Uxbridge left in the dark as Quintin fight back for the win
Uxbridge 12 vs Quintin 14
After the Belsize Park victory, it was essential that Quintin continued their winning ways, but knew it was always going to be tough against a very large and physical Uxbridge team. We always knew that they were going to be the biggest pack in the league but weren’t expecting the speed and quality from their back line.
As always with Quintin playing away, it never starts easy! Boris was doing his very best to prevent players from getting to the game. This meant that the warm up consisted of 7 people playing touch whilst we waited for the rest of the team to arrive. From the start Uxbridge piled forward using their hefty size to make gains all over the pitch. Their strength (in particular their colossal tighthead) caused Quintin on to the back foot in the scrums allowing their backs plenty of space to threaten our defence. Some unlucky calls and some shocking throws at the lineout staved us of even more ball, which meant we spent pretty much all of the first 40 minutes camped in our half. Eventually the pressure took its toll and Uxbridge went over the line close to the touch line. Thankfully, the conversion was missed and Quintin ran back keen to impose some sort of authority into the match.
Unfortunately, the situation got worse after a shocking mistake by the skipper resulted in Uxbridge hoofing the ball up field. Whilst Damo did his best to persuade one of the attackers not to dive for the ball, the covering support fell on the ball over the try line. This time the flyhalf did not mess up and the home side turned around at half time 12-0 the better.
It was clear that it had been a bad half for the visitors and we all knew we could play a great deal better. Straight from the kick off, it was clear that things were about to change. All of a sudden we were getting longer periods of play with the ball in our hands. We could now start to run at the opposition, looking dangerous by building up phases of rugby. Clever kicking from Jack and Kerr forced the home side on to the back foot, and as the light started to fade, Quintin edged ever closer to the try line. Although a couple of attempts at the line were butchered, the pressure finally paid off, with John Sanger adding another to his total, crossing the line close enough to the posts to then secure all 7 points.
The final 10 minutes were played in virtual darkness and constant infringements by the home team provided the opportunity for Quintin to press once again for the try line. Finally, once the ball had been shipped out from a ruck, Kerr used his pace and more importantly, his bulk to force his way over the line. With points level, John stepped up for the conversion. Some held their breath, others refused to watch as memories of London French drifted into the players’ minds. But it is an older and wiser head on Sanger these days (plus the kick was a lot easier), and he calmly slotted home the extra two points.
With one minute to go, all Quintin had to do from the kick off was secure the ball, set up a ruck and keep it tight. The skipper had a mild heart attack as the ball managed to nutmeg not one but two players. But you can always (except in World Cups) rely on a kiwi, as Graeme picked up the ball and set up the ruck, which finally resulted in the whistle being blown.
We have been on the other side of the result twice this season and all the guys could understand the pain on the Uxbridge players’ faces. However, it is testament to the growing strength of this team that we can come from behind against a very strong determined side, and get the result. This needs to be continued in the last two games before Christmas!!
Man of the Match: Hard to name just one, but Andy Kennedy played his heart out. The bruises and cuts on his face and knees showed that level of commitment.
Girl of the Match: There can only be one!!! Stu ‘I’ll blame the Mo for that performance’ Cooney
Honourable mentions: Jonny Wright for never once complaining about being put into 2nd row. Graeme Hattie for coming on the play even though he had been dry retching only seconds before.