Last week saw a good performance at the Pightle when PJF overcame O Cranleighans , who unfortunately ended the game with only 14 men on the pitch. Despite this PJF ran out 39 - 0, keeping a clean score sheet for the first time in a while. This has given a little momentum in the league with the second straight win. Then on Friday night PJF travelled to Old Blues to play the game, originally scheduled for January 4th, under lights. The first half was a scrappy affair as both sides became accostomed with the lights. During the first half PJF palyed some good rugby, but let themselves down with a few errors which allowed Blues in for two scores and a penalty. PJF did get two tries back with the one conversion. At half time Blues sat on a lead of 15 - 12. In the second half PJF continued to play the better rugby, although at the beginning of the second half PJF battled back to take the lead with a well worked converted try to edge into the lead 15 - 17. A few minutes later Blues capitalised on another error form PJF to kick a penalty form in front of the posts giving Blues a one point lead. The clock was ticking down and with about 8 minutes on the clock PJF got a penalty just inside the Blues 10m line. The kick sailed between the posts and PJF were back in front with a two point lead. With four minutes remaining on the clock the call went out to manage the game and keep it in the Blues half. The ball was kicked down into the Blues 22m and a chase saw Blues make an error under pressure which allowed PJF take advantage of an overlap and Charlie Crow cossed the Blues try line for the bonus point try. PJF had made very hard work of the victory which gave PJF's supporters a very anxious time before claiming the third win on the spin.
Meanwhile the U12s started their first ever cup campaign in the Waterfall Cup. Their first opponents were a very tidy Vandals side. A tough encounter saw PJF edge the game in the second half playing down the hill 11 tries to 7. Both sides played some very good rugby. This week the U12s travelled to Cobham to take on a second string Cobham side. The rule the RFU plays in these junior games is that if one side develops a six try lead the game is considered over. The weather was horrible, cold and rain pouring down on the youngsters. The game was scheduled to be 20 minutes each way. PJF set off at a pace, turning the ball over very quickly and scoring the first try. The second followed equally quickly, then tries number 3, 4, 5 and 6 shortly after. The game was over as a competitive match in 5 minutes. They continued for a little longer as a friendly, but Cobham could not rally themselves so the game was halted completely after 15 minutes. I think everyone was relieved, because the weather was so awful. Well done the U12s. Everyone contributed brilliantly, and well done to the parents who stood in the freezing rain.