4/23/2012 12:46:03 PM
Old Elthamians v Trojans
It was always was going to be a monumental task,
however the Trojans acquitted themselves very well, especially in
the second half of a hard fought game.
The final score was 43-10 to the hosts, however this score was
high due mainly to three interception tries which were due to the
Trojans being brave and chasing the four try bonus point by
throwing the ball around.
The Trojans scored a scorching try in the first half from wing
Tom Stevenson after a good run from Joby Kochanowski and a try in
the second half when Graeme MacGilchrist scored after a driving
maul. Neither were converted. Coach Barry Bridgman and
the rest of Trojans club were very happy though on learning of
Portsmouth's defeat by Dover which meant that Portsmouth could not
overhaul them and the Trojans have another season in London 1 South
to come.
Bridgman said "We came here with the intention of trying to win,
we played open expansive rugby right from the start in order to
achieve that or at the least get a try scoring bonus point, that
was probably not a good idea in the first half when with hindsight
it would have been better to kick for territory."
"They were a very good side though, they thoroughly deserve to
be where they are. We would have scored a few tries today against
most of the clubs in this league but their defence was superb and
they were very calm and calculated in taking every scoring
opportunity. We wish them well in their playoff next week."
"However, although we lost, we have retained our London 1 status
which at the beginning of the season was our aim; we said then that
if we won ten we should stay up and that's what we did. I would
have preferred it if it had not been another Hampshire team that
had been relegated but I am sure that Portsmouth will bounce
straight back - I have a lot of rugby friends at Portsmouth and
wish them all a speedy return to this level."
"Now it all starts again, planning for next season and trying to
consolidate our position. Finally I would like to thank all of the
players for putting in so much effort and all of those people who
have helped along the way, especially our 1st XV Physio Pete
Meadows who has hung up his tape and says he's not making a
comeback. We'll see!"