PJF endure a frustrating day at the office

On pitches that were in better condition than they had a right to be in after the week's rain, and a sunny afternoon welcomed PJF to Motspur Park and a game against a team that has always seemed to pose problems. O Amplefordians started strongly and their backs broke the line in the opening minutes only to knock on 5 m out form the PJF whitewash. From the scrum PJF managed to exert some dominance and won the resulting scrum with some ease. PJF then drove O Amplefordians back up the pitch and coraled them in their 22m. About 10 minutes in Charlie Crowe shimmied and stepped his way to the opening try. Chase Thompson converted. Using their dominance in the set scrum PJF drove back up the field and established themselves back in the OA 22m. During the next period of play good tackling by OAs and wrong choces taken by PJF denied them a second try. OAs substituted their tight head and brought on a player who was a much better scrummager which enabled OAs to stabilise their scrum. With a better platform in the set piece OAs were able to gain some time on the ball. With penalties upto this point going PJFs way because of their dominance in the scrum, the turn in fortunes also saw more penalties awarded to OAs. It was a penalty 5m out from the PJF line that OAs earned the softest of tries. This came about because PJF were slow off their line. The kick was missed. As the half was coming to an end OAs added a further penalty to take an 8-7 advantage into half time.

The second half started with PJF putting pressure on themselves by giving away silly penalties and it wasn't long before OAs managed to cross PJF's line again and added a converted try to their tally.With a lead of 15-7 OAs looked comfortable as PJF managed to take the wrong option or give away soft penalties which allowed OAs to keep PJF pinned in their own half. With only 15 minutes remaining PJF at last managed to force their way out of their half and after a passage of play they crossed the OAs line to close the gap to 15-12. From the kick off OAs responded and managed to gain a penalty just outside of the PJF 22m. Opting to kick, OAs extended their lead to 18-12. PJF responded from the kick off and drove into the OAs 22m where they gained a series of penalties that saw OAs rerceive two yellow cards. PJF tried to batter their way over but were kept out by some heroic tackling from OAs. Eventually numbers told and Barty Carson forced his way over the line. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed and with minutes remaining we were into a one point game. PJF came roaring back with Dom Hughes chasing a kick catching the OA player 5m out who fumbled the bal, Dom bundled the player over and popped the ball up to Kendo who went over the line and touched down, the winning try? The referee came over to award the try and then having run the action through his internal video review decided to award a penalty to OA for playing the man without the ball. OAs relieved the pressure. The last action of the game came on the OAs 22m when PJF conceded a final penalty which allowed OAs to kick for touch and finish the game. PJF had come away with a second defeat intheir campaign and a consolation losers bonus point. Looking back, the game was lost through a lack of ruthless efficiency in the opening half hour of the game and a series of wrong decisions and silly penalties conceded in the second half.

This week PJF are away at O Cats who sit second in the table. A local derby, it should be a tough encounter. The lads would really appreciate the support, so we hope to see you at O Cats.

Lastly, the second team ran out on Saturday and, having had 20 players on Friday ended with only 12 taking the field. Those who dropped out or didn't turn up didn't only let themselves down, they also let their team mates and opposition down by ruining the weekend. Going forward, if you say you are available and are selected make sure you honour your committment. Certain emergencies are acceptable, but hangovers, and a bit of rain are not acceptable excuses. Enough said.