Marlins stay in the fight

A well drilled and well oiled, young Streatham and Croydon side put the depleted Marlins to the test from the outset. Marlins could only muster13 players, and were missing some key players, and should be proud of the fantastic rugby they played till the end.

Streatham and Croydon started the game in earnest scoring from the kick off, thanks to poor defensive tackling by a PJFRFC, enabling a 7-0 lead within 2 minutes of kick off. Streatham and Croydon further consolidated their lead, a few minutes later through some attacking rugby through midfield, and linking with their backs, scoring under the post. This was followed by another well worked try for Streatham and Croydon, from their own half, again facilitated by poor defensive display by PJFRFC, taking the score to 21-0. The rebuke by past captains, Mole and Mawer instilled some pride among the Marlin's and this led to a much improved and determined defensive display. PJFRFC took the fight to Streatham and Croydon, and were rewarded by a penalty which, PJFRFC's own Gareth Davis- Will Walters, took quickly, catching the opponents offside, and scored PJFRFC's first try. The resultant boost in confidence helped PJFRFC forwards to dominate scrums and breakdowns, fronted by Dave Mole and Tom White, with Rafael Ibanez look alike Matt Hanlon taking his share of spoils. Streatham and Croydon were on the back foot, though some decisive kicking by their seasoned fly-half, aided by the wind, kept PJFRFC at bay. Streatham squeezed in another score, and it began to look a whitewash. Though a determined PJFRFC bolted down, and began to get the basics right. Line-outs and scrums were well policed by captain Paddy and Ex-captain Mawer, and Miles Wilko-Whicher spoilt many well worked moves, through his infamous wrap up tackles. Miles was instrumental in linking the forwards and the backs, unleashing Norm and Jamie Velderman. One such move led to PJFRFC scoring their second try, just in time before half time, 28-12, and everything to play for.

There was much talk of playing to our strength, this was aided by Dan Wright and new comer Sam Lowden, who had left his kit bag at Warlingham, expecting it to be washed and cleaned, ready for this week ! This addition facilitated pick up and go from the base of the scrum, and Sam Lowden made some big "billy" carries deep into opposition half. Though, poor support play and mis-judged flick passes, led to a run away try against the game of play to Streatham. Streatham now up to 35-12. PJFRFC went onto make some changes with, Jules into centre and Norm at full back. This facilitated some excellent link play on the blind side, between Miles and Norm with support from Will Walters, culminating in a second try for Will. PJFRFC were determined to bag a bonus point, and to this end, called on their ball carriers to make the extra yards, with Sam, Matt, Tom and Dan obliging, though it was Veteran Dave Mole who got past the post to score the fourth try, and bring back some semblance of pride with the score at 47-22. PJFRFC put up a fierce display of jaw jerking tackling, through Jamie, Dan and Jules, to limit the score line, and to close the game.

To those seasoned Marlins, this was a small step in the right direction, reminiscent of how it all began last season, a merry few, enjoying the rugby they play with their mates!!