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FIRST XV REPORTS 2005/2006

Saturday 22nd April 2006

OLD WIMBLEDONIANS 20
TOTTONIANS 15

Despite many unforced errors and an uninspired performance, it has to be said that Totts put in a lot of hard work in the heat of the afternoon spring sunshine, but on the day they just couldn't put it together. The forwards had more than an edge in the scrums and mauls, regularly gaining some momentum, only to have the ball ripped off of them, or losing possession by giving away penalties. Some good work in the front row from Danny Drake, Miles Northover and Tom Pearson was tamed by a difference in Law interpretation, but even when we got good possession, the undoubted prowess of our consummate threes were never unleashed to any effect. Nick Timms did some elegant jumping in the lines-out and the back row continued to play well as a team. The game was there for the taking, but it was not to be.
A penalty on Totts' twenty-two resulted in a line out and drive from five metres by O.Ws. Some scrappy mauling by both sides eventually ended with the Surrey side scoring and converting to put them 7 – 0 up with eight minutes gone. On the fifteen minute mark Robbie Searle replied with a penalty kick twenty-eight metres out to make it 7 – 3.
Some dire rugby followed, with all three teams making some glaring mistakes. The last fifteen minutes were all Wimbledonians’, as they popped over a three-pointer from a penalty, then finished the half with a probing kick down the left wing that left Totts wrong-footed, as their winger collected and made a half-hearted side step before grounding the ball. The conversion made the half time score 17 – 3.
Ten minutes into the second period, a kick by Paul Brading was fly-hacked away from the home team's defence. Robbie Searle cleaned up and Dan Stocks ran through in the corner. With little opposition, he then turned inside to score under the posts. Robbie Searle's conversion put us back into contention at 17 – 10. However, a penalty for handling on the ground by Totts' No.2 (we all thought it was Tom!) saw the Surrey side go ten points clear. Then, a tap penalty by Paul Goodall from the middle of the park put Dan Stocks on a bounding run through the defence. Ben Pearce was on his shoulder at the break down to take the ball over the line. 20 – 15 and the Water Lane boys finally got the bit between their teeth. With just a few minutes to go, Totts were inspired and kept the ball alive with some good interchanges and recycling. But it was too little, too late and they ended the season being outplayed by a side they had the skills and talent to beat.

Drake; Northover; Pearson; Timms; Angell; Taylor; Stocks; Pearce.
Goodall P (c); Hordell; Bromby; Brading P; Searle R; Jarvis; Green E.
(Wilson; Amey M; Brading L)
 

Bill Barnes

Saturday 8th April 2006

TOTTONIANS 13
OLD REIGATIAN 23

Totts lost their recent run of wins against a side which are second in the table, and some credit has to go to our boys for keeping the score so close. Indeed, despite playing against a stronger and fitter outfit, at one stage there was a possibility that we might have sneaked a win. But that was not to be, and in a game of indiscretions, all the points bar the final try came as the result of penalties.
Totts started brightly and with the wind in their favour, were on the attack right from the whistle. Then, against the run of play, a short chip ahead just fifteen metres from the Reigatian line was collected and Totts defence was left floundering as the visitors stormed the length of the pitch. At the breakdown, Totts conceded a penalty. From the resultant kick, line out and drive, O.Rs scored in the right corner to put them 0 – 5 in front. Ten minutes later, as Reigatian took more control, they converted a tap penalty and drive to score in the same spot. 0 – 10 and the Surrey side were beginning to look slick, using all their options and recycling the ball well, with their half back combination causing problems for the hosts. But Totts also had their moments, with Paul Brading being particularly troublesome in the centre and Jason Jones and Ben Pearce looking comfortable in the lines out. Robbie Searle started his solo points collection just on the thirty minute mark, when he popped over a three pointer from twenty five yards out. But Old Reigatian replied four minutes later when a penalty was moved forwards ten metres. From the line out and drive, Reigatian were over the line, only to be held up by old timer Miles Northover. The five metres scrum gave Reigatian another penalty and this time they chose to kick, which they did successfully to bring the score to 3 – 13. As half time loomed, a penalty for coming in from the side gave Robbie Searle a chance from thirty-five metres out. His kick brought the score to 6 – 13 at the break.
With the wind behind them in the second half, Reigatian were soon putting Totts under considerable pressure. Then an interception on our twenty-two sent Robbie Searle scampering virtually unopposed down the length of the pitch to score superbly between the sticks, whereupon he converted his own try. With the scores level, both teams renewed their efforts, but Reigatian were keeping the ball alive with some impressive interchanges and handling skills which Totts were unable to match. A thirty-three metres penalty kick gave the initiative back to the visitors at 13 – 16, but Totts plodded on, knowing that just one break could reverse the score. Alas, this was not to be. A display of fast hands and seamless recycling broke Totts defence and Reigatians sealed the match at 13 – 23 with a try just right of the posts at the Water Lane end. The last twenty minutes saw the home side put a lot of effort into trying to get back into this game, but Reigatians had plenty in reserve and were deservedly the victors.

Drake; Northover; Pearson; Green M; Jones; Angell; Stocks; Pearce.
Goodall P (c); Hordell; Green E; Brading P; Searle R; Jarvis; Buck.
(Harris J; Timms; Ritson)
 

Bill Barnes

Saturday 25th March 2006

WEYBRIDGE VANDALS 3
TOTTONIANS 6

This was a closely contested game, devoid of tries, which kept the players and spectators guessing right up to the final whistle. From the start, Weybridge came out with every intention of winning this encounter and attempted to build a sustained attack through centre-field, right from the off. But Totts replied with some good, close defending which denied their hosts any significant territory. After an initial five minute assault, Vandals realized they were going to have to work to get anything out of this game, as Totts re-grouped and took control for the next fifteen minutes. But the Weybridge defence was every bit as good as their guests and the game developed into one long stalemate. With twenty-seven minutes on the clock, a penalty in front of the posts put Weybridge 3 – 0 up, which could have been 6 – 0 nine minutes later had they not missed a kick from almost the same position. Vandals were unable to gain any advantage from Paul Brading being sin-binned for handling in the ruck. Then, just before half time, a line out steal by Ben Pearce started a move that set a platform for Bryn Marshall to slot over a drop goal and draw us level.
The second half was as tedious as the first, with neither side being able to muster a coherent attack. So this turned out to be a contest of attrition, and with Paul Brading plus our back row of Dan Taylor, Ben Pearce and Dan Stocks always there to spoil, Vandals became frustrated. Totts' flair out wide was neutralised by a combination of weather conditions, wrong options and poor deliver, which made Vandals' defence that much easier. But their intention of building their offensive through use of their big No.11, playing as a midfield winger, was never allowed to materialise. However, they held their own in the rucks and mauls, on occasion turning over a sometimes less organised Totts' pack. A penalty in front of the posts, for handling on the ground (no yellow card though) gave Bryn Marshall the opportunity to put us 3 – 6 to the good, which he did with ease. This inspired Totts' to go into neutral, and a resurgent Weybridge put everything into a tense last ten minutes. But Totts refused to submit and a forgetful game ended with a much-welcomed two points to keep us in London 3 SW next season.

