Old Dunstonian 22 Old Elthamians 28 - Match rearranged from December 18th

In a truly scrapping performance the old boys outscored Elthamians 4 tries to 3 and only a rare off day with the boot from the normally consistant Josh Smith saw the old boys shaded on the scoreboard. In the wet conditions, OE's put away much of their wide game and used an effective rolling maul to gain considerable yardage. OD's, despite missing 5 forwards and having no recognised second rows, competed ferociously at the breakdown and displayed a hunger that at times looked to have surprised Elthamians. At the death and trailing by 6 points, it was OD's who were camped in the E's 22 looking for an unlikely win and however much sniffy disapproval the E's match report imparts about the old boys "tactics" its impossible to deny that E's left Park Langley relieved to have pocketed the win.

Leading through a Scott try early in the match D's held Elthamians at bay for the next 20 minutes, eventually cracking to concede a try and two penalties. They turned around to kick down the slope only a point adrift after a further unconverted score from Gareth Baxter.

E's coughed up a penalty from the restart, and when Josh Smith hit the post with his kick, D's were more alert, recovering the ball and recycling via a series of rucks to send Bruce Jones up the short side for an unconverted score. Returning OD Renford Bennett added to his impressive try tally, a score made by fullback Moyo who attracted tacklers then offloaded to the powerful wingman. With Lee Smith sent to the bin after gormlessly swatting an E's player at a breakdown, Elthamians scored again via a powerful rolling maul and threatened to pull away from the old boys. Dunstonians were having none of it however, and a try from Jeremy Scott took them to within 3 points. Elthamians converted a penalty to take them to 6 points clear and conclude the scoring. Od's came back at the death and twice threatened to snatch the verdict, but E's held on turning over a couple of good opportunities to finally nail down the win.

Elthamians perspective can be found here.http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/oldelthamians/s/results-reports-13217.html&official=0&fixture_id=525930 Elthamians are a very good side, armed with pacy inventive backs, robust forwards and an abundance of rugby brains, evidenced by their ability to adjust their game according to the conditions. They will win the league at a canter, and good luck to them in the next league up. They'll need to develop a more streetwise attitude to flourish in the higher divisions, as sterner test than OD's await, and armed with just spoiling tactics we scored 4 tries.

For Dunstonians, next weeks game at home to Aylesford Bulls will be an interesting benchmark. If this form can be replicated there must be a real expectation that the favourites for a second place play off slot can be beaten. However consistency hasn't always been the old boys strongest suit, though a points difference of only minus 30 (despite a record of 5 wins versus 11 losses) suggests that most defeats have been close run things.

In the bar afterwards, the following comment was made "Today you were the better team, but when you get lucky you get lucky!" From the lips of an Old Dunstonian but one today wearing yellow and blue - the ace finisher himself, Mr Renford Bennett.