Thank you Ben Sangster.  Go HERE  for the story.

Match Reports First XV                                        

non 1st XV reports  

2007/08 Season

The Simpson Show..Doh!  Or a game of one half...

By 'Scoop'

Effingham Eagles 10 Old Wimbledonians 3

Brown's Lane and its pitches looked first class.  The hitherto unknown fifth Simpson family member, Dave, burst onto the stage that is the Eagles first team pitch to enliven an otherwise somewhat desultory end of season encounter and seal a win for the Eagles.  A moderate crowd, replete from the Victoria Oxshott’s sponsor’s lunch and in good humour, being fairly assured that nothing too terrible was likely to happen, pitched up to support the Eagles in the last home game of the season against Old Wimbledonians, who had had something of a trying season. The reverse fixture at OWs, in a fierce wind, had been won reasonably comfortably by the Eagles, featuring a hat trick from winger Erhan Mustafa, unfortunately unavailable for this match. 

OWs kicked off and some early inattention from the Eagles saw the first of many turnovers – OWs were equally generous throughout the match, which was just as well - the early play being dominated by the visitors, who looked nothing like a side already relegated and were playing with some spirit. OWs, playing with the wind, were largely controlling play in the Eagles’ half of the pitch though without ever being even semi threatening against good Eagles defence. The wind, seemingly a permanent fixture of Effingham matches, was again gusting powerfully and the early excitement (since not much was happening on the pitch) was largely confined to the spectators manoeuvring for position to try to use the more comfortably proportioned Gotes as windbreaks. There is nothing quite like an end of season thriller, with both sides freed from the tension of needing a result, throwing caution to the wind and playing some rousing rugby – and this was nothing like an end of season thriller with both sides freed from the tension of needing a result, throwing caution to the wind and playing some rousing rugby. Without making too fine a point of it, this was soporific stuff and, by and large, nothing of consequence happened for the first quarter of an hour or so. The spectators, by now bored with musical wind chairs, had resorted to that always endearing trait of ironic cheering when the Eagles were awarded a decision by the referee.

The Eagles were developing a clear advantage in the scrummage and were awarded some decisions as the pressure began to tell but lineouts, with the referee allowing little leeway for the wind, were a lottery. The tide of possession and territory which OWs had hitherto enjoyed was gradually turning, though unassisted by the referee, who, sadly, was suffering from an incredibly rare form of number blindness – Octophobia - being totally unable to see the OWs’ no 8, who was so often offside on the wrong side of rucks and mauls that an award of an Eagles’ shirt would not have gone amiss. However, this misguided fellow was doing a splendid job for his side and slowing down Eagles possession so well.

However, the crowd were suddenly woken from their slumbers – Eagles’ flanker Mark Fricker put in a huge tackle on his opposite number, turned the ball over and then made 40 yards or so, before offloading skilfully to centre Losardo, who was hauled down inches from the try line, before being bundled into touch from the resulting ruck – there was some fairly clear skulduggery on the floor by the defenders but sadly the referee still had his opaque glasses on. The Eagles won the OW’s lineout and mauled the ball towards the try line – was there a risk something was about to happen? No, phew! OWs defended well, the ball went to ground and a 5 metre scrum was awarded, from which the Eagles moved the ball smartly across the back-line, only slightly distracted by the outbreak of a running fracas – which, when drawn to the referee’s attention, resulted in a penalty to the defending side, enabling OWs to clear their lines efficiently.

Then something did happen – the Eagles strayed offside at a ruck and the OW’s kicker efficiently split the uprights for 0-3. Though now behind on the scoreboard, perhaps because so, the Eagles awoke from their wind-in-the-pillows somnambulation and began trying to play some rugby, though still bedevilled by Mr Invisible, the visitor’s no 8, and by a year’s supply of knock-ons – in which respect the wind was not assisting.  The world record for the most lineouts in a game is 111 in an England-Wales encounter back when men were men and England still had an empire – this match must have been right up there in the Guinness book of knock-on world record attempts. Sadly, despite some smart moves from the Eagles centres, Simpson and Losardo, the Eagles’ endeavours bore little fruit and half time arrived at 0-3 to the visitors. It could only get better in the second half.

And it did..now playing with the wind, the Eagles were able to exert sustained pressure on the OW’s try line though some wrong options were chosen on occasion and OWs survived with some committed defending. Both Losardo and full-back Evans made excellent breaks only for the supporting runners to be tackled on the line. The Eagles were beginning to dominate, with the OW’s scrummage by now under real pressure – both the Eagles’ props were doing a splendid job, though one or two penalty awards against the Eagles were a little curious – why would the stronger scrummaging side drop the scrum on their put-in in the opposition 22? Answers on a postcard ...

The Eagles were camped in the OW’s 22 but were tending to over-elaborate – moving the ball along the back-line was fraught against motivated defenders and a stern wind – one such sequence of plays saw OWs scramble superbly and fly-hack the resulting loose ball towards the Eagles half – a rare venture this side of half time. However, eventually, the Eagles registered points as OWs offended at the ruck and Dave Simpson stepped up to the mark, sending the ball sailing between the posts from 35 metres or so out – a superb kick, in a difficult wind. There was more to come from Simpson as the Eagles recycled the ball from the restart and after some pick-n-drives from the tight five, moved the ball swiftly to the centres – with some of the finest from his box of dummies, Simpson was through the cover defence and showed the defenders a clean pair of heels to score, then converted his own score for 10-3. And by and large, that was it – the Eagles saw the match out without further alarms or opportunities to score, though wingman Alan Ryan went close on a couple of occasions. The dying moments featured the baptism of substitute Mike Rayner’s new shorts – the previous pair having been donated to the Museum of Rugby at Twickenham - but sadly even this seminal event failed to trouble the scorers – that was it folks for another home season and overall it has been another season of honest endeavour and some terrific entertainment for the loyal Gotes, who are already looking forward to next season.