Drake; Northover; Searle M; Jones; Green M; Stocks; Taylor; Pearce.
Goodall; Marshall B; Jarvis; Brading P; Kitson; Green E; Buck.
(Wilson; Timms; Bromby.)
 

Bill Barnes

Saturday 11th March 2006

TOTTONIANS 12
WINCHESTER 11

Tottonians started this game in the same mood they had shown against Chobham, forcing all the play into the Winchester half, with the forwards again working as a unit. Although not dominating, Totts were clearly edging the lines out. Then a quick heel against the head started the first serious attack of the game. This was stopped by good Winchester defence, just short in the right hand corner. The resulting ruck ended with a penalty to us that we were unable to convert. The game continued in this manner with the home side pressing against a good, determined Winchester defence and the visitors making occasional incursions into the Totts half, only to be met by an equally good defence. Despite all the pressure the only points came from a Robbie Searle penalty after another infringement at a ruck with Robbie looking very comfortable with the kicking roll in the absence of the injured Paul Goodall. Going 3 – 0 down then inspired Winchester, who upped their game to win a penalty just inside Totts' half, kicking for the corner and a five metres line out. Totts again won this contest, only to miss the kick to touch, allowing Winchester to counter attack and win a penalty for an infringement at the ensuing ruck.  3 – 3
The game then continued with end-to-end rugby, neither side being able to breach the other's defence, so the half finishing even.
The second half started with the same evenly balanced play, Winchester kicking another penalty to make the score 3 – 6  to be matched by Robbie Searle to draw level again at 6 – 6. Totts then produced another period of pressure with the forwards providing good fast ball, but the backs were unable to find a way through a solid Winchester defence, until Paul Brading, taking a good pass in space, dropped a goal.  9 – 6.  This inspired Winchester, who took the game to Tottonians. gaining a line out in our twenty-two. Taking the line out, our guests formed a maul, forcing their way over in the corner for the only try of the game, to put them two points ahead at 9 – 11. Taking play back into the Winchester half, with just two minutes remaining, we were awarded a penalty, five metres from the touch line and fifteen metres inside the Winchester half. With very little time left Robbie Searle opted to kick for goal, converting superbly to give the Water Lane lads the narrowest of victories. The game finished with the score at 12 – 11 the next time the ball went out of play.
This was an exciting game to watch, despite the dearth of tries, played by two teams who both wanted to play rugby. A good hard game with only minor injuries, all coming from the way the players committed themselves. There was an even number of penalties, 5/4 to Winchester in the first half and 6/5 to Totts in the second, Totts offences being mostly in the Winchester half. Congratulations are due to both teams for a well-fought game and another good performance by Totts.

Graham Wateridge

Saturday 4th March 2006

CHOBHAM 20
TOTTONIANS 32

In this tightly contested encounter, Totts' were up for it right from the first whistle. Some aggressive rucking deep in Chobham territory saw the hosts' defence collapse in just two minutes of play, when Matt Searle broke round the blind side and recycled to Paul Brading. Paul slipped the ball to Robbie Searle, who wiggled his way through and offloaded to Ben Pearce. The final pass of the move went back to Paul Brading who went over in the corner. A fine conversion from Paul Goodall, and the visitors were 0 – 7 up. Some entertaining and skilful rugby followed, but with Totts totally dominating the lines out, Chobham were under a lot of pressure, their possession coming mainly from set scrums and penalties. A clearance kick from their fly half was caught in the air as it went over the line by Robbie Searle, who tippy-toed along the touch line like a fairy queen to keep the ball in play. As he twisted around an approaching defender, he passed inside to Afareti Tonu who opened the way for a brilliant fifty metres dash by Joe Jarvis, who scored in the right corner. With twenty-seven minutes played, Totts were 0 – 12 up, but an off-side right in front of the posts just three minutes later brought the score to 3 – 12. In an exciting finish to the half, an excellent movement through Bryn Marshall from a shortened line-out culminated in a Richard Buck dash for the corner, where he took no prisoners. Chobham quickly replied with some fast ball through their threes which created an overlap out to the right. With five points apiece from the last two attacks, the half time score was 8 – 17.
With Paul Goodall nursing a leg injury, it was left to Robbie Searle to open the scoring in the second half, when he slotted over a superb penalty kick from Chobham's twenty-two metre line, five metres in. 8 – 20, but Chobham had no intention of surrendering. Some excellent attacks from their No.8 and No.10 did not go unrewarded and a penalty try was awarded when Dan Drake was sin-binned for pulling down a twelve man assault on Totts' line. The formality kick claimed the extras and at 15 – 20 the Surrey side were back in the game. But with Gav Williams coming on as a front row replacement, the scrum took on a new determination and dynamism. Drakey was just five minutes into his rest period when a frustrated Chobham prop collapsed a centre-spot scrum and Totts were awarded a penalty.  A surging fifteen metre drive from the resulting line out allowed Paul Goodall the opportunity to scoot round the blind side and score in the corner, putting Tottonians 15 – 25 to the good. Then three minutes later, another fine line out was followed up with a ten metre thrust by the Water Lane heavy mob. As the maul collapsed, the ball was whipped out to Bryn Marshall who offloaded to Paul Brading on an inside run. Breaking the half tackle, Paul gave the ball back to Bryn who scampered through to score. Robbie Searle's conversion made it 15 – 32.  One man down and twelve points scored with no reply, what a positive response from the lads! This was the final score of the game. However, with five minutes to go, Chobham's No.8 went over in the corner, but had the ball ripped off him by Joe Jarvis before he could touch down. The referee was unsighted but awarded a try after consulting the home touch judge. So the records will show a 20 – 32 win to a jubilant Tottonians squad, which was well deserved, because Chobham put on a spirited display and were not at all an easy side to beat. An excellent, sporting game which reflected what this league is all about, Chobham once again being the perfect hosts. Another fine win by Totts though, and being the top Club in the Southampton and Waterside area, one hopes that this pivotal win gets more than a one line comment in The Daily Echo — NOPE, not a word, just loads about Romsey. Come back Richard Isaacs!!!!

