PJF off the pace at Freemens and slip to first defeat

PJF arrived at Ashtead Park unbeaten this season. O. Freemens provided the sternest opposition to date. Freemens played to the pitch which was narrow compared to the Pightle. Their forwards driving up the middle well martialled by their half backs. PJF on the other hand tried to play wide and constantly found themselves running out of pitch. Freemens recycled the ball better than PJF and kept possession for long periods of the game building the pressure on PJF. PJF's lineout wasn't functioning and provided Freemens with another source of possession. About 20 minutes into the game PJF conceded a penalty in their 22 which Freemens fly half slotted. Still PJF's defence held as Freemens could not capitalise on all their pressure. Eventually the pressure did tell with Freemens moving the ball through hands for their winger to go over in the corner. The conversion was missed. PJF continued to battle and in the last 10 minutes of the half started to string some passages of play together. After one passage of play PJF were awarded a penalty the Dan Wilkinson converted. It was the last kick of the half and the sides turned around with the score of 3-8.
The second half started with Freemens driving down the centre and within the first minute of the half the Freemens fly half stepped back and slotted a drop goal to widen the points gap. The pattern of the second half followed that of the first. Half way through the half PJF conceded a free kick for a not straight feed and Freemens went through the phases and went over near the posts. The try was converted. This was followed by more pressure that resulted in a drop goal. PJF who had battled hard all afternoon stirred and the pack that had started to win the set scrums, almost at will, created the platform for Nick Owen, who had moved in form the wing to No 8 picked up form 15 metres out and drove over under the posts. Dan Wilkinson converting.
The game was summed up with the final act of the afternoon that saw Dan Wilkinson put in a big kick driving Freemens deep into their half. Pressure form the chasing players forced the line out. With the throw in PJF saw the ball picked off and Freemens kicked into touch, game over.
PJF had fought hard all afternoon . With a side still getting to know its own strengths and weaknesses the game had been a good lesson. Rome wasn't built in a day, but like Rome this team is being built on strong foundations of a commitment to one another and the desire to learn how to become successful. We look forward to their journey.