Effingham : Byrne, Callendar, Maycock, Pickering, McGibbon, Fricker, Young, Morton,Hitchmough, Brown, A. Ryan,  Simpson, Losardo, Evans, Penny: subs Rayner and Grady.

Man of the Match : Dave Simpson.

The following report of the match on 16th February has just been discovered in the archives of the Croydon Advertiser

Purley JF stutter to a sorry draw

 Purley John Fisher 7pts   Effingham & Leatherhead 7pts

 Purley John Fisher stuttered to an uninspiring draw against Effingham & Leatherhead. One of the main reasons PJF were unable to excite the expectant home crowd was the fine display from the visitors, who belied their lowly league position in taking the game to the hosts. It was a moral victory for Effingham as they ground out solid possession and good field positions to peg PJF in their half for the majority of the game.

 The hosts did, however, defend well and in parts showed why they could play better than they actually did. Fly-half Alistair Fox showed glimpses of awareness and skill as he broke through the intensive cover on a couple of occasions only to be thwarted by the visitors' rear guard. Tom Campbell punched holes and from an early foray freed Ruairi Campbell-Carson to cross over to open the scoring, Stuart Sorrel converted.

 Thereafter it was really all E&L as they stuck to their core drills and pinned PJF down. They were rewarded in the second half when after several pick up and drives from the pack, play was suddenly switched and their fly -half sped into the corner. This was followed by a monumental conversion from the touchline to even the scores.

The game drifted into a malaise after that with PJF playing strongly, but not smart enough to take anything but a point from the match.

Effingham Eagles 1st XV vs London Cornish 1st XV on 8th March 2008

Effingham Eagles 9 London Cornish 9

By Scoop

A combination of driving rain, a strong wind and the Calcutta Cup game all conspired to produce but a sparse crowd to greet the players running out for the first XV league fixture at Brown’s Lane on Saturday. The Effingham team showed a number of enforced changes through injury, including Nigel Maycock coming in as tighthead prop, Dan Aboud at lock and Rob Allen in the back row. Both teams are comfortably mid-table in London South West Three with neither in danger of relegation or promotion, which may have suggested the edge being taken off the encounter. 

Effingham, kicking into the wind, had slightly the better of the early exchanges with some tactical kicking between the respective back threes. However, London Cornish gradually came into the game and began to dominate possession, moving the ball well and stretching the Eagles’ defence, which nonetheless proved equal to the task. The sustained pressure - with the Cornish wing twice going close to clean outside breaks but both times choosing to take his opposite number on when a chip would have put him clear – did eventually tell with the Eagles conceding a penalty for offside at the ruck. The Cornish kicker duly slotted home efficiently from a good distance out – an impressive start for the visitors, 0-3.

Cornish were also dominating at the early set-piece, with the Effingham front row in some difficulty – it was looking like it might be a long afternoon for the Eagles. However, the Effingham scrum gradually began getting its act together and to produce a more even contest – eventually winning a penalty for Cornish slipping a binding. Dave Simpson stepped up to the mark and split the uprights from a wide angle – equally impressive into a very testing wind, 3-3.

Momentum now swung back to Cornish who produced some flowing moves, one such move rather over-flowing with a neatly directed pass to the touch judge (who missed it). The pattern of the match was very much set, with Cornish having the lion’s share of possession but lacking precision near the Eagles’ tryline and the Eagles defending well, though riding their luck from time to time. Referee Piers Moore -unmissable even in stygian gloom, being clad in a garishly florescent lime green top albeit with some unfortunate bright red oikball shorts - was going a sterling job in the inclement conditions and was particularly sharp on tight offences – at the 30 minute mark, Moore penalized the Eagles for offside at a ruck, with the Cornish kicker again successful for 3-6.

The Eagles turned over ball in midfield and moved the ball out to wingman Woosnam, who broke the Cornish line and made good ground up to the Cornish 22 before being dragged down whilst attempting to offload to Eagles No8 Dave Morton in close support. However, the Cornish fullback had declined to roll away, preventing quick release and was duly penalized, Simpson again stepping up to slot home, 6-6 and half time.

The pattern of the match continued very similarly in the second half, with Cornish going closer to a  five pointer, being held-up over the line, but for the most part with the Eagles scrambling very well in defence, regularly winning turnover ball at key contests for the ball and achieving a measure of scrum dominance. The kickers exchanged penalties from distance, both being successful from near the half way line. With little time to go, Effingham were awarded a penalty for holding on but Simpson, flawless to that point, was unable to land a further kick from the halfway line and that was full time – both teams would have to be satisfied with sharing the points, arguably an equitable result, Cornish’s greater attacking flair being balanced by Effingham’s resolute defence. It certainly beat watching England.

Effingham : Brown, Evans, Woosnam, Fricker, A.Ryan, Simpson, Losardo, Hitchmough, Morton, Allan, Young, Pickering, Aboud, Byrne, Callender and Maycock. Subs, Lunch and Rayner.

Cobham 23 – Effingham Eagles 12  - 26 January 2008

The Eagles leave it too late to employ the winning strategy...By Scoop....

Effingham travelled the short distance to Cobham’s Fairmile Lane ground for the return League fixture, the Eagles having gone down in the home fixture, though leading at half time. With Cobham topping the League, with just one defeat, the match would no doubt be a challenge.  The weather was fine – a bright, crisp, dry January day - and the pitch looked in good condition, having been dried out by a relatively dry week and the brisk wind. A fair crowd had gathered to support the teams, as befitted a local derby.

 Oli Brown at 10 for the Eagles started the match with a deep kick to Cobham’s 22.  The two back threes then tested each other out with some deep early kicks, with Effingham making the first error – a knock on, yielding field position. From here Cobham largely controlled the early play, using the width of the pitch impressively, though for the time being, the Effingham defensive line held. However, after a series of phases, with some efficient pick-n-drives, the Eagles’s defence was sufficiently stretched for Cobham to be able to move the ball smartly through the three quarters, with the winger scoring towards the corner, though the try was unconverted, 0-5 – a relatively soft score and an unpromising omen for the Eagles’s supporters.