Searle M; Northover; Drake; Green M; Angove; Pearce; Jones; Stocks.
Goodall P; Marshall; Jarvis; Brading P; Tonu; Searle R; Buck.

Bill Barnes
(assisted by
Tom Pearson)

THIS GAME WAS ALSO WATCHED BY GRAHAM WATERIDGE FROM THE OPPOSITE TOUCH LINE.
 HERE IS HIS VIEW OF THE GAME. THANKS, GRAHAM!

CHOBHAM 20
TOTTONIANS 32

Saturday 25th February 2006

PORTSMOUTH II 29
TOTTONIANS 40

Saturday 18th February 2006

TOTTONIANS 27
EFFINGHAM & LEATHERHEAD 12

With a more disciplined and structured approach, Totts reaped their just rewards in a hard-fought but sporting encounter. The Eagles clearly lacked the presence of an established kicker, which often reduced their attacking options, much to Totts' advantage. We could have gone three down in the first five minutes, but a relatively easy penalty kick for handling in the ruck was not to be. Totts' countered with a swift reply, but were denied when some good work from Dan Taylor took him into the honeypot but came to nothing when he failed to touch down. On the quarter way mark, Paul Goodall kicked a twenty five yarder from right of centre to put us 3 – 0 in front. Lock Jason Jones was putting in some powerful solo drives and just on the half hour, he broke through the Effingham defence. The ball was popped out to Richard Buck who set up Joe Jarvis to weave through and score in the right corner at the Water Lane end. Another Jason Jones drive five minutes later brought Paul Brading into the frame and a crunching attack which breached the Eagles' defensive line. Quick distribution gave Richard Buck the opportunity to angle through on a twenty five metre run, for a touchdown in Co-op corner. The score stayed at 13 – 0 as a confident Totts' side took a welcome break.
We kept up the pressure right from the restart, when our forwards put in a solid drive, allowing Bryn Marshall to power his way over the line. Paul Goodall took the extras and the score was 20 – 0. Fifteen minutes later, Effingham broke through into Totts' half, probing Totts' defence. At the tackle, the ball went loose and Robbie Searle scooped it up. His fifty-five metre sprint left twenty-nine players and the referee on the horizon as he gleefully claimed five points and left the conversion a formality for Paul Goodall. The score was now 27 – 0, but The Eagles were in no mood to accept defeat, and mounted an all-out attack on their hosts. Some poor tackling allowed Steve Hunt, their talented No.8, to weave through and score under the posts. An Anthony Penny conversion brought the score to
27 – 7. But Totts had done enough, and although Effingham broke through round the open side of a five-metres scrum during injury time, the final score of 27 – 12 represented a richly deserved return for dedicated performances from the playing and coaching teams. A great game on the pitch, with both teams contributing to some entertaining rugby. For brevity, I generally only mention the players involved in points-scoring moves in my reports, (except Dan Taylor of course!), but it should be stressed that this was truly a team effort, with everyone playing his part. It is a pity that a few of our supporters seem to prefer to highlight and loudly criticise individual errors, rather than to enjoy and praise the good phases of play.

Searle M; Northover; Pearson; Jones; Angove; Taylor; Pearce; Stocks.
Goodall; Marshall; Jarvis; Brading P; Tonu; Searle R; Buck.
(Angell; Drake; Fennell)

Bill Barnes

Saturday 11th February 2006

LONDON IRISH AMATEUR 29
TOTTONIANS 8

Tottonians moved deeper into the relegation zone as all the other Clubs on the same points at the beginning of the day won their games. Alarmingly too, this result puts us at the top of the points difference league, edging in front of bottom-placed Weybridge Vandals by four points.
This wasn't a game that London Irish won, it was a game that Tottonians lost. In open play, the teams were pretty evenly matched, with both sides putting in some powerful attacks, countered by some effective defending.
This game was high on infringements and although tactical penalties are an accepted part of modern rugby, it would be difficult to see that we had anything to gain from giving the Irish kicker at No.12 such a high profile.
Six minutes from the start, a penalty thirty metres out for handling on the ground saw London Irish go 3 – 0 into the lead. Paul Goodall countered with a successful penalty kick ten metres out to the right of the posts. 3 – 3, and with both sides playing a spoiling game, with some close defending, tries were always going to be hard to come by. Just on the half hour, the first of three penalties, all for pulling down a maul, was converted into points from 30 metres out. The second came just before half time, from 26 metres out and the third four minutes into the second half, also from 26 metres out. These were just gifts for the home side's inside centre, who happily took all nine points to leave Totts trailing 12 – 3. There was a glimmer of hope for the visitors when, just on the hour, Paul Brading kicked a penalty touch deep down the left hand side. A rolling maul from the line-out put Jason Jones over in the left corner and with the score now at 12 – 8, it seemed that we might be able to turn this game around. But three minutes later, an off-side decision put three more points on the Sunbury side's tally. Totts were finished off a couple of minutes later when the London Irish fly-half stole the ball as it was released from a Totts' scrum, going over close to the corner. Another fine kick from their No.12 saw their score increase to 22 – 8. He was allowed to display his talents one more time when, in the dying moments of the game, the home side's flanker scored following a missed tackle, as our line out was breached.
Final score 29 – 8, in a disruptive game where we were punished severely for our high penalty count, but were able to glean little reward from our opponents' indiscretions.

Searle M; Northover; Pearson; Angell; Angove; Taylor; Jones; Stocks.
Goodall; Marshall; Jarvis; Brading P; Tonu; Searle R; Buck.
(Timms; Drake; Fennell)

Bill Barnes

Saturday 4th February 2006

TOTTONIANS 18
PORTSMOUTH 2s 5

Searle M; Wilson; Pearson; Green M; Angove; Gregory; Jones; Stocks.
Jarvis; Marshall; Searle R; Brading P; Tonu; Buck; Fennell.
(Northover ; Angell; Green E)

Saturday 28th January 2006

ANDOVER 40
TOTTONIANS 0

Despite the final score line, Totts put on a spirited display against the League leaders and didn't deserve this points difference at the final whistle. Electing to play with the slope and wind, but with the sun in their eyes, Totts failed to capitalise in the first half, and despite showing superiority in the lines out, did not kick for territory, preferring to run at Andover's defence, which proved to be too solid to penetrate. Twenty-eight minutes in, a power contest on Totts' goal-line saw the hosts come away with seven points, with Andover's talented No.8 converting his own try. This is how the score remained until half time, though the visitors had the opportunity to go two points ahead through three penalty kick attempts that unfortunately failed.
Any hopes of getting back into this game were quickly dashed when, fifty seconds into the second half, we were turned over after a scrum and Andover ran easily through to score under the posts. With the score at 14 – 0 Andover's tactics changed to a spoiling game, recording an amazingly high penalty count, with persistent infringements by their backs, but an expected sin-binning for this was not forthcoming. Totts battled on, but were slow to react to the counter attacks, missing some vital first tackles. An assault down the left wing followed by a kick ahead resulted in a try just left of the posts and Totts found themselves trailing 21 – 0. Just on the half-hour, two tries in six minutes increased the score to 35 – 0, the first being run in down the right wing and the other as the result of a line out from a penalty kick to touch. Another try in the right corner sealed Totts fate, with the home side claiming a 40 – 0 victory.
On today's performances, Andover were the better side, playing a good tactical game, though they were prone to making unforced handling errors. But with Totts' defence below par, this did not unduly affect Andover's game plan.

