who consistently took the right options in open play to punish OD mistakes. Despite producing a more structured and combative performance than the previous weekend against Lewes, the Beckenham boys were undone by a side whose finishing was more savvy and clinical. Once again, not much separated the two teams but the visitors were consistently able to convert scoring opportunities and build a score, whereas the younger, more impetuous home side suffered a frustrating afternoon unable to convert good pressure into points. However, better tackling and a more cohesive forward display were clear positives to take back to the training ground.
For the third week running, a bright opening phase ended without a score for the old boys and the Mid Sussex side gradually established much the better stats for possession and territory to test the home side’s defence. To their credit, the OD line was breached only once in the first half which was, in reality, a poor return for their opponents who had the upper hand in the set piece and finished the stronger of the two sides at the break.
Old Dunstonians again started strongly at the resumption and worked hard to create some precious scoring opportunities but the effort floundered on careless errors and poor ball retention which handed the initiative back to the opposition. OD’s were pinned back by some astute kicking which allowed the strong running Haywards Heath backline to drive home their territorial advantage. A penalty kick and converted try took the Sussex team further ahead after the break, before an excellent forward effort saw prop Jamie Pecorella bulldoze over the try line and claw back 5 points for the home side. Despite some determined carries from skipper Peter Jefferys and a rejuvenated Keith Boyd playing in the row, individual efforts fizzled out through lack of support and the ball too easily surrendered at the breakdown, where OD’s failed to assert themselves physically enough. However, with stronger scrummaging in the second half and some effective scavaging by a lively back row unit, there were brief signs of a comeback. Alas, hopes were sadly dashed by relentless waves of counter attack from Haywards Heath which eventually brought another converted try and, with it, a commanding lead. At 22-5, the game was all but out of sight but Dunstonians stuck gamely to their task to force the ever competitive and occasionally unstoppable Anthony Faithfull over the line for a late try.
All replacements were used and made useful contributions. Congratulations to Matt Payne on his debut appearance for the 1st XV
Man of the Match: Keith Boyd