Weybridge vandalised

The Fat Stags / Old I were asked to play a game in aid of the Vandals mini tour and turned up to face a Weybridge side with plenty of players and lots of quality.

With Danny Holboj at fullback, any loose kicking was returned with interest and good support play from the excellent centre pairing of Simon Daws and Brendan Gibbs meant the Stags had great continuity when breaks were made. A couple of early converted tries suggested an easy night but the home team came back strongly through cute kicking from their excellent 9 and heavy carrying from midfield. Vandals replied with two good tries and only the muscular defence of wing Keith Bush kept out a third. An unlikely turn of pace from second row Colin Rance saw him dot down from 25m out and, but for some spilled ball at the final moment, the Stags could have scored two more tries before the break.

At half time abrasive captain 'Wallace' Enright rallied the team and smarter play at the breakdown provided more ball and further tries. Despite a late consolation try, Teddington / Old Is were comfortable winners in an entertaining, proper Vets game played in good spirit.

Praise is due to Dave Rousham for a huge shift in the front row; to Kevin Bould for an influential second half display in the back row; and James Gilheany for making his full debut on the wing.