Searle M; Northover; Pearson; Green M; Angove; Angell; Jones; Taylor.
Goodall; Marshall; Jarvis; Brading P; Searle R; Smith; Buck.
(Wilson; Gregory; Green E)

Bill Barnes

Saturday 21st January 2006

TOTTONIANS 24
CAMBERLEY 12

Tottonians fielded three key players — Skill, Attitude and Commitment — to record a superb victory over championship contenders Camberley. After several lack-lustre league performances over the previous few weeks, a resurgent Totts side displayed some of the tenacity that many had thought had been confined to the history books.
Right from the kick-off, Totts probed Camberley's defence, only to be confronted by some determined counter attacks. Eventually the stalemate was broken when, after twenty minutes of the contest, a kick ahead from Paul Brading, inviting a run from Robbie Searle, found touch. From the resultant line out and maul, Neil Angell slipped through round the open side to score and put the home side 5 – 0 ahead. Camberley's response led to a penalty to the hosts five minutes later. From the line out, a maul developed with hooker Miles Northover standing off. On receiving the ball, he knew he still had a lot of work to do, but took on the responsibility of going alone and powered through four defenders to score just left of the posts, making the conversion by Paul Goodall a formality. At 12 – 0, the visitors increased their efforts and were rewarded with a fine try between the sticks, when a slick move to their centres from a line out led to their winger cutting back inside to leave our defence wrong-footed. Just on half time, Camberley had the opportunity to close the gap to two points, but failed to profit from a penalty right in front of the posts.
The second half started with Camberley's forwards putting in a renewed effort. Eight minutes in, a push-over try brought the Surrey side up level at 12 – 12. This seemed to breathe new life into Totts' powerhouse eight and from then on we had the edge in the loose and also had some great steals by James Angove and Neil Angell in the lines out, the latter cleaning up long balls over the back. Neil Angell got his second try just on the sixty-minute mark, going over from a maul, which put Totts back in front by five points. Camberley upped their efforts once again, continually testing our defences. This resulted in some hard and telling tackles from Tottonians, especially from Man Of The Match winger Chris Smith. Two chances for Totts to go further into the lead were lost, firstly when Dan Taylor failed to keep control of the ball as he dived to touch down, then again when Joe Jarvis was cynically shoulder charged into touch as he was running onto his own kick ahead. The second incident resulted in a yellow card for the guilty Camberley player, but any hope of a penalty try being awarded was over-optimistic.
With just five minutes to go and with Camberley pushing hard to get something out of this encounter, Richard Buck broke away from deep in his own half, down the left wing towards Co-op corner, leaving our opponents' defence in tatters. With thirty metres to go, he flipped the ball inside to Joe Jarvis, who ran in-field to score under the posts. With Paul Goodall claiming the extras, the job was done! Well done to everyone, a great win which has inspired another key player who has been missing from the squad in recent weeks — Confidence. Let's now hope that Consistency gets his place back!

Searle M; Northover; Pearson; Green M; Angove; Angell; Jones; Taylor.
Goodall; Marshall; Jarvis; Brading P; Searle R; Smith; Buck.
(Wilson; Gregory; Tonu)

Bill Barnes

Saturday 17th December 2005

TOTTONIANS 7
GUERNSEY 13

Guernsey fielded a fresh-looking, well coached squad with a creative flair centring around their talented scrum half, who was given far too much time and space, by a Totts' side who looked pedestrian in comparison. Although we once again could not be faulted for individual effort, we did not gel as a unit. Totts' game was very much re-active and with the forwards not able to match the unified commitment of their opponents, we were once again on the back foot and lacking in clean possession. Guernsey's orchestrated offensives kept them in Totts' territory for long periods, and it was only some excellent tackling from the likes of Paul Brading, Chris Smith and Dan Taylor that kept the score line relatively low. The Island team's lines-out were reminiscent of Totts' supremacy earlier in the season, but today we were reduced to untidy tap balls which were easily smothered as Guernsey broke through to spoil.
Robbie Searle opened the scoring after seven minutes of play when he dashed down the left wing then cut inside to score under the posts. Paul Goodall converted to make it 7 – 0 and the end of Totts' points for the day. Just on half time, Guernsey's full back scored in the top left corner after an attack down the wing which left Totts' defence in tatters.
The second half gave Guernsey the wind advantage and they could have had a couple of scores had it not been for some last-ditch defending from our forwards, which prevented the ball being grounded. A penalty on the half hour saw Guernsey inch in front by one point to 7 – 8 and Totts' had little to offer in reply. When in possession, we did not seem to be able to create any space in which to develop any worthwhile attacks as we were kept under pressure by fast breaks along the Guernsey threes. With eight minutes to go, a sprint down the right wing, developed from a line out, saw the visitors add five points to their tally and record a deserved 7 – 13 win.

Searle M; Northover; Wilson (Pearson); Green M; Angove; Angell; Jones; Taylor (Gregory).
Goodall; Brading L; Green E (Tonu); Brading P; Searle R; Smith; Buck.

