Dunstonians show instinct for survival with bonus point win when it matters

If the plan was to rack up an impregnable first half lead, it clearly backfired as the visitors turned around at half time just 13-7 ahead.

Signs had looked quite promising for Old Dunstonians after 10 minutes as they asserted control at the scrum and lineout as well as looking very comfortable with their defensive alignment, where young centre Kieran Elliot was outstanding. However, despite plenty of possession, old boys were not able to consistently take advantage of the conditions and were rather too keen to run the ball when a more tactical kicking game might have served them better. Just as frustration and inaccuracy seemed to be setting in, skipper Pete Jefferys burst through some weak midfield tackling to force play deep into Eastbourne territory from which winger Jamal Gobir showed his forwards how to pick and drive, to scramble over the line and register the first score. Mike Ubee, who was to notch 100% kicking success during the afternoon, converted.
Rather than gain in confidence, Dunstonians became surprisingly tentative and unable to capitalise on opposition errors. Despite a couple of successful Ubee penalty kicks, the side too easily conceded the ball and allowed the homeside to rally. From a position in the opposition 22, it took just two penalties in quick succession and an unforced knock-on to bring Eastbourne right back into the game and sure enough, the rejuvenated Sussex side put their phases together, brushed off some lazy tackles and opened their account with a converted try. The growing crowd, boosted by a healthy Dunstonian contingent, seemed destined for another nail biting encounter as the OD’s contemplated an uphill second half against the wind. These disadvantages were further compounded when they temporarily lost the services of try scorer Gobir, who tried the referee’s patience once too often for failing to release the ball in the tackle.
However, in then producing a stunning period of play after halftime which piled on 21 points in as many minutes, OD’s turned the game, and quite possibly their season, on its head. The three scores could not have been more different as firstly Mal Connolly intercepted the ball to score easily under the posts. The Dunstonian forwards then got into their stride with Keppe, Oddy and Sinclair leading the charge to batter a struggling Eastbourne defence. Confidence surging, scrumhalf Coombs fired passes out left and right to get his backline moving smoothly and effectively. Fly half Ubee was hauled down inches from the line, but a noticeably fitter OD pack, benefitting from the mobility and experience of former captain Phil Grayson, served up yet more possession from the ensuing ruck to allow Connolly again to cross the line unchallenged. From another weak kick-off, Dunstonians got straight back on the front foot to force Eastbourne back into their half. A loose clearing kick was gathered by marauding prop Josh Ajiboye, who delighted spectators and team mates alike with a mazy, virtuoso run that completely unstitched what was left of Eastbourne’s ragged defence. Eastbourne woes were compounded as the Old Boys pack took the initiative to provide more opportunities for the backs to show their paces. Late on, a searing run from centre Rory Palmer looked like another certain score but the cover defence was just good enough to bundle him in to touch.
Despite a late consolation try, the home team looked a beaten side as their frustrations played out with a sending off and a series of penalty offences both on and off the ball which allowed Dunstonians to tighten their grip on the game up to the final whistle. As they move into a critical last month of the league season, this young Dunstonian side is beginning to show its mettle. If the players can muster all the positives from recent wins against Gillingham and Eastbourne and an impressive tilt against league leaders Pulborough, they can match any side to ensure survival in a league where they undoubtedly belong.
Despite strong claims from Nick Keppe and Mal Connolly, MoM goes to Kieran Elliot who consistently snuffed out any Eastbourne attacking ambition and showed safe hands and accurate distribution skills in attack
Congratulations to Julius Ojo-Adegboye who made his !st XV debut from the bench – one to watch.