Nick Greenhalgh reports as shy-on-numbers Exiles flounder in the snow against SODAM.
The Exiles took on SODAM in a friendly fixture on the snowy fields at Ealing Rugby Club. The match had been hastily re-arranged that morning after SODAM’s groundsmen called off their hosting due to frozen pitches.
The Exiles side hovered around the 13-player mark, with a little help from the opposition. With fewer than 30 players on the pitch, the game would favour the team that was daring enough to spread the ball wide quickly. Sadly, the team that managed this was SODAM and not the Exiles.
The Exiles did however manage to score one try as Chandra used his new found grandeur to get himself over the line and ground the ball.
At half-time Alex presented both sides with some warming whisky and port. This was much welcomed, though as with the match itself, SODAM also managed to make much better work of their bottle than the Exiles did!
I think everyone enjoyed themselves and the chance to run around in the snow. Ash may have been the exception, as he took a racking to the neck and had to take an early shower suffering from a pretty sore throat. Other things of note include John M putting in some nice tackles and Stef looking very defiant at times. Ian T and Dave Steene put in some cracking moves in the backs, though sadly not enough to affect the scoreline, but it was good to watch.
Take a look at the gallery to see for yourself.
Finally, many thanks must go to Dave Robinson at Trailfinders Sports Club. He was able to provide a pitch (even doing the majority of the snow-clearing from the lines himself) and hot food at very short notice. Thanks, Dave!
Nick
| Ealing Exiles 5 | SODAM 40 | ||
| Tries: | Chandra | Tries: | (6) |
| Cons: | Cons: | (5) | |
| Pens: | Pens: | ||
| Drops: | Drops: | ||