 The balance of play was now firmly held by Cobham and the fluency of their play was testament to their League position. A scrum midway between the halfway line and the Effingham 22, with a Cobham put-in, suddenly and violently rotated and swung 90°- catching the Effingham defence completely flatfooted on the other side of the scrum - whilst it was not clear that the referee allowing play to continue rather than reset with a turnover was necessarily correct, this presented the entire Cobham back row plus the blind side winger with a four on two canter to the line, a hopeless position for Dave Simpson at fullback and Erhan Mustafa, the Effingham winger, and an even softer try duly resulted, again unconverted, 0-10. Matters were not developing well and took a marked turn for the worse when Cobham were awarded a penalty shortly after the restart for hands in a ruck, duly slotted for 0-13; and looked even darker when the Effingham playmaker, Oli Brown, was forced to retire from the fray with an injury, though his replacement - Mike Rayner – who went to fullback, with Dave Simpson slotting in at 10, always brings his own unique game (and shorts) to brighten even the dullest match.

 At this point, there was some blessed light relief as a short lineout was disfigured by some “line dancing” – more of a Gentleman’s Excuse Me – and by, did your reporter’s ears deceive him, the rarely heard lineout call of “duck” (or may be this was an early takeaway request for the post-match repast?). When the Cobham hooker eventually decided to part with the ball, the two jumper continued the fauna theme and leapt like a salmon – unfortunately it was a tin of salmon and hence Effingham collected the ball comfortably. This break seemed to lift the Eagles –though Cobham were 13-0 up in fifteen minutes or so, despite the portents, the Eagles did not wilt and worked their way back into the match, defending resolutely, though not without some fortune as a threatening further Cobham score was averted by a timely forward pass, and creating some openings of their own. From one such opening, Dave Simpson took advantage of some inattention in the Cobham defence, showing good speed off the mark and upper body strength to force his way over from a loose ball from a scrum near the Cobham line – with this being converted, that was 7-13 and halftime – might the tide be about to turn?

 Sadly, Canute. C. (King) appeared to be amongst the Effingham subs as the opening salvo of the second half showed the tide was not turning as a box kick from a ruck on the Effingham 22 was skilfully charged down by the lanky Cobham two jumper ( John West? See above), yielding the third consecutive soft try as he sauntered to the line – though the Cobham kicker’s radar remained off piste, that was nonetheless 7-18.

 Following the restart, and some good play in midfield from both sides – Charlie Compson and Dave Ellis to the fore for the Eagles - the soft try theme became almost Andrex-like as another revolving scrum was salvaged by the Effingham number 8 managing to retrieve the ball, though tackled by the Cobham 9, only to be engulfed from the Effingham try line side by the suspiciously offside entire Cobham back row -  the ball being turned over and another saunter to the line resulting in a five pointer – though again the extras were declined, 7-23.

 At this point Effingham added to their difficulties with some polite, though robustly expressed, technical assistance advice to the referee - the sagacious profferer being provided with ten minutes rest as a reward, no doubt to reflect on life’s ironies. All now became clear - this, together with the earlier donated scores, was obviously a deep strategy to lull Cobham into a false sense of security as, curiously, given the momentum of the match, Effingham then enjoyed a purple patch (perhaps this strategy could be employed earlier in a match, with the 15 player and points-on-the-board variations?), threatening the Cobham line at a number of points with some controlled play from the front five (or rather, four, as they were now). However, clearly, one does not want to overdo this intriguing strategy and the Eagles respected the protocol, waiting for the return of the prodigal profferer to step up yet a further gear and force a five metre lineout. The catch and drive saw a powerful rolling maul develop, the Eagles showing good patience to retain organisation and discipline when the first drive was repelled, regrouping to force the ball over the Cobham line, Dom Young doing the necessary beneath the pile of bodies.  Simpson was unable to convert so that was 12-23 and fulltime.

Though Cobham were fully deserved winners, the Eagles had shown spirit and no little resolve, as evidenced by the scoreline. What was the difference between the sides? About 11 points....

Effingham Eagles: Ryan T, Callender, Gethin, Stocker, Pickering, Morton, Ellis, Compson, Hitchmough, Brown, Fricker, Penny, Mustafa, Simpson, Ryan A: subs: Byrne, Young, and Rayner.

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A cure found for white line fever in the nick of time - the Eagles make it four in a row

By Scoop

Effingham Eagles 18 Old Reigatians 6

The Eagles welcomed back Old Reigatians to the arctic steppes of Brown's Lane, although mercifully, the normally present biting crosswind was fairly still for the first half at least. The Eagles team sheet showed a number of changes from the recent win over Old Wimbledonians, with the return of Mr Reliable, Dave Simpson at fullback and Tim Ryan coming in for Nigel Maycock at prop. Regrettably, B.Rassmonkey's seasonal difficulties continue and he was again absent.  The Eagles had been successful 12-3 in the away fixture in November - would they be able to repeat the win? A W would make it four in a row. A large crowd, buoyed by the festive season lunch, were on hand to provide support for the Eagles. One ORs supporter, who had clearly dined well, endeared himself to the home crowd by enquiring, in an ironic tone, when an eagle had last been seen in Effingham...answers on a postcard....

The Eagles started brightly, with the forwards making early hard yards, and, as ever, Charlie Compson prominent in the loose, like an arrow to the breakdown and pressurising the ORs ball, forcing turnovers. The Eagles forwards were establishing a reliable platform, with a definite nudge in the scrum and a measure of lineout dominance. Play moved inexorably to the OR's 22 and was to remain there for most of the first half.

