PJF win through after a slow start

A reasonable crowd at the Pightle enjoyed the post lunch entertainment. Streatham came out of the blocks quicker and set their stall. Efficient inter-passing saw the away side drive the ball up the centre. Inspite of the constant pressure PJFs defence held firm for 30 minutes. Eventually the pressure told and the visitors won a ruck 1m out and the scrum half picked the ball and dived over the white wash to score a well deserved try. The extra points were added giving Streatham at 7 point lead. PJF started to rouse themselves from their slow start and bean to compete more for the ball and Streatham's possession which they had dominated for most of the half began to dry up. Several sniping runs by Jack Kennedy came up short within metres of the Streatham line. However, the momentum began to build for PJF and after some driving play by the forwards the ball went wide for PJF to get on the score board. The difficult conversion was missed. The pressure began to build on Streatham but they managed to hang on and the half closed with Streatham and Croydon leading 5 -7.

The second half started with PJF consolidating their increasing dominance and Streatham struggled to get out of their 22M. PJF came close on a number of occasions and there were opportunities for PJF to move into a lead. Eventually the turning point came when the referee awarded PJF a penalty in front of the posts. The kick was slotted and PJF had a 8-7 lead. From the kick off PJF returned to the attack ad after a further 5 minutes were rewarded with a try in the corner. The conversion was missed. In scoring the try Streatham were adjudged to have high tackled a PJF player and PJF were awarded a penalty from the restart. This saw PJF back onto the attack and it wasn't long before Declan William broke free on his wing to go over in opposed. By this point the visitors, who had started the game with such promise, began to lose their shape and PJF started to find gaps at will and it was only due to some last ditch tackling that Streatham kept the score in check. Nevertheless PJF scored a further three tries and two conversions to their tally to secure the bonus point ad run out 37-7 winners.

It was very much a game of two halves and Streatham and Croydon put up a good display in the first half but seemed to unravel in the second. PJF go into the final week of the season looking to reverse the result against Cranleigh in the first game of the season when PJF were pipped by the last kick of the game.

Next week's game will be preceded by the past players lunch. If you would like to attend, or know of another past player who would like to come to lunch at the Pightle please get in touch by Wednesday.