Match Report: Old Haileyburian RFC v Old Caterhamians 1st XV 6th April 2024

With Storm Kathleen knocking on the door and the occasional glimpse of sun, the scene was set for OH1XV’s final dance in Counties 2 - against a side that unsteady'd our title chasing campaign in round 1.

With the excruciating defeat to Old Ruts still fresh in the squad’s mind’s from 2 weeks ago, and baring an exceptional rabbit out the hat performance from Law, all but certain confirmation of finishing runners up in the league – the final round presented an unprecedented challenge to the squad. Could we go again to the levels we have prided ourselves on? Is the heart break from Old Ruts too much? There was still a job at hand, bonus point win with an unlikely Law upset would be enough for OH to leapfrog to top of the league.

It was clear the elements were going to make a huge impact on the outcome of the game, and with the wind literally in their sails OH kicked off deep into Old Cats territory. An early OH penalty for an accidental offside gave the initial advantage to Old Cats, however the resulting OC lineout was marvellously burgled by yours truly and OH were back on the front foot. After a few phases, and the backs shipping the ball wide to either flank. DB finding Spilsbury running a frightening line to break the defence, the opposite fullback was no match for Spills footwork and under the posts he went. Extras added on by chicken and OH moved into an early lead. 7-0 OH.

Not long after the restart, the man in the middle gave a dubious offside against OH just outside our 22. Old Cats took full advantage and added the 3. 7-3 OH.

After periods of sustained pressure by OH, with a recurring theme of sceptical decisions given against them, OH made hard work of taking advantage with the wind behind them. Consistent pressure on the opposition lineout disrupted Old Cat’s rhythm, but the efforts seem lost. Old Cats scrum just inside our half results in their number 8 eating up the yardage down the right-hand side. A couple of swift offloads catch OH off guard, and they go over the whitewash for the first time midway through the first half. Conversion missed, 8-7 to Old Cats.

The rest of the half brought much of the same, OH our own worst enemy with unnecessary (sometimes questionable) penalties. But fear not, the lineout operators had their Weetabix this morning and continued to apply the pressure, with several lineouts stolen to swing back momentum OH way. The door was finally broken down, A tap and go penalty in front of the Old Cat’s posts, allowed Ollie Mann the space to dart over on the left-hand side. With the conversion just off from the touchline, a sublime knock was needed to add the extras and up stepped the try scorer no question. Well played. Half time called and OH lead into the break 14-8.

OH now playing into the ferocious wind, the pressure was instantly put on by Old Cats and they were first out the blocks. A quick tap and go penalty in our 22 caught the defence sleeping, and over they went for their second. Try converted. 15-14 to Old Cats.

The momentum pendulum continued to swing between sides as a combination of good defence, wasted opportunities and questionable decisions played a continuous theme throughout. It was Old Cats who had the next chance to add to the scoreboard, with a kick for goal in-front of the sticks 35m out. 18-14 to Old Cats and OH needing an instant reply to ensure finishing the league season with 20 wins under our belt.

And they got exactly that, immense pressure bestowed upon Old Cats from the restart resulted in an OH lineout within the oppositions 22. A well secured OH driving maul developed, and a daring Spilsbury carry from the back left OH within touching distance of the tryline. Some fantastic tight forward work ensured Tom Wright had the golden opportunity to put OH back in front. A quick pick and go from the ruck, and OH were over for the third. Conversion slotted home by Chick. 21-18 OH with 25 to go.

With OC looking for a reply, the conditions deteriorated with both sides making mistakes and plenty of set pieces followed. In quick succession, A tap and go penalty from Old Cats just inside OH territory, another penalty advantage instantly given to OC for Clesh not being 10m and myself being in the wrong place in the wrong time with a marginal high tackle, the ref had seen enough. Off I went for a well deserved 10 minutes rest.

One man up, Old Cats looked to apply the pressure at the scrum but the OH defence held firm. With the game being expertly managed throughout. One last punt at goal for Old Cats shanked off, and from the resulting 22 drop out OH secured the ball. 5 minutes of keep ball entailed and the games was won. OH had ground out their 20th and final win of the league season, hell of a win and effort by the entire squad. All eyes switched to Old Ruts v Law to see if the unthinkable had occurred…..Old Ruts 71-0 Law, it was nice while it lasted. Promotion secured and the road to Twickenham commences with Haywards Heath away in the first round next week.

MOTM – Charlie Spilsbury

DOTD – Harry Harper-Dowe