However, ORs, whilst not offering much by way of an attacking threat, defended stoutly and frustrated the Eagles, with a well-organized and committed defence.  A sharp early break by Eagles 9 Nick Losardo was unrewarded as an Eagles attacker got himself isolated and tackled on the line, turning over the ball with a penalty for hanging-on. This pattern largely repeated itself for the whole of the first half, with the Eagles pressuring the OR's tryline, only to knock-on, fumble, drop, pass forward, donate the ball to the OR's Christmas charity, indeed do all sorts of things, some more interesting than others, but, crucially, none involving the key element of placing the egg-shaped thing over the OR's tryline with a yellow and green jersey clothing the arm of the hand adhering to it. Patience Prudence, patience...

The inevitable happened, as boosted by a scrum offence by the Eagles, ORs found their way into uncharted territory - the Eagles half of the field - and despite the confusion of not having a map, won a penalty for not rolling away. The OR's 10 made no mistake and the split the uprights from 40 yards or so, 0-3 to the visitors.

Still the Eagles pressed, next coughing up a penalty for hanging-on at a spot which appeared to be actually over the tryline... (note to RFU Laws Committee, if sent the video, please advise whether that should have been held-up and an attacking scrum - it's just a thought)...However, ORs were unable to clear their lines and a series of pick-n-drives took the Eagles back up to the OR's 22, winning a penalty for offside - understandably, Eagles 10 Oli Brown was thinking of warmer times and warmer games but "wide", unfortunately, was no runs to either side. It was looking like it might be one of those days.

The Eagles gathered the restart efficiently and ran the ball back at the ORs, wingman Erhan "Moose" Mustafa - fresh from his hat trick in the previous match - being put into space with the whitewash beckoning...but...but... the referee adjudged a forward pass. Suffice to say that elements of the crowd, well-intentioned as ever, in the seasonal spirit of goodwill, wondered idly whether a refresher course from Janet and John do geometry might assist future decisions. However, once again, that was halftime, at 0-3 to the visitors.

The Eagles' restart went high rather than deep and the ORs gathered, and made good ground, starting the second half brightly, having located the right map, and once again won a penalty in the Eagles' half, this time for over-the-top. Yet again the OR's kicker showed the killer touch, this time from 25 yards or so, and the ball sailed between the posts, 0-6. It was not looking good - with all the pressure, Effingham had done everything but score - and at this juncture distinguished Eagles supporter Keith Howieson returned to the Effingham clubhouse to seek solace with a stiff Irn Bru - but there is absolutely no connection with the outcome that from that point, the Eagles' fortunes took a distinct upturn....

Play oscillated in midfield for much of the half - by this time the wind had got up and the dropping temperature was not assisting handling at all, with a number of scrums for knock-ons. The Eagles' scrum was retaining ascendancy and won a series of turnovers - however, the OR's scrum half, conscious of the imbalance in the tight fives, reacted with an impressive variety of put-in angles - none of them actually straight, mind - and certainly very few that actually went anywhere near the tunnel.

However, with the weight of possession, the Eagles again moved play towards the OR's 22.  ORs turned the ball over and cleared their lines, the ball being gathered by Mustafa : "Release the Moose" - came the call from the touchline and Erhan did not disappoint, making 30 yards or so and setting up a ruck on left field, won by briefly by ORs but won back by outstanding counter rucking from Charlie Compson, who set up Losardo for a dash to the line, exchanging passes with Mike "Reindeer" Rayner - the Flying Shortsman - before dotting down in the corner, though Brown was unable to add the extras : 5-6, but the Eagles still trailed and there was not long to go. Leaving it late is a long-established Eagles tradition but this was taking its toll on the nerves of the supporters and the tension was rising both on and off the field.

The Eagles continued to press but ORs stood firm and with some determined rush defence, continued to keep the Eagles at bay. However, the pressure was beginning to increase the penalty count and from one opportunity Brown for the Eagles sent the ball sailing through the post to take the score to 8-6 - the Eagles had taken the lead.

The Eagles gathered the ORs restart and using Rayner and Simpson to move the ball on, moved play smartly up to the OR's tryline - but this time, the ORs defence, which had done so well to repel many attacks in the first half, was finally breached by some deft inside passing and a crash ball for loosehead prop Paul Gethin, who rolled smartly out of a tackle to dot down near the left flag: though Brown was unable to add the extras, just shaving the left post, that was 13-5 - ORs would need to score twice.

The next score also went the Eagles way with good work by Simpson and Rayner again moving play up to the OR's five metre line, with the ball going into touch for a defending throw. However, yet again Compson won a turnover and the attack regrouped, resulting in another line-out, this time to the Eagles for an attacking throw. Hooker Callender found John Stocker and the Eagles drove over for a try, with Gethin emerging with the ball, though again Brown was wide with the conversion, just shaving the right post this time; but that was 18-6 and full time - a terrific win but another late late show.

Effingham Eagles : Ryan.T, Callender, Gething (c), Stocker, McGibbon, Compson, Ellis, Morton, Losardo, Brown, Mustafa, Fricker, A, Penny, Rayner, Simpson, subs Farley, Young and Harris

Old Wimbledonians 12 vs Effingham Eagles 22 on 1 December 2007

JUG TIME FOR ERHAN or “Please Sir, can we have our ball back?”

 The Eagles travelled to Old Ws on the back of a run (more of a trot or brisk walk really) of back to back wins – could they make it three in a row –the portents were favourable as OWs were bottom of London South West Three, without a League point to their name.  However, the match had “accident” written all over it and the prevailing Sou’westerly gale conditions were bound to affect the result. The well trimmed homes of SW20 surround OW’s ground – hugged is perhaps more accurate as the OW’s ground is the one of the few with its own dedicated stepladder ; lost balls, for the recovery of – an indulgence already earned by the Eagles’ kicker during warm-up who had committed the schoolboy howler of kicking practise into the “garden” end. The Eagles team showed three changes from the previous match:  Dom Young returning for Michael Cave, Dave Ellis for Charlie Compson, and crowd-pleaser Mike Rayner returning to the wing in place of Rod Adams.