Bill Barnes

Saturday 10th December 2005

OLD REIGATIAN 23
TOTTONIANS 7

On a pitch with a slope remarkably similar to Alton's, we had to contend with the gradient and the sun in our eyes, but opened the battle strongly and were in the ascendancy for the first five minutes. Then, against the run of play, a breakaway down the right wing from a penalty culminated with a simple pass in-field and an easy seven points. From then on, Totts battled bravely against a powerful Reigatian pack but made little impression. We defended well, but two kickable penalties put our hosts 13 – 0 up at half time. Keeping them below twenty points and with the slope and sun in our favour for the second half was encouraging and one would have thought that a victory would be easily achievable.
However, the second half all went wrong. With Bryn Marshall and Paul Brading putting in some strong midfield drives, drawing in the defenders, the flanks were left exposed. But too frequently the third phase ball was taken back into the engine room where, after breaching the gain line, we were invariably turned over. Although we had little time to manoeuvre, thanks to O.R's ever-alert defence, we never once tried sending fast legs after long balls over the fullback's head into the lower corner, as one would have expected. With the supremacy of Reigate's pack, most of the possession from set pieces was unclean and Paul Goodall did well to tidy up as well as he did, with the scrums going backwards and uphill with some momentum.
Seven minutes in, after a massive offensive from the home side, they ran the ball through the threes and scored out to the right putting them 18 – 0 in front. There then followed thirty minutes of equality, with both sides probing and counter attacking, though Old Reigatian had the lion's share of possession. Then, with ten minutes to go, Robbie Searle intercepted a midfield pass and ran in a solo effort from forty metres out, to score under the posts. He converted his own try (nice to see his considerable kicking skills in action on the field of play for once) to bring the score to 18 – 7, which instilled a belief that we could still win this fixture. Totts' put in a concerted effort for the dying minutes, but could not breech the Reigatian defence and the home side managed a reply just on the final whistle.
Every one of the lads put in a lot of effort and there were some good individual performances, but it was frustrating that things just didn't go our way on this occasion.

Searle M; Northover; Pearson (Wilson); Angove; Timms (Harris); Taylor; Muchmore; Angell.
Goodall; Marshall; Buck; Brading P; Brading L (Bromley); Searle R; Fennell.
 

Bill Barnes

Saturday 3rd December 2005

TOTTONIANS 24
OLD WIMBLEDONIANS 10
 

The game started fairly low key with both teams evenly matched, with Totts claiming the first fifteen minutes, when they squandered several chances due to handling errors. As OW's found their feet, the contest became a stalemate and an unmemorable first half ended with the teams all square at 3 – 3 with a penalty apiece and Paul Goddall's name on the scorecard.
The second half started with the visitors upping their offensive, but Totts' defence rose to the occasion. As the game progressed, Totts' started using fast ball to the threes with some effect. Just twelve minutes in, Bryn Marshall's pass to Richard Buck sent him down the right wing at speed. With thirty metres to go and two defenders to beat, he cut inside. His pass was collected by Robbie Searle, who had made an excellent supporting sprint from left field. With the pass safely gathered, it was bread and butter for him to score just under the posts, with Paul Goodall adding the jam.
The captain went over fifteen minutes later, when he scooped the ball up from the base of a scrum five metres out and darted through a gapping hole in OW's defence, with a speed that even surprised himself!
At 17 – 3 up and gaining more belief in ourselves, some fast hands from Lee Brading, through brother Paul Brading and then Shaun Fennell, put Richard Buck over the line. Paul Goodall kicked the conversion to put Totts 24 – 3 to the good. Old Wimbledonians had no intention of surrendering though and they put in a competitive final ten minutes. They managed to pull back seven points when a kick ahead was grounded, just before it went over the dead ball line, bringing the final result to 24 –10.
This was a great recovery game for a relieved Totts side, in ever-darkening wintery conditions. Although it wasn't the prettiest rugby we have ever seen at Water Lane, the result was well justified with everyone in the team, including all the replacements, making a contribution.

START
Searle M; Northover; Pearson; Angove; Timms; Taylor; Jones; Angell.
Goodall; Marshall; Bromley; Brading L; Searle R; Buck; Fennell.
FINISH
Searle M; Northover; Wilson; Angove; Timms; Taylor; Jones; Muchmore.
Goodall; Marshall; Searle R; Brading P; Brading L; Buck; Fennell.

Bill Barnes

Sunday 27th November 2005

BASINGSTOKE 106
TOTTONIANS 0
HAMPSHIRE GALES CUP

Saturday 19th November 2005

GUERNSEY 39
TOTTONIANS 0

As reported by
Richard Isaacs in
THE DAILY ECHO

Drake; Northover; Pearson; Angove; Green M; Angell; Muchmore; Jones.
Goodall (c); Brading L; Green E; Marshall; Searle R; Buck; Fennell.
(Searle M; Formstone; Jarvis)

Saturday 12th November 2005

TOTTONIANS 20
FARNHAM 19

Totts' were put under pressure from a powerful Farnham pack right from the off. A poor clearance by the home side resulted in the return kick being chased down and slipped to their left wing. This led to a try in Co-op corner to put our visitors 0 – 5 up with just nine minutes on the clock. Six minutes later an opportunist try gave Totts the lead, when Richard Buck put in a powerful solo run, finishing off the last man in Farnham's defence with a nonchalant hand-off, to score under the posts. Paul Goodall converted to make the score 7 - 5. We then took command of the first half, with some good flowing moves and line out dominance, though our forwards were making no impact in the loose. Then, a ball delivered to the wing was fed back to centre park, allowing Richard Buck to break and run through Farnham's defence, which he left for dead. The score remained at 12 – 5 until just before half time, when a cheeky chip by Paul Goodall into Farnham's honey pot was pounced on by Joe Jarvis, who beat two defenders in the race to ground the ball. That finished a satisfying first half with the Water Lane boys 17 – 5 to the good.
The second half was a different matter. Although the lines out held sound with some good steals by James Angove, Farnham were making lots of ground thanks to their grunt in the forwards. The referee awarded them a penalty try for what he perceived to be persistent scrummaging offences. With the score at 17 – 12 our game deteriorated further, with unforced errors giving Farnham more possession than they deserved. Just on the half-hour, Bryn Marshall gave us a much needed cushion when he kicked over a penalty. With the light fading the game became scrappy and fragmented and it looked like Farnham were on course to steal the points, when they turned us over in a maul after a successful Totts' line out. A sustained push resulted in a try to put the Surrey team just one point behind us.
At 20 – 19 Totts were joyous when they heard the final whistle.
The points difference does not reflect the superiority we displayed in the first half, but we could have lost this game had it not been for some telling tackles and fine defending late in the encounter. Farnham were sharper to the break downs and their pack gelled as an effective offensive unit, giving them the edge when we were isolated and waiting for support to arrive.

Searle M; Northover; Drake; Angove; Green M; Angell; Muchmore; Jones.
Goodall P (c); Brading L; Jarvis; Marshall; Searle R; Buck; Fennell.
(Pearson; Mouton; Green E.)

