Quins Vets 20-12 Evergreens (Vets Cup)

A beautiful day in the sun of west London was sadly not reflected in the final score but Evergreens can hold their heads high after a physical battle with our ex-Surrey Vets League & local rivals Harlequins. Despite the fact that both sides were disappointed to hear that Nigel Owens was not available just prior to kick off Quins started strongly registering a penalty and then a try after sustained pressure but the Evergreens were always in this game despite the 10-0 halftime score. Neither team were able to get recycled ball and multi-phase play, which made this a rather stochastic stop-start affair despite debutante Graham at 9, linking well with Cotts and other alumni.

In the second half Quins ran in a second converted try after a rare period of continuous open play, but Evergreens retorted by putting Terry “hat trick avoidance” Thompson in twice; first cantering(?) under the posts for a converted try then forcing his way over in the right hand corner, with Gunny hitting the upright from his lurid green tee. In between a breathless Quins 10 kicked a surprising (to him, his team and on-lookers) drop goal.

20-12 at the final whistle but the Evergreens never gave up, despite being thin in numbers on the bench (why were more Quins not in Val during half term we ask?!) & stifled at the breakdown. Back on the horse on Friday night at Grasshoppers gentlemen, the cup may be gone but the league still beckons.