There was lots riding on this game. Finchley was at the top of their own division. If they won and won big (a big margin between them), then Finchley would have the option of moving up to First Division for next year! (where they will playing against the teams that have professional coaches, rather than volunteers...ouch!) ?
And the final score?
Bank of England 7 - 39 Finchley
Woohooo!!!
Below, you can read a copy of the report that got sent out to all the families! (check out the last few lines for a reference to Alex!)
Report
Promotion in the sun.
On an amazingly sunny late March morning, at the rather plush surroundings of Bank of England sports club, Finchley secured promotion to the first division for next year. The team came onto the pitch as a unit with some impressive noise and looked really up for it, even allowing for an hour less in bed. Receiving first, Finchley went through some impressive phases in the forwards before releasing the ball through the backs and Al ran wide to the wing and around to under the posts. Excellent, except that we had 16 on the pitch, oops. Following the match restart there was a pretty much a carbon copy move and some slightly different angles from Al to go under the posts. A conversion from Dan, 7 up to finchley. The second try was a very nice move, lots of controlled possession in the forwards, quick ball to the backs which went down the line to Zaki on the wing who showed great pace to go over in the corner. Finchley were very dominant at this stage in all areas, great tackling across the board and going to ground with the ball well presented for quick phases. Two more tries followed for Al including one resulting from a lovely run through the line by Dan. The second of these was for the all important 4th try and bonus point to be promoted – celebrations on the touch line. The First half was capped off by Jack’s 50th try for the club since records (well Peter’s records) began. Well done Jack and well done to the forwards who had won lots of lineouts against the head, had not gone backwards in a single scrum to this point in the match.
All credit to bank in the second half, who came out still competing, tackling and trying to score. Another try for Jack followed a breakaway move. Then Bank did manage a converted try during a slightly messy period in the match with some handling errors and some penalties for not releasing. Finchley rallied and that man Jack went over again to cap off a great win for the team.
A really good day in the sun, a great team performance and excellent to see players from across the squad so heavily involved. A special mention to Alex, not only for audacious sideburns but for a great season – we will miss you when you return to Canada.
Good luck to everyone going on tour and to the Bs in their upcoming fixture. There is going to be some 7’s organised as well so keep watching the site.
There you go.... see if you can find Alex in the shot below (hint, 5th from the right on the back row... check out the sideburns and beard!)
Good work on the win. How was that celebrated? My guess is by putting away the soccer shoes, washing up the rugby clothes and bringing in some pizza.
ReplyDeleteImpressive sports writing as well. I felt the thrill of the game.