Bill Barnes

Saturday 29th October 2005

CAMBERLEY 37
TOTTONIANS 18
 

This game started with Tottonians in an apprehensive mood and league leaders Camberley looking to gain the upper hand early on. The Surrey side started confidently and soon had Totts under pressure. Their pack was tight and worked methodically as a unit, easily gaining them the lion's share of the possession from the mauls and rucks. Totts however were more slick in the lines out and stole a good proportion of Camberley ball. We gave away valuable possession with some below-par kicking and indiscipline became apparent in both camps. The high penalty count was inevitable. Two successful penalty kicks, from the efficient boot of the home team fly half Ali Allen, put Camberley 6 – 0 in front with just seven minutes on the clock and Totts' defence was floundering. Ten minutes in, Shaun Fennell had to retire with a head injury and was replaced at full back by Guy Tonkins. For the next fifteen minutes Camberley tried to stamp their authority on the game, but a combination of poor finishing and some good clearances from Guy Tonkins at the back kept them celibate. Then Camberley took advantage of a poor pass in midfield to gain thirty metres. At the breakdown, a scrum was awarded from which second row Andy Jackson gleefully scored. Ali Allen took the extras and the home side were 13 – 0 in front. A series of penalties for scrummaging offences followed, with Ali Allen and Paul Goodall collecting three points apiece. Just on half time, after a powerful attack on Totts centre-right area near the goal line, Camberley couldn't believe their luck when they fed the ball out to their right and a massive hole opened up in the Hampshire club's defence, allowing full back Tom Allen an easy score, which was converted. The half time score was 23 – 3 and Camberley were in command.
But this wasn't a game of one-way traffic. Six minutes into the second half Paul Goodall added three points from another penalty. Two minutes later, Guy Tonkins put in a testing kick deep along the right touch line. Under pressure, a Camberley fumble put the ball out of play. From the back of the line-out, Jason Jones popped the ball down to outside half Lee Brading, who off loaded to Matt Searle. Matt crashed through to set up a ruck. The ball was quickly out and into the hands of Guy Tonkins who scored on the blind side. 23 – 11. With three quarters of the game gone, Camberley mounted some sustained attacks. This often took the form of a dummy scissors on an outside break, with the decoy taking an obstructive inside line blocking the defensive path of our back row and half backs — a bit like crossing but without the pass. The referee seemed quite happy with this, so fair play to them. The prolonged offensive eventually paid off after a particularly powerful maul from the Camberley forwards, culminating in a second try for Tom Allen. He got his hat trick just two minutes later, cutting inside from an overlap down the left wing. Totts were losing the physical battle and as the game progressed, three blood injuries and another retirement meant some re-organisation, with Grahame Muchmore having to go out onto the wing. Joe Jarvis moved to outside centre to replace the injured Robbie Searle. Nick Timms took over from Graham in the pack. Even with the score at 37 – 11, we didn't give up and we kept the home team defence on their toes. The final score of the game came from the persistent Richard Buck, who put in a powerful sixty metres break and crashed through the remnants of the host's defence for a fine solo effort, which was converted by Paul Goodall. At no-side the score was 37 - 18 which was a fair reflection of the day's play. Camberley had some well-drilled forwards, with the backs seemingly having a looser portfolio, allowing a high degree of individualism. They may well turn out to be short term visitors to London 3 SW, but on today's showing and knowing what we are capable of, there is not a league's difference between the two sides.

Searle M; Northover; Pearson; Green M; Angove; Muchmore; Jones.
Goodall; Brading L; Jarvis; Marshall; Searle R; Buck; Fennell.
(Drake; Timms; Tonkins)

Bill Barnes

Saturday 22nd October 2005

TOTTONIANS 28
ANDOVER 20

Well, this week's après le jeu analysis machine went into overdrive — I've never heard so many differing expert opinions!
Win or lose, this was one of the most exciting and enjoyable contests I have seen at Water Lane for some time. We were, quite honesty, prepared for the worst against unbeaten Andover and were not expecting the treat that was in store. Andover were out on the pitch having an extended warm-up session almost an hour before the scheduled kick off time and displayed a professional pre-game approach.
From the start, they came at us with all they had, and it was imperative that we absorbed the initial offensives, because recently we seem to be most vulnerable at the beginning of the game.
Andover started playing a wide game but couldn't penetrate our defence down the wings, with Chris Smith putting in some particularly hard tackles. So, they started probing the centre of the park. Totts' soon worked out that Andover's main attack plan was for their experienced No.8 to stand deep off the mauls and try to crash through running onto a short pass. With debutant flanker Grahame Muchmore quickly gaining confidence, we had a sound defensive back row, with Jason Jones putting in some telling stops and Neil Angell sucking up any loose ball with a voracious appetite. Eleven minutes in, we had a penalty awarded against up for handling on the ground and we were 0 – 3 down. After a powerful start from our visitors, they seemed to go down a notch as Totts' up their pace. The Andover front three, who started strongly, were being effectively neutralised by hooker Miles Northover and props Matt Searle and wotsisname?  — oh yeah — Tom Pearson! Ed Formstone was temporarily called to the fray whilst Neil Angell was being treated for a blood injury. Just on the half-hour, Shaun “have you spelt my name right?” Fennell came in at speed to collect from a five metre scrum to open the scoring for Totts, with Paul Goodall and his golden boots claiming the extras. We were now 3 – 7 up and despite the rest of this encounter being a closely fought end-to-end battle, we did not go behind again.
The game seemed now to be divided into two strategies, with Totts developing their attack to mount a wide offensive, whilst Andover stuck to a more centre-field plan. But they came unstuck when a fairly straightforward pass near the centre spot was intercepted by Robbie Searle. With a blistering turn of pace he left the entire Andover defence wrong footed and scored in the top corner. Totts persevered with their wide game which started becoming more effective, as an apparently less-fit Andover side did not have the capacity to cover their flanks. During injury time, a cynical off-side by Andover's fly half, preventing an almost certain score, was dealt with leniently by the referee, but Paul Goodall claimed the three point consolation prize from the resulting penalty. This woke up the opposition and they replied with a well-worked try after a sustained attack, when they broke through close to the line. An excellent conversion brought the score back to 15 – 10 at half time and it was anybody's match.
One minute into the second half and Paul Goodall slotted over a penalty from forty metres out. This acted as a catalyst to the men in black and after many attempts, their persistent No.8 finally managed to break through our defensive line. Another good conversion pulled them back to 18 – 17 with a lot of the match still to play. Despite Andover's two excursions over our line Totts were edging in front. Some excellent line out steals by James Angove (five he tell me, but who's counting!?) and some telling drives from his second row partner Mike Green, gave Totts plenty of possession, and a growing understanding between full back Shaun Fennell and wingers Chris Smith and Richard Buck produced some awesome attacks down both flanks to which Andover could not find an answer. At the start of the third quarter, Lee Brading, who surely had his best game of the season, set up James Angove to score from a galloping roll that developed out of a tap-penalty. Andover came back into the game almost immediately and collected three points from a penalty.
It was now 23 – 20 and whatever the outcome, an exciting finale was developing. Then Totts put in a truly amazing attack, with just about the whole team involved. The ball went out to the left wing where a home score seemed certain in Co-op corner. As the move broke down under a concentrated Andover defence, the ball was recycled back through the forwards and fed out to the opposite wing, where an eager Richard Buck corner-flagged through three of the opposition, scoring in the right corner. It was now 28 – 20 but Andover had no intention of giving up. Unfortunately for them though, their normally sound kicker missed a sitter of a penalty which would have brought them back to within one score. But that was not to be, and time ran out for them. Danny Drake replaced Tom Pearson, who got broke, but we maintained our supremacy in the pack. (There you go, Tom, two mentions!).
The extra initiatives provided by the quick-thinking Bryn Marshall at inside centre gave us more options than usual and we took full advantage of this, frequently splitting Andover's defence. They had no answer to our winger/full back combinations and our powerhouse eight were certainly fresher than theirs at the final whistle.

