Thursday, 29 January 2015

Felsted Qualify for National Round of NatWest Vase

Felsted progressed into the National rounds (quarter finals) of the NatWest Vase beating London Oratory 20-7. The first half was a dour battle without much constructive rugby. The team was showing its nerves and Felsted was continually pegged back by good kicking by the opposition fly half. A lack of communication under a high ball led to the only score of the half to London Oratory, who scored under the posts.

Half time 0-7. Felsted relaxed and raised their game in the second half. The pack started to win quick ball and make many surging runs to create space. A move in the backs gave Tom Hitchcock space. He drew in the defence and offloaded to Piers Martin to score in the corner. Under mounting pressure London Oratory failed to find touch from a kick. Tom Walker caught the ball on the run beat off the first defender, rounded the defence and ran through the full back to score the corner. Felsted were now in control. Felsted won a scrum against the head went through the phases and somehow Tom Walker ‘danced down the touch line’ evading tackles to eventually to score under the posts. A converted penalty soon followed and Felsted saw out the rest of the match in control. 

The boys progress to the quarter final against Royal Grammar School Newcastle in an Away fixture.