Evergreens 19 – 31 Thamesians

Under the Friday lights once again at Vallis the Evergreens looked sharp, well drilled and ready for this long anticipated top of the table clash with Thamesians Space Cowboys despite a longish Christmas lay-off. The game started at a fierce pace with big carries and hits from both sides with only an early Beck penalty miss of note. Missed tackles that crept into the Evergreens game then led to a converted try to the left of the posts after some good recycled ball by the opposition. Quick thinking with a tap penalty by Thamesians led to a second try, then a third after a clean break by a Dorian Grey-like vets figure leading to a 19-0 advantage.

Evergreens rallied with turnover ball taken into subsequent contact by Jake & Ash, sucking in opposition defence, leading to an easy score in the far left corner but we were not able to close the gap by half time.

The home halftime talk led to renewed second half pressure but dropped possession resulted in an interception from the 22, duly converted: 26-5. A series of rapid penalties taken by Whitney, with the referee punishing the non-retiring visitors, allowed Pup to cross the line for a converted try. Suddenly the team had belief and the unforced error count dropped. Eoghan broke with 3rd phase ball to take the score to within one converted try at 26-19. A draw was on the cards and Evergreen went for it but loose defence at the death led to a coffin sealing last try for the opposition.

Plenty of rugby to follow gents, with cup and league matches to come, plus a real chance of a rematch should we return to winning ways.