Searle M; Northover; Pearson; Green M; Angove; Muchmore; Jones.
Goodall; Brading L; Smith; Marshall; Searle R; Buck; Fennell.
(Drake; Formstone; Green E)

  PHOTOS 

Bill Barnes

Saturday 8th October 2005

TOTTONIANS 6
LONDON IRISH AMATEUR 29

Last week's euphoria was short lived as Totts put in a home display which was sadly lacking in all departments. A penalty kick from forty metres out by Paul Goodall put Totts 3 – 0 into the lead after just two minutes, but a quick reply under the posts from a ten metres scrum saw Totts heads go down, never to really recover. The rot seemed to have set in psychologically even before a forty minute break in the proceedings due to a suspected neck injury, sustained by Dan Taylor, that required an ambulance call. A penalty against us, awarded during the play leading up to that incident, gave Irish a 3 – 10 lead from the resumption. This was quickly followed by a sprint down the right wing, shrugging off three half-tackles, to give our visitors another seven points thanks to a try in the right corner. Just two minutes later, right from the re-start, Irish were over our line once again, this time down the left wing.
Paul Goodall pulled back three points from a penalty just before half time, bringing the score to 6 – 22.
If there was a half-time pep talk, it was ineffective. It took Irish just four minutes to score another seven points, when they then went into neutral, happy with their day's work. They demonstrated tight defending when necessary and kept the ball alive with some fast recycling, whereas Totts were struggling to get two phases together. Even though we had a reasonable share of the possession, wild passes and poor handling threw this away. Useful breaks from both Guy Tonkins and from Richard Buck were easily neutralised as they became isolated, thanks to poor support.

Drake; Northover; Pearson; Green; Frend; Formstone; Taylor; Angove.
Goodall; Brading L; Harrison; Searle R; Jarvis; Buck; Tonkins.
(Searle M; Jones; Smith)

  PHOTOS 

Bill Barnes

Saturday 1st October 2005

EFFINGHAM & LEATHERHEAD 15
TOTTONIANS 30
 

Finally, on this our fifth meeting, Totts imposed an impressive defeat on what has been our bogey side since promotion into London 3 SW. With a moderate cross wind and bright sunshine interspersed with heavy showers, this was an entertaining and skilful display by a Totts side which was starting to develop an understanding amongst its members which reflected in some slick rugby.
The Eagles, like ourselves, have had a poor start to the season and were out to lift themselves with a win, but that was not to be. An early attack by Totts, with the whole team converging on Effingham's try line, left us exposed at the back. When the home side gained possession, a sprint the whole length of the pitch by their left-winger left us wrong-footed and five points down with barely six minutes on the clock.
Totts were soon back in the game though, and an uncharacteristic sloppy pass from Paul Goodall was skilfully tidied up by Bryn Marshall, who found Robbie Searle on his right shoulder. Quick hands through to Joe Jarvis gave Robbie time to loop around the back and collect the return, break a tackle and score a magnificent try in the corner. An excellent conversion from Paul Goodall saw Totts take the lead 5 – 7. The Eagles, continuing their tactic of not contesting mauls, were content to wait for a breakdown, and this they did to good effect when their two centres broke through the remnants of our defence to score under the posts. In the thirty-second minute of the contest, a penalty for a set-piece infringement on our twenty-two gave the Surrey club a 15 – 7 lead, but at that time no one would have guessed that that was to be their last points in this encounter. As the game progressed Totts began to look more polished, with some excellent plays and sustained possession, coupled where necessary with some hard and effective tackling. Eventually, Effingham cracked under the pressure and in the dying minutes of the half, gave away a penalty in front of their posts for an off-side offence. Paul Goodall claimed the three points and then excelled again two minutes later by popping over a conversion from right on the touch line, after  a trademark Richard Buck score in the corner.
The second half opened fast and furiously, with Joe Jarvis taking just fifty seconds to touch down after receiving via fast hands through the backs from a turn-over ball. With another successful Paul Goodall conversion, the score now stood at 15 – 24 and Totts were playing with a new-found confidence, demonstrated by Miles Northover claiming three strikes against-the-head in the set pieces. Though we were to capitalise to the tune of twenty points on two Eagles' sin-binnings, they were still managing to put in some spirited attacks. But Totts defence held sound, with the forwards working well as a unit and Dan Taylor putting in some particularly effective tackles. As indiscipline crept into the Eagles game, Totts came away with another six points thanks to two penalty kicks from Paul Goodall. With the score at
15 – 30, The Eagles tried desperately to stop the game getting away from them, but a series of onslaughts in the final ten minutes were met by a brick wall Tottonians' defence that held good to the end. A fabulous win, thanks to superb teamwork and total commitment by every one involved from Totts. Let's keep it up and carry this momentum on to next week's ear (sorry nail) - biting fixture against London Irish Amateur! The following team members played particularly well and deserve a special mention ...