The Eagles chose to kick into the howling wind – popular wisdom on the touchline was that this was a two score wind so OWs would need to be 10 to 12 points ahead by half time. OWs kicked off, the Eagles gathered and OWs promptly went over the top, killing the ball, penalty to the Eagles – the kick into the wind barely made ten yards, which told its own story. Play oscillated back and forth, with the Eagles having the majority of possession but with OWs defending well, and the wind against them, the Eagles were unable to make much headway. That the Eagles were shading the match despite the wind boded well and after 15 minutes a thrilling 40 yard break by Eagles No8 Dave Ellis stretched the OWs defence sufficiently for wingman Erhan Mustafa to find space on the right wing to dot down in the corner, though Eagles 10 Oli Brown was unable to add the extras into the force ten gale: 0-5 to the Eagles.

OWs hit back quickly with the OW’s full back showed terrific pace to outstrip the Eagles cover defence and put his own wingman in for the equalizing score, though again the conversion was wide, 5-5 –Game On! OWs began to play the conditions rather more adroitly, kicking to the corners and play moved into the Eagles’ 22.  A lineout to OWs produced an attacking maul and then a scrum in midfield from which the OWs centre took a simple inside pass from the scum half to brush aside some half hearted Eagles tackling and score under the posts – a disappointing try to concede off first phase ball – the score being improved by the conversion for 5-12 to the home side.

The Eagles were gradually establishing scrum dominance and it appeared this would be their platform back into the game but this strategy was undermined when a simmering front row fracas as a maul broke up lead to an Eagles’ prop being sin-binned – whilst it was unclear that the card recipient was actually the perpetrator, the referee needed to take some action to demonstrate his control – particularly as he was being assessed.

The Eagles were obliged to sub on a replacement prop and regrouped successfully, holding play largely in midfield. OWs rather curiously abandoned the kicking game and sought to run the ball through, possibly counting on the man advantage. However, a loose pass in midfield saw Eagles centre Mark Fricker intercept and make ground towards the OW’s try line with a timely offload as he was caught close to the line, with wingman Erhan Mustafa on hand again to complete the score, though again Brown was short with the conversion into the strong wind - 10-12 and that was half time.

A frank half time team talk from coach Ridley saw the Eagles take the field with a sharper attitude for the second half, buoyed by the knowledge that they had the wind for this half – unsurprisingly a kicking duel developed, with the Eagles seeking to pin OWs in their own 22 and to a large extent succeeding. The Eagles had re-established scrum dominance and whilst this solid platform was providing clean possession, the wind was playing havoc with lineouts, which were becoming a lottery. However, from a good line out catch by Stocker at 4, the Eagles grouped around the catcher, drove forward and...and.... nothing – OWs, employing a tactic first popularized by Italy at international level, stood off, thus no maul was formed and OWs were able to come round, disrupt and indeed turn over possession – the Eagles were becoming frustrated that their overwhelming share of possession and territory was not being translated into points.

The travelling band of Eagles supporters urged the team on, with helpful, free, and unsolicited advice to players and referee alike – the rarely heard call of “learn to shimmy” from one spectator not known himself for the nimblest of feet, suggested this was from the school of “do as I say” rather than “do as I do”....

The Eagles continued to press and eventually their patience was rewarded with two penalties in quick succession, both for hands-in – usually a telling sign that the defending side is flagging – though Brown was wide with the first and it was decided to kick for the corner from the second. Again, hooker Callender impressively found Stocker with the throw – no mean feat in that wind - the Eagles grouped around the catcher, rumbled forward, over the try line and...and..OWs had gone once too often to the well of smart tactics and whilst standing off to prevent a maul forming is a worthwhile surprise tactic in midfield, it is overdoing a good idea to attempt that on the defending 5 metre line : by the time OWs had twigged, the Eagles were over the try line and whilst OWs, too late, engaged the Eagles drive, Stocker had touched down for a soft score, though Brown, still struggling with the wind, was unable to add the extras – 17-12.

This was merely the prelude to a champagne moment as the Eagles gathered the OWs restart, probed first left, then right, then left again, only to lose the ball forward, enabling a clearing kick from OWs, caught in midfield by fullback Penny, perhaps 60 yards out and passed onto wingman Mustafa. Mustafa set off on a jinking run, showing electric pace, through traffic, beating 8 or 10 defenders, including the covering fullback to dot down for a wonderful score and a hat trick (and later a jug and a well earned rest). Brown was wide with the conversion but that was 22-12 and a fine moment to close out the match.

Man of the match: Erhan Mustafa – 3 tries, no lost balls.

Effingham Eagles: Paul Gething, Joe Callender, Nigel Maycock, John Stocker, Richard McGibbon, Dom Young, Dave Ellis, Dave Morton, Nick Losardo, Olie Brown, John Grady, Mark Fricker, Anthony Penny, Erhan Mustafa, Mike Rayner, Tim Ryan.

Old Reigatians RFC 3 vs Effingham Eagles  12

Effingham Eagles travelled to familiar opponents Old Reigatians’ attractive ground for a key London South West 3 League match. After losing to two breakaway tries at home to Guernsey the previous match, having controlled the play for most of the match, it was doubly important for the team to start registering league points again. Having been competitive in every match, there was no reason to believe that against opposition with a similar league record, this was not a winnable match. The Eagles' teamsheet showed one change, with Michael Cave coming in for Alan Ryan.

The Reigations’ first team pitch tends to be a cloying claytop, making life difficult for a team looking to run the ball. With the pitch sloping both from side to side and from end to end, it appears perfect for a tactical kicking game, particularly in the second half – it remained to be seen which team would better exploit the conditions. Effingham were playing downhill in the first half and it appeared the slope was a two score advantage, so Effingham would need to be ahead at half time.

