Old rivals Cobham now play 4 leagues above in London South 1. A well oiled and organized Cobham squad of 20 players were put through their paces an hour before the game, little did they know that they would be up against a rejuvenated PJRFC marlins squad, keen to continue their winning ways, and start off from where they finished last season- undefeated for 18 games.

This game of rugby was competitive from the whistle, and Phil Jones, current club captain, was splendid in standing in for missing RFU referee. Cobham dominated the breakdowns in the first 20 minutes, making decisive runs through a lack-luster PJFRFC defence. Emerging full back Pierce, had to make a couple of try saving tackles to keep the visitors at bay. PJRFC scrum front five put the visitors under pressure, and had them on their back foot, and this platform enabled the PJRFC backs, led by the very able Iain Greenwood to score their first try of the game, late into the first half. The try came from a high ball from Cobham, caught by winger Jules who made a few yards before off loading it to Iain greenwood, who ran through several cobham players to start the score sheet for PJFRFC. Cobham responded immediately from kick off, and put PJFRFC forwards under pressure, and the ensuing support play by Cobham forwards caught PJFRFC off guard and resulted in a converted try under the post for Cobham. PJFRFC kept their heads high and began the restart in earnest, keen to finish the first half in front. Neil Leather and Shane Van-der-Schyff commandeered the lineout well for PJFRFC, and with old hands Machugh and Mander throwing in, the well oiled Fisher furnace was providing great ball for the backs to run from even within their own half, much to the delight of the attending supporters. One such move through the PJFRFC back line of Jamie Veldermann and Tomm Browne led to Iain scoring his second try out wide. Cobham were not about to give up, and again came back at PJFRFC with all guns blazing. PJFRFC had to dig deep to defend deep within their territory, and it was sheer determination and clever tackling by forwards Tony Mawer, Javier Rodregoo, Shane, and Dan Wright that kept Cobham away. Ben Tompkins also made some decisive runs into the Cobham half, though a lack of support play let PJFRFC down, unable to capitalize on possession. The pressure eventually paid off, and Cobham scored again through their forwards, but failed to convert the try. Thus the first half ended 12-12.

The second half began with PJFRC keen to establish dominance, the rucks were manned much better by back row-Ben Tompkins, Dan Wright and Tony Mawer, with scrum half Will commandeering the forwards well. This platform enabled PJFRC to enjoy some good open rugby, with good interplay between forwards and backs. Machugh, Tompkins, Javier and Leather contributed with good ball carries, facilitating Pierce to join in the line at pace and weave his "Robinson" magic through the opposition back line and score PJFRFC's third try. PJFRFC began to use the width of the pitch with forwards and backs working in tandem. Some good defensive tackling by Cobham, kept the score line in check. However, the pressure began to tell, and the forwards made good use of possession with Mander and Mawer doing a Mork and Mindy, to put Will through for PJFRFC's fourth try, and lead 22-12. A coordinated Cobham attack ensued, and they camped at PJFRFC 22 for around 10 minutes, only to be thwarted by determined waves of tackling by backs and forwards, Del Boy, Dan Wright, Ben Tompkins, Jamie and Iain were exemplary, wandering from left to right to cover missed tackles. There were some jaw dropping moments, with poor discipline by PJFRFC, and Cobham coming very close to scoring, but never quite making it. The counter attack by PJFRFC forwards again delivered ball in space to the back line, and enabled scrum half Will to score and complete the rout. PJFRFC Marlins will be quite pleased with this outcome against a formidable opponent. The spectators enjoyed a game of open rugby with much Fisher flair on display.

Marlins entertain Sutton & Epsom at home next week