite the disappointing scoreline, this was a much improved performance from an under-strength 2nd XV. The backs looked dangerous in attack and a slight improvement in the defensive line and communication, Greenwich should be able to hold the decent field position they were finding. The forwards were working well and clearing rucks and making their tackles, allowing their scrum half to get fairly quick ball. With a little more decisciveness at the breakdown and a bit more willingness to find contact in twos and threes rather than one player on their own they can really start to damage their opposition.

Trys: James Lambert Cons: Dave Jones
1 – James Lambert 2 – Sam Nutland/Dave Jones 3 – Danny Young