Reigations started brightly and won an early penalty for the Eagles skewing a scum, mounting a promising attack which was well defended by Effingham, who won an excellent turnover through great work by open side flanker Charlie Compson – which was to be a feature of the match as it unfolded.  Reigations continued to control the early play relatively well, without looking particularly threatening, with Effingham defending well without looking dangerous themselves.

However, a degree a friction began to arise as both No 10s became acquainted with the physical edge of the opponent’s back row. This seemed to cause play to open up and the Eagles began to make ground into their opponent’s half through Mark Fricker at centre, catching the Reigations’ 10 so far offside he was almost but not quite missed by the referee. However Brown at 10 for the Eagles was wide with the penalty although the Eagles gathered the drop out well and attacked with a series of well controlled pick and drives, eventually piercing the Reigations’ try line defence with loosehead prop Paul Gething sprinting across the whitewash from all of a yard near the posts: Brown splitting the uprights for 7-0 at the 30 minute mark.

The Eagles had got their noses in front and gathering the Reigations’ restart, began to make good ground through the forwards, retaining possession well and putting the opposition pack under pressure – this looked a promising strategy. However, Reigations came back into the match and made ground themselves, a ruck in midfield setting up the Reigate 10 in the pocket for a drop goal attempt which sailed wide. Reigations gathered the drop out well and started a series of powerful rolling mauls up to the Effingham whitewash. Though defending well, eventually the pressure caused the Eagles to stray offside :  with the referee playing a good advantage, Reigations made good ground through their backs and the 14 squeezed in to dot down in the corner – or had he – the alert touch judge had spotted a foot in touch so play went back to the penalty, duly slotted for 7-3, and that was half-time. Would a four point advantage be enough for Effingham, with Reigations having the slope in the second half?

Reigations commenced the second half as they began the first, showing strong physical commitment in the forwards and moving play into the Eagles’ 22, though the Eagles continuing to defend well, with Mike Rayner showing all his experience and positional vision to cut down attackers with last ditch tackles. However, though it did appear that it could only be a matter of time before Reigations scored, Charlie Compson won another outstanding turnover, enabling Effingham to clear their lines. Effingham counterattacked strongly and the momentum caused a Reigations’ forward to stray beyond the strictly legal in his efforts to bring down an Effingham maul, for which misdemeanour the referee flourished a yellow card – would Effingham be able to make the one man advantage tell? Yes, they could.  A series of well controlled pick and drives finished with Tim Ryan driving over from close range – perhaps half a yard this time, though Brown was just wide with the conversion, for 12-3.

Effingham stayed largely in control for the remainder of the match, though reduced to 13 players at one point as Christmas came early and further cards were handed out, with play disrupted as a consequence. However, with Rayner and Compson to the fore, the Eagles defended efficiently and closed the match out without incident. It had been a ground-out win but nonetheless a very welcome two points.

Effingham: Ryan.T, Callender, Gething (c), Stocker, McGibbon, Compson, Cave, Morton, Losardo, Brown, Mustafa, Fricker, A, Penny, Rayner and Adams, subs Byrne, Harris and Matthews

Effingham Eagles 17 Guernsey 18 - 3 November 2007

The Eagles team to play the London SW 3 league match showed a number of changes from recent line-ups, including the return of crowd-pleasing wingman Mike “reindeer” Rayner, who had invested in a new pair of shorts especially for the occasion. With the Eagles struggling of late, though remaining competitive, a home win was important to put the team back on track. The youthful looking referee, David Clarkson from Liverpool and District Society, was being assessed, so was sure to be on his mettle.

Guernsey were fielding, apart from the standard pie-hoarders in the front row, an athletic looking team consistent with their league position – comfortably up with the divisional leaders. However, the early exchanges went with the Eagles, with the kicking of Oli Brown at 10 moving the visitors around and putting Effingham on the front foot. The Eagles were unable to turn early pressure into points and gradually Guernsey began to move the play upfield with some concerted pick and drives. A midfield scrum then gave the visitors a chance to register the first points as the home team tighthead was adjudged to have gone to ground and the Guernsey kicker duly slotted home, 0-3.

Thereafter the Guernsey front row began to incur the referee’s wrath with the tighthead conceding two penalties, from one of which Brown slotted home to even the score 3-3 at the quarter hour mark.  The play matched the score with neither side able to establish a reliable platform but with the Eagles perhaps shading matters with more varied use of the ball when they had it – wingman Erhan Mustafa having a couple of chances to take his man on but being caught by last ditch tackles on both occasions. The visitors’ No 8 was adjudged to have been lying on the wrong side of a midfield ruck – Effingham kicked for position in the corner but were unable to secure the lineout ball. However, good work from the Effingham back row then won turnover ball in the visitors’ 22 and Guernsey backs were caught offside, Brown dissecting the uprights for 6-3.

The referee was having recurring issues with the Guernsey front row and an unsubtle piece of obstruction resulted in the visitors’ tighthead receiving a lecture on his future conduct and an invitation to spend 10 minutes considering the error of his ways off the pitch, Brown slotting the resulting penalty for 9-3. A player in the bin is statistically consistent with conceding 7 points but whilst Effingham camped for some time in the visitors’ 22, pressure again did not mean points and a moment’s lack of concentration and two missed tackles suddenly opened up the field for the Guernsey 12, who ran the length of the pitch to dot down under the home posts, the extras being added – and that was half time at 9-10 to the visitors, who had made two visits to the home 22 and made both tell.

Guernsey started the second half very brightly, attacking in groups and making good use of their bigger forwards - the standard-issue kiwi at 5 looking particularly impressive– would Effingham buckle – Alan Ryan at 12 for the home side was certainly putting in some monstrous hits and giving a fair impression of a one man tackling machine. The Eagles did concede a penalty for fringing and the away kicker was remaining efficient, 9-13. However, this seemed to galvanise the home side, who controlled play well for the next 10 minutes, eventually scoring in the corner with a sharply taken chance although Brown was unable to add the extras, 14-13.

