PJF Struggles Again

PJF again had issues with fielding any form of coherent regular side and unfortunately the weather was not in a forgiving mood for those that played out of position. A slippery ball, a breezy wind and at times driving rain led to handling errors and a less than flowing game. After the early set back PJF managed to secure possession as OMWs mounted up a high penalty count. Cheeky grubber kicks along the greasy Parson Pightle pitch had the oppo frequently turning on their heels and re-set from deep within their half.

From one such ploy PJF attacked the visitor's line and from a scrabbled passage of play the ball bobbled free where the ever present, impressive PJF open side flanker Phil Jones touched down. The conversion was slotted from far out. OMWs hit back with a brisk lively attack from deep in their own half. Quick hands and good support play freed their winger to cross in the corner. Soon after OMWs had a try disallowed for dropping the ball over the line.

PJF took heart from this and through good forward loose play and effective low ground hugging kicks they secured good field position, territory and possession. From a driving maul they were brought down and awarded a penalty try. The following conversion set them up 14 -12 ahead. Unfortunately half time came too soon and permitted OMWs to regroup, scoring a penalty early into the second half. PJF then lost O'Donnell to the sin bin for 10 minutes for bringing down a rolling maul. During this period OMWs asserted the man difference with two tries, one from a driving maul and the other a push over try.

With about 7 minutes remaining PJF failed to find touch with a penalty kick, the resultant return saw the oppo's open side flanker storm through several flailing tackles. From the ensuing loose play OMWs spun the ball wide and ran in their 5th try. PJF managed to rally themselves from this position and were soon threatening the visitors line. A well taken line out take and drive saw the PJF eight advance on the line where Jones popped up again from the melee to score his second try of the game. So the result finished 19-30.

Alas this was to no avail as again losing bonus points alluded them. Man of the Match was given to Tom Leather for his gritty, out of position, scrum half's performance. Good linking with the backs and some awesome cover tackles easily stood him out from his colleagues. Jones was again heavily involved and the hard working PJ and Leather senior shored up the loose play. The backs managed to get several moves going but were thwarted more by the weather than the opposition. But I think a special hurrah should be reserved for the Dad's Army platoon of Captain Mole, Sergeant Bilchy and "Don't tell 'em your name Pike" - Dubai Joe.