Despite starting with the wind in our favour and pinning the Oppo on or around their own 22 for protracted periods we failed to capitalise on this dominant display of territory and possession.

2nd half saw a different approach, more suited to the sticky ground and the stiff wind. Crashing up the middle & leading from the centre of the fray Captain Dan-tactic grounded emphatically and considerately close to the posts. As ever Tony L was in the thick of things at every available opportunity too. Callum duly obliged with a conversion. however jubilation was curtailed by a swift response with Japanese using breadth and spinning out to left wing to score which was converted with aplomb.

There followed two incidents indicative of progression and, for the counter-factual theorists amongst us, may well have proved pivotal. In both cases with the wind at their backs Japan' elected to kick and chase- but crucially in both cases our respective wingers- Mr Hodge and Callixte secured ahead of the Oppo; the first Hodgey had on about our 22 & stood strong whilst being opposed fiercely, the second saw a foot-race which the Acton L'Express won & grounded to avoid conceding. Our defence worked and Callixte gave much credit to Callum for consistently and calmly marshalling the backline throughout (I hope he's warmed up now).

7 all 10minutes into the second-half and we got it together. Attempting to kick into the wind ceased and some outstanding disciplined forwards play began. Much more confident clearing out, more organised in the breakdown and at least one very respectable rolling maul on the far side ended optimally with Seb shipping out to Dawson and onto the centres- Santi & Chatto were a formidable partnership curtailed with cramp but replaced with Fab and Murray. And here in fairness lay another difference- even after Glen & Murph honourably defected (& in so doing got 80 minutes of game time) we still had a squad of 21. This included 4 props (Tony F, Chaz, Michael and Mr Pape) which is a first for us and swinging them around at half-time almost certainly took its toll on the Oppo front row. In addition, we entertained 4 Colts Florian, Luca, Will & Ony who stepped-up manfully and show great promise. Luca had the least game time but ran some great lines Also new to the team was Murray showing few signs of rust at 9 for the first half ( Seb stepping into familiar territory for 2nd half). Thanks due also to Ludo who waited on touch line for 73minutes before coming on and making a respectable tackle as his first contribution. Bish' showed characteristics flair in1st half before going off to assist the 2s. JapanesesDanny made a late but characteristics appearance winning ball on the deck again and again.

And the rest of the game?
Bruising pick n go, assisted by very safe hands from Dawson to open up from time to time led to a penalty 5 yards out- this was not a time for Seahawks strategy- tap n go to Alex F who thundered through and, with Danny latching on , grounded emphatically.

5 mins to go saw some wider play, with Dr Bull running clever lines to ope up once again and this time sealed the deal in the left corner emphatically. Obviously all 3 tries were emphatic because they were scored by forwards which was reflective of the conditions, as was the much improved defence from the backs throughout.

Best effort of the season. Well done one and all. Next match 7th March. Nice parking Seb