Thereafter Effingham began to press for the decisive score, with Brown wide with one attempt but slotting the next for hands in the ruck to put Effingham 17-13 ahead with 10 minutes to go. This remained the score until the last play of the game when Effingham snatched defeat from the jaws of victory with another missed tackle in midfield enabling Guernsey to run the length of the pitch to score an unconverted try, to win 18-17. And, yes,  it was the whole of Guernsey...

Effingham: Ryan.T, Callender, Gething (c), Stocker, McGibbon, Compson, Worner, Morton, Losardo, Brown, Mustafa, Ryan. A, Penny, Rayner and Adams, subs Byrne, Roger and Fricker

Winchester 8 - 10 Effingham and Leatherhead

Following a display against Purley John Fisher lacking in any form of lustre, Effingham’s 2 point victory in Winchester on 6 October, while still not the polished performance they have hinted at producing, certainly showed the metal so obviously missing the week before.

The Eagles flew out of the gates, stringing together the phases to exert immediate pressure on the hosts and landing a number of body blows in the set piece. Winchester’s counter was ruthless however, striking of almost their first sustained possession with a well worked try through the three-quarters.

This early score did not seem to trouble the visitors, and from the restart Effingham recaptured their hold on the first half. The catch and drive so revitalised this season yielded consistent territory, while dogged work by the back row, in particular open-side Michael Cave, ensured a regular stream of that most precious of rugby commodities - the turnover.

The hard work by the forwards was duly rewarded, when a tidy series of pick and go’s scratched away the surface of Winchester’s fringe defence enough for young prop Tim Ryan to find the whitewash.

Effingham kicker Jonathon Grady scuffed away the extras, but centre Jason Evans made amends almost immediately, chipping ahead loose ball in the midfield and showing the legs to collect and score.

The second section began as the first had ended, with good breaks by veteran centre Mark Frikker and scrum half James Hitchmaugh.

That theses chances went begging buoyed the home side, and Winchester’s hopes were raised further by the despatching of Effingham lock John Stocker to the sin bin.

But the winding down of the clock saw the hosts become increasingly desperate, and that desperation saw them not only lose their structure, but two of their players to join Stocker in the naughty corner for repeat offences at the breakdown.

Nevertheless, the Eagles were still required to scramble in defence of their slender lead, with the Winchester back three a very real and present threat up until a relieved Effingham boot sent the ball over the clubhouse to prompt the final whistle.

An away win was hard to come by last year, and finding one against one of the better squads in London South West Three was the salve required for the self-inflicted wounds of last week.

That only two points separated the teams is proof yet again that most sides in the league are genuinely beatable. The spurned opportunities serve as further evidence, if any was needed, that the Effingham 1^st XV have a performance within themselves to win such games more comfortably. The suggestion is that it may come out sooner rather than later.

___________________________________________________________________________

2006/07 Season

Effingham & Leatherhead travelled to Camberley on 17 March 2007knowing only a win would do to keep hopes of survival in London South West 3

 Camberley, a team that has a reputation of employing some of the darker arts of the game had beaten the young Eagles at home early in the season, were faced by a different looking team this time around; a team that wouldn't be out muscled or intimidated by their opponents.

 Effingham played down the slope in the first half, gaining territory through both powerful forward play, and good tactical use of the boot by fly half Oli Brown. The Eagles asserted their forward dominance early on in both scrum and lineout. From one such lineout, fifteen metres from the Camberley line, a driving maul could only be stopped by foul play, and Camberley found themselves down to fourteen men for the next ten minutes. Three points were taken gratefully by Brown, in conditions that made kicking for the posts difficult with a stiff breeze blowing straight across the pitch.

 Camberley reacted well and from the restart, started to put together some good phases of play, using the width well and finding gaps in the Effingham back line. Although the Eagles cover defence was working well, Camberley found themselves getting over the gain line which forced the visitors into making some uncharacteristic mistakes leaving them facing a 9 - 3 deficit at the break, and a second half playing up the slope.

 Straight from kick off the Eagles looked like a team playing for their lives and any Camberley player caught with the ball was savaged by the Effingham defence, often with turnover going to number eight Dave Morton. In the modern game turnover ball is priceless, and Effingham utilised every chance to put width on their game and make huge up-field gains through their lively back line.

 By the half way stage of the second period Camberley looked to be running out of steam. Following a kick and chase up hill, the Camberley fullback found himself isolated, and Dave Morton once again assisted the ball into the hands of Antony Penny for a try in the corner.

 The restart saw Effingham pin their hosts back in the corner and a hurried kick to touch didn't give Camberley more then ten metres grace from their try line. A driven maul from the lineout throw of Joe Callender saw Joe Creal apply the finishing touches to another five pointer, which put Effingham out of sight of the home team. The final whistle saw Effingham & Leatherhead win 12-26, their first away win of the season which should cement their place in London Three South West for next season.

 The Eagles second team also posted a fantastic result in their Merit League table clash with local rivals, and table toppers Cobham.  A match which, due to a number of players travelling to Cardiff to watch England play Wales, had captain Dominic Cornwell considering the possibility of pulling out of the game.  An emphatic 22 points to 20 victory ensured the beer was flowing well into the night at Browns Lane.

Eagles beat Winchester on 3 March 2007

Effingham & Leatherhead produced their performance of the season on Saturday to come back from nine points to nil at half time to secure a win sixteen points to nine against well drilled Winchester.

 It was apparent from kick off that the talented Eagles side had turned up to play rugby, determined to put the disappointing performance of the previous week out of their minds. The opening fifteen minutes saw Effingham forwards launch attacks, well marshalled by recalled scrum half Andy Stuttard.  Winchester’s defence weathered the opening Eagles storm and their patience told, as an Effingham player found his way into the side of a ruck, to give away three points, against the flow of play - Winchester’s accurate kicking would punish any misdemeanour. Unfortunately Effingham fell foul of the referees whistle twice more in the opening half, with Winchester taking all points on offer.  This left the home side at nine points to nil down as the whistle went for the half time break. The Eagles went into their huddle knowing that they had had the lion’s share of possession and territory in the opening forty minutes, and that the key to victory was patience and accuracy in their work for the next forty.

