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1st XV Match Reports

Sat 18 Apr 09: Sidcup 39 - Beckenham 12

Sidcup managed to withstand a spirited performance by Beckenham in the first 20 minutes to eventually win comfortably by 4 goals, a try and 2 penalty goals to a goal and a try in their last league game of the season.

On a pitch which was in outstanding condition given the recent weather, Sidcup were initially on the attack but failed to convert pressure into points due to a combination of poor execution and, once again, infringements at the breakdown. Beckenham began to exploit poor first tackling and were belying their league position. It came as no surprise when, after 15 minutes James Cleverly showing excellent pace for a prop, exploited a gap in mid-field and released Craig Hulls for a try which was converted by Gary Thomson.

The score seemed to shake Sidcup out of their torpor and they began to haul themselves into the game. From a line out in the Beckenham twenty-two, a couple of drives created enough space for Richard Clarke to squirm over leaving Richard Pilgrim with an easy conversion. Beckenham continued to look dangerous. A second try by Hulls was only prevented by the combined efforts of Richard Roddis and Lee Woodall and a second assault was relieved by a mark and excellent kick by Pilgrim which took play into the visitors half.

Following this, Sidcup were awarded a penalty for a ruck offence and, with the defence dawdling back, Clarke took a quick penalty and ran in unopposed from 40 yards for his second try. Pilgrim converted and 5 minutes later added a penalty to give the home team a comfortable half-time lead. Sidcup had tightened up their play in the second quarter and the absence of errors was reflected in the score.

Sidcup began the second half as they had finished the first. Ground was made by a move involving interpassing by Alex Tomkins, Jon Cosh and Liam Rankin. Quick recycling should have resulted in an opportunity for Woollard but the final pass did not go the hand.However shortly after, Callum Thompson began a move whichh Richard Evans on and Clarke completed his hat-trick: Pilgrim was successful with a difficult conversion. Sidcup were now well on top. Jon Harris had entered the fray and immediately made an impact. Although a good handling move involving Harris and Roddis came to nothing, Pilgrim extended the lead with another penalty.

On the half hour, Beckenham scored their second try. Following a penalty on the Sidcup twenty-two and some poor tackling, Paul Curry ran in to score a try which really should not have been conceded. Sidcup replied within 5 minutes. Roddis breaking from a ruck; the ball passing through Evans and Richard Day and Harris was released to run in from 40 yards. Sidcup were not finished and, in injury time, Evans received the ball from a line-out and gave an inside pass to Roddis who crossed for the try his effort throughout the match thoroughly deserved. The final points of the league season were provided by the reliable Pilgrim boot to seal a convincing victory.

This was an excellent finish to the season. Apart from the first 20 minutes, Sidcup played really well and confidence levels improved as the game went on. The handling was as good as it has been all season and it was satisfying to finish the campaign with a third successive victory. The return of some of the long-term injured showed what the team was capable of. The improvement of Alex Tomkins and Alex Issacs and the emergence of Richard Day as a centre carries much hope for next season. The return of Luke Drury to first team rugby and the acquisition of Steve Harrison and Jack Hague strengthened the scrum. Danny Mizen up front and Richard Pilgrim outside demonstrated the importance of reliability and Richard Roddis, Jon Harris and Lee Woollard all showed the ability to threaten to score if given the ball at the right times. Richard Clarke, Richard Evans and Callum Thompson showed their ability to manage games particularly in the end of season run. Throughout the season, Liam Rankin and the West brothers secured line-out ball and a number of replacements called up during the injury crisis in mid-season, coupled with second XV results showed that a strength in depth is developing which will be needed in next season’s extended league programme. Throughout the season Iain Wilson has shown outstanding leadership, particularly during the difficult period. His ability to engage referees in conversation knows no bounds.

The last league game marked the end of their current roles for Phil Ubee and Phil West. Phil Ubee’s first year as coach was marked by relegation but his talent was shown by an immediate return to London 2 and consolidation over the last two seasons. The fact that Sidcup have maintained mid-table status in an amateur/semi-professional league despite many long-term injuries is a tribute to his skill. Phil West has shown incredible energy as President in addition to travelling hundreds of miles with Jenny to support the side. His ability to offer advice to referees from distance is to be envied. Although the season has finished on a high note, this may not be sufficient to enable any of the personnel to feature in the Lions squad to be announced by the time this report is available to it’s global readership.

RDPH - 20 Apr 09

Sat 4 Apr 09: Old Colfeians 8 - Sidcup 17

Sidcup reversed a defeat by Colfeians earlier in the season and extended their winning sequence (to two) by scoring two goals and a penalty goal to a try and a penalty goal at Lee on Saturday.

The Colfeians pitch was in excellent condition but a strong breeze seemed likely to play a significant role in the game. Sidcup faced the wind in the first half and immediately Richard Roddis and Richard Day combined to make fifty yards before the move petered out with Day lacking support when tackled. After 5 minutes, Colfeians first attack looked promising before Richard Pilgrim found it his turn to intercept a pass and run in from 80 yards to become the new holder of the “longest interception of the season” award. He had just enough energy for a successful conversion but missed what would normally be a routine penalty for him shortly afterwards following good pressure by Richard Clarke at the base of a Colfeian scrum.