Drake; Northover; Searle M; Green; Fulcher; Frend; Taylor; Angove.
Goodall; Brading L; Jarvis; Marshall; Searle R; Buck; Tonkins.
(Middleton; Pearson; Scott)

Bill Barnes

Saturday 24th September 2005

TOTTONIANS 22
CHOBHAM 10

The mood in the Clubhouse was jubilant after a fantastic afternoon with all four teams recording wins.
The 1st XV fielded a fluid line of backs that gelled together well, coupled to an aggressive pack, with Andy Frend coming into the second row and James Angove moving into the No.8 spot. In Bryn Marshall's absence Robbie Searle moved inside making room for Chris Smith.
Right from the start, Totts stamped their domination on this game, putting the dismal start to the season behind them. But five minutes of assault inside Chobham's twenty-two was abruptly halted by a breakaway try that put our opponents 0 – 5 up. This was followed by a ten minute spell of stalemate, though we had more than an edge in the line-outs and in the open play, with Chobham defending gallantly. The breakthrough came with some fine hands out to the wing where Simon Harrison used the overlap to good effect, scoring right in the left-hand corner at the Water Lane end. A brilliant conversion from captain Paul Goodall put the home side 7 – 5 in front. Some excellent exchanges between the three-quarters kept the Chobham defence on their toes, with Paul Goodall working aggressively at the base of the rucks. Just before half time, Lee Brading's cheeky chip ahead was gathered up by a sharp-looking Robbie Searle who touched down under the posts. Paul Goodall claimed the extras and we ended the half 14 – 5 to the good.
The second period gave some superb displays of interaction between the backs with Richard Buck, Simon Harrison and Chris Smith playing some good close rugby out wide. Good possession from our hard-working forwards was put to good effect, culminating in a try by Joe Jarvis after receiving from Robbie Searle. Paul Goodall's third conversion of the day gave Totts a 21 – 5 lead. But Chobham were not in the mood to submit, and a sustained attack inside Totts twenty-two was rewarded by a hard-fought try from their Chairman! More entertaining rugby followed, coupled with some good-humoured exchanges between the supporters on the balcony. Paul Goodall finished off the afternoon with three points from a penalty thirty-eight metres out, to bring his team in with a satisfying 24 – 10 win. An excellent game with a result that reflected a fine team performance.

Searle M; Northover; Pearson; Frend; Green M; Formstone; Amey M; Angove;
Goodall; Brading L; Harrison; Searle R; Jarvis; Smith; Buck.
(Drake; Taylor; Robinson D.)

Bill Barnes

Saturday 17th September 2005

TOTTONIANS 22
JERSEY 39

With just two minutes on the clock, Steve O'Brien, the Jersey captain, collected the ball from a ruck inside his own twenty-two and ran the length of the pitch to give the Channel Islanders a seven point lead. But two minutes later, a penalty for not releasing was converted into three points by the boot of Paul Goodall to bring the score back to 3 – 7. We then went through a purple patch, with the jet-lagged visitors being put under some pressure by a rejuvenated Totts pack, with Mark Amey making a particularly useful contribution, both defensively and in attack. We held our own well against a much bigger Jersey eight and for a while were in control of the set pieces. Possession was turned into points when the ball was passed down the line to Richard Buck, who broke a tackle and cut inside to score. Paul Goodall converted and Totts took the lead 10 – 7. With just over fifteen minutes gone a further five points were added to our total thanks to a fine opportunist try from Simon Harrison, who made the most of a poor pass and ran more than half the length of the pitch to score near the corner. With twenty-two minutes gone, Robbie Searle fly-kicked and gathered from a fumble by the Jersey fly half and scored just left of the posts. Another Paul Goodall conversion put us 22 – 7 ahead. Unfortunately, that was the end of Totts' scoring spree. One minute into extra time, the newly promoted London 2S side took a penalty to hand and touched down under the posts. The teams went in at half time 22 – 14, with Totts claiming most of the productive play in the first half.
The second period was a reversal though. Jersey came out looking sharper and although we were hoping their forwards might tire, this was not to be. We kicked away too much possession to their nippy full back and with some indiscipline creeping in, two penalties soon put Jersey within two points at 22 – 20. Two seven pointers, one from an intercepted pass and another thanks to some loose tackling, gave our visitors a lead which they now didn't intend to give up. As Totts' defence broke down, Jersey popped over for a final five points in the last minute of the match, bringing the final score to 22 – 39, a somewhat flattering scoreline to Jersey, considering how even the sides were on the day. Totts can be heartened by their performance though, as the side continues to goes through a bit of a metamorphosis, with everyone contributing to an entertaining game. It was nice that the Jersey lads had time to stay for a couple of pints after the game and we wish them well in the next round.

Pearson; Northover; Drake; Green M; Angove; Formstone; Angell; Amey M;
Goodall; Brading L; Jarvis; Marshall; Searle R; Harrison; Buck
(Searle M; Middleton; Smith)

  PHOTOS 

Bill Barnes

Saturday 10th September 2005

WINCHESTER 50
TOTTONIANS 10
 

Searle M; Northover; Drake; Green M; Angove; Formstone; Taylor; Angell;
Goodall; Brading L; Jarvis; Marshall; Searle R; Lee; Fennell
(Pearson; Wilkes; Harrison)

Saturday 3rd September 2005

TOTTONIANS 22
WEYBRIDGE VANDALS 37

This was a disappointing start to the new season, with both teams looking decidedly rusty. The main difference between the two sides was probably in the defending. Weybridge gave Totts little room to manoeuvre when we were in possession, whilst we often seemed to clear a path for them when they attacked. Totts, though, were on a mission of self discovery, and things will surely improve as the season progresses and the team settles. Worryingly though, we do not seem to have addressed our trademark high penalty count, which must be frustrating for the players when they see hard-earned territory kicked away.
The scoring was opened with a Paul Goodall penalty to put us 3 – 0 to the good after eleven minutes. Vandals countered from the off with a try in the top corner to make it 3 – 5 and five minutes later had increased their lead with a fine drop goal from just inside our twenty-two. They added a further seven points when half tackles were shrugged off and they scored under the posts, bringing the score to 3 – 15, which is how it remained until half time.

The second half saw Totts' taken apart straight from the off, with some fine flowing rugby from the visitors which ended with a pass back inside from the wing, off of a two man overlap offensive, and a try in the bottom corner. Three minutes later, a nine-strong group galloped towards our line from centre field, as Totts were still recovering from a midfield breakdown. At 3 – 27, Totts found their second wind as the Weybridge pack tired. Quick hands from Robbie Searle gave Bryn Marshall the opportunity to run in our first try, with Paul Goodall successfully converting. This seemed to encourage the forwards, who embarked on a credible assault, with the Weybridge forwards losing the powerhouse battles. We were rewarded with a well-engineered push-over try. (Scorer? Dunno — someone let me know!) With the score at 15 – 27 our expectations were now high, but another drop goal from Vandals' outside half slowed Totts' comeback. Then, surely the most entertaining move of the game for Totts' came through a superb break from Robbie Searle, who set up Richard Buck for a well deserved and badly needed try. Paul Goodall added the two points to bring the score to 22 – 30 and the hope of a late win. But that was not to be, and two minutes into time added on, our guests sealed their victory with a try under the posts.

Bill Barnes

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