 From the restart Effingham looked to increase the pace of the game and quickly Winchester gave away a penalty fifteen metres off their try line. While deciding what to do, Eagles Captain Paul Gething noticed the whole Winchester team had taken their eye off the ball, so took a quick tap penalty, passed to Nigel Maycock and the prop ran in to score almost unopposed in the corner. The home side now had the bit between their teeth, clever kicking from fly half Brown kept Winchester pinned back in their half. Good communication from the Effingham defence ensured that the counter attack was shut down quickly which left Winchester the kick up field. Effingham fullback Dave Simpson continued to make ground leaving Winchester defenders in his wake.

 A change at flyhalf saw Roddy Adams take to the pitch, and he quickly put his mark on the game. Good driving play from the forwards had created a steady platform on the Winchester twenty-two at which point, both Simpson and Adams spotted inferior numbers on the blind side. With a quick change of direction and a little shimmy, Adams released Simpson, who brushed off two Winchester defenders to score with a crowd-pleasing dive in the corner. Further forward dominance left Roddy Adams to put the icing on the cake with an audacious thirty-five-metre drop goal to secure a very well earned victory for the Eagles.

 Results have now been formalised from the league game against KCS Old Boys; the score of 19 – 3 to KCS is the official outcome of the somewhat uninspiring match. 

With a weekend game-free for the 1^st XV, they look to playing Camberley away on 17 March in what will no doubt be an important influence in the league relegation battle.  

Another two points were secured by a motivated Effingham & Leatherhead side at Browns Lane on Saturday 17 February 2007

 Old Reigatians started briskly, putting together some good phases of play and looked dangerous. The usually strong Eagles first line defence wobbled allowing their opposition to break the gain line all too easily, although the cover defence stopped the home try line coming under any serious threat.

 Alan Ryan, playing his last game for Effingham this season, was as hungry as ever, looking to carry the ball at any opportunity, and making some excellent tackles.

 Effingham & Leatherhead’s first try came from good defensive pressure, which forced Old Reigations to kick up field. Unfortunately for them, flanker Dave Morton was on hand to charge the kick down, showing his soccer skills as he dribbled the ball over the try line un-opposed, flopping on the ball to claim the opening score, which was duly converted by fly half Oli Brown.

 From the restart Old Reigations reclaimed the ball, and from the ensuing ruck elected to kick up field again, however this time centre John Grady was on hand, charged down the kick, gathered the ball just short of the try line and dotted down under the posts for the Eagles second score in under a minute. Brown again added the extras and the home side went into their half time huddle with a 17-3 lead.

 The Eagles machine went straight back into top gear after the break, looking to register another score straight away in the right corner. An Old Reigation hand got to the ball to knock on. This left the Eagles within five metres of the line with two unopposed players, which were left with nothing to show for their efforts, and somehow Old Reigations kept fifteen players on the pitch after the infringement went unpunished.

 Spurred on, the visitors moved into action & a well-worked try was scored under the Effingham posts. A couple of penalties were exchanged, along with two dubious yellow cards, which failed to spoil what was a good game and a well-earned victory by the home side. Next week Effingham travel up the A3 to play KCS Old Boys.

Effingham & Leatherhead 17 – 12 Tottonians  - 6 January 07

 It is unlikely that any Christmas turkey wishbones will have been wasted around Browns Lane this season, with the Eagles stumbling into the New Year with only 3 points to wave at the increasingly real spectre of relegation. But with the young 1^st XV faced with the challenge to sink or swim, and on a day when the January elements threatened to make both a distinct possibility, Effingham and Leatherhead took three precious points from third placed Tottonians, emerging from the mud with 17 points to their visitors’ 12.

With an almost biblical and definitely farcical downpour early in the second period, it was understandably the first half which would prove decisive, and despite the swirling wind it was the boot of Eagles fly-half Oli Brown which dominated play and the scoreboard.

 With one eye on the weather, the Effingham number 10 made the most of the mobility of his pack, opting to drop the ball into the soggy corners for the loose forwards and wingers to chase, rather than forcing the phases in conditions clearly not suited to ball handling.  Tottonian indiscipline was the reward for the home side’s nous, and Eagles’ captain Paul Gething was happy to hand the ball back to Brown, who duly drove three penalties into the rain to put his team 9 points to the good.

 The guests took three points back through their confident fly-half Robbie Searle, but minutes later Gething plumped for a punt to the corner after Totts failed to release on the floor and after a well executed maul by the Effingham lineout it was the skipper himself who wriggled over to score. With the conversion missed the teams hurried to the warmth of their half-time huddles 14-3.

As expected Tottonians came out firing after the oranges, but the deluge of rain which wracked the South East effectively dampened both teams’ powder. Nevertheless the visitors were resurgent and indiscipline in the Eagles’ defence allowed Searle to kick his team back to within 2 points of the hosts. But Effingham and Leatherhead responded maturely, battening down the hatches until the inevitable knock ons handed them the opportunity to clear their lines.

 Burly running from the base of the scrum by Eagles’ number eight Liam Farley and a further strike off the tee by Brown relieved some tension among the home supporters, but more patient defence was necessary until a superb shove by the tight five turned Tottonians’ last chance scrum the required 90 degrees for the final whistle.

 Although the points salvaged from the mud on Saturday are only a few of those necessary to escape the quagmire of impending relegation, Effingham and Leatherhead can take confidence from the fact that they won while playing very much to a weather induced Plan B. Come the visit to Chobham on 14^th January this youthful Eagles team will hope that a bit more running rugby is on the forecast.