The Sidcup scrum, with Jon Cosh replacing the injured Iain Wilson, was putting Colfeians under pressure but the home side were using the wind well and Sidcup were spending periods on the defensive and were starting to give away penalties in the tackle. From one of these Andy Howard reduced the deficit although he was to miss from in front of the posts subsequently. Towards the end of the half Sidcup’s first up tackling had a suspect period but the scrambling was good and Alex Tompkins was particularly effective at rucks.

By the start of the second half the wind had become more cross-field although just about still favouring Sidcup. From their first visit to the Colfeians twenty-two, Sidcup extended their lead. Once again a home scrum was disrupted; Clarke gathered the ball from the disrupted heel and fed Callum Thompson standing at stand-off. Although nothing much looked on initially, Thompson managed to find gaps and break tackles to score; Pilgrim adding the conversion.

Sidcup were now playing well. Richard Evans and Richard Clarke were using the wind well. Thompson and Day were very solid in mid-field and Lee Woollard pulled off one outstanding tackle. However Mr Farmer was clearly very unhappy with Sidcup at the breakdown, the tackle count was mounting against the visitors and a number of promising positions were lost. A series of penalties moved Colfeians into the Sidcup twenty-two and, with Mr Farmer playing another advantage, Matt Robson, who had looked dangerous on the wing, crossed for the home team. On the half hour, Pilgrim extended Sidcup’s lead with a penalty from 40 yards following a ten metre advance against Colfeians for talking.

The game then continued in a predictable pattern with Sidcup defending well, gaining ground and then giving it up through penalties. It ended with a Colfeian drive being held up over the line following a sustained period of pressure which Sidcup had defended well.

The victory means that Sidcup have moved to a comfortable mid-table position in the league which, given the number of injuries over the season is, in itself, quite an achievement. Once again, the defence was excellent. Callum Thompson and Richard Day in particular, prevented Colfeian moves developing and Thompson made several penetrating runs. Richard Roddis lacked opportunities on the wing but looked for work. Evans and Clarke at half-back and Pilgrim at full back used the wind well. The scrum, especially the front row of Drury, Cosh and Isaacs, was directly responsible for one of the scores and Jon West and Liam Rankin again secured good line-out ball and Danny Mizen, who led the side well and Jack Hague provided the necessary power. However there was a failure to adapt to the requirements of the referee and the number of penalties conceded might prove costly in another match.

It was encouraging that the other Sidcup sides all won, especially the Second XV who scored ninety points. Following a break for Easter, the final league game is at home to Beckenham. It is likely that any backs in the club called Richard will stand an excellent chance of being selected for this fixture.

RDPH - 6 Apr 09

Sat 28 Mar 09: Sidcup 15 - Cobham 10

On the first league Saturday of the season Sidcup travelled to Cobham. It was a beautiful September day, the trees were still in leaf and the migratory birds were gathering on the telegraph wires near the ground. Last Saturday, on the first weekend of spring, conditions were entirely different. There was hail, wind and cold- it was a horrible afternoon. There was only one similarity to the Saturday of the previous match which was that Sidcup won again to complete the double over a side which has spent the season chasing promotion.

Playing in front of the club sponsors who had been entertained to lunch and also a distinguished former Club Captain on a visit from Bridgend, Sidcup were soon on the defensive and after 5 minutes Cowell kicked a penalty for Cobham. The visitors were looking impressive, moving the ball well and recycling loose ball quickly. Sidcup were not helping themselves by giving away penalties and making other unforced errors. On their first two visits to the Cobham twenty-two they lost attacking line-outs although Steve Amura had a good run making about 30 yards but lacked support when tackled.

The home scrum began well but came under pressure in the middle period of the half but Cobham were unable to turn possession and position into points although wing forward Campbell was adjudged to be held up over the line. Matters were not helped when Callum Thompson was dispatched to the bin for coming in from the side of a ruck. It looked as though Sidcup were about to give away their customary “on the stroke of half time” score when Cobham dropped the ball in mid-field on the Sidcup twenty two. Liam Rankin gathered the ball and set off towards the Cobham line making it into the visitors’ twenty two before the defence caught up with him. However Richard Clarke did well to be in support, collected the ball and scored by to posts. Richard Pilgrim, returning from injury, converted to give the home side an unexpected half time lead.

With the wind now in their favour, it didn’t take long for Cobham to make their way into the Sidcup twenty two and after eight minutes were working a threequarter movement towards the left wing. Not for the first time this season, Richard Evans read the move, intercepted a pass in midfield and ran in from 75 yards, just beating the cover to the line.

Although Cobham continued to dominate territorially, the home defence was looking very solid and they were beginning to force turnovers. The pack, with Luke Drury making his first start for some years were putting the visitors under pressure in the scrum and the Jon West and Rankin were comfortable on their own ball in the line out. Conditions deteriorated, Cobham missed a kick in front of the posts and the Sidcup defence continued to frustrate the visitors. After 25 minutes, MacCullum, the Cobham centre was initially given a yellow card for an “off the ball” incident. He compounded the error by expressing an opinion on the decision to Mr Manley who ended the argument by showing him a red card. To make matters worse for Cobham, Pilgrim kicked the penalty which resulted from the infraction.

Cobham, realising that their promotion ambitions were in some peril, launched a period of sustained pressure in the Sidcup line. However the home defence, led by Iain Wilson, was heroic. Around twenty rucks and drives were successfully defended although at the cost of losing Rankin to the bin. Eventually Cobham squeezed in for a try which Cowell converted. It was too late, Sidcup got back into the Cobham half and Alex Tomkins, who had another promising game, gleefully booted the ball into touch to end a losing sequence.

The victory more than made up for Scotland’s unfortunate defeat at Twickenham. The defence in the second half was outstanding. Danny Mizen and Jack Hague, making his first start, worked really hard. Jon West is returning to his best with more matches. Alex Issacs continues to develop as a tight head and the scrum sorted itself out after a sticky period. The back division had little opportunity in attack but contributed to the defensive effort. The points total looks a bit more respectable. This week’s final away game is the short trip to old rivals Colfeians.

RDPH - 30 Mar 09

Sat 14 Mar 09: Sidcup 10 - Tunbridge Wells 29

In a purple patch of fifteen minutes in the first half, Tunbridge Wells scored four tries and set a challenge that Sidcup were unable to overcome at Crescent Farm on Saturday as the visitors won by two goals and three tries to two tries.

On a sunny but breezy afternoon with the attraction of televised rugby meaning that Sidcup’s Welsh and Italian support found better ways of spending their time, the home side once again failed to field an unchanged side. Despite this they began well and Richard Day and Richard Roddis combined well in a move covering forty yards but both failed to gather the ball and the chance was missed. The home pack were working well and Matthew Boyle and Liam Rankin were dominating the line out managing a number of steals.

Tunbridge Wells had already given a hint of their strength as the left wing was hauled down after a run of sixty yards when, after twenty minutes they began their try fest. By half time they had put the game out of sight through four excellent tries all of which had the common factors of good passing, support, speed of ball movement and the creation of space. By half time it began to look as though the visitors were set for a cricket score.

It was to Sidcup’s credit that for virtually all the second half they prevented another score. The forwards dominated. Jon West was outstanding and ran in a try from half way. Steve Amura scored a second try following good work by West and Richard Clarke. Debutants Alex Tomkins, the Chislehurst and Sidcup captain and Jack Hague who came on as a replacement both gave promising performances, Steve Harrison carried strongly before being replaced by Sam Carman, the line out worked well on both home and visitors ball and the scrum was solid.

With twenty minutes to go Sidcup were camped on the Tunbridge Wells line and it seemed as though one more score might make for a very interesting game. However as the quote from Shakespeare (?) goes “If ifs and ands were pots and pans, the World be full of tinkers”. Sidcup couldn’t manage to force another score and Tunbridge Wells broke away in injury time to, moving the ball through at least half a dozen pairs of hands to remind the spectators of the excellent rugby they had played in the first half.

There is a break of a fortnight before promotion contenders Cobham visit Crescent Farm. In the meantime doubtless the majority of Sidcup supporters will engage in an orgy of xenophobia as a result of sneaking a victory against a chaotic French team. After the events at Murrayfield it looks unlikely that anyone will be sent anywhere “tae think again”.

RDPH - 16 Mar 09

Sat 7 Mar 09: Dover 13 - Sidcup 0

Sidcup’s run of poor form continued at Dover as they went down by a goal and two penalty goals to nil. The visitors welcomed back Callum Thompson and Jon West from long term injuries but this was balanced by the injury absence of Richard Pilgrim, Jon Harris and Richard Roddis. Despite this it was a match that could have been won.

The visitors facing a strong breeze and slight slope in the first half had an early opportunity to score but Richard Day was just beaten to the touchdown chasing a kick through by Richard Evans. The line out was working well with Matthew Boyle and Liam Rankin pressuring the Dover ball and manageing early steals. The scrum was less certain with the Dover scrum half living on and sometimes beyond the offside line.

Good driving mauls and sensible kicking by Richard Evans and Richard Clarke kept play from the Sidcup line although both sides were disrupted when an “off the pitch” incident resulted in both scrum-halves being dispatched to the cooler. It began to look as though Sidcup would get to half-time all square but, after 35 minutes the home stand-off looped his centre, found a gap in the defensive line and scored a converted try.

The travelling support viewed the second half with some optimism with both wind and slpoe favouring. However Dover played the conditions as well as Sidcup had in the first half and the visitors were poor in decision making and in execution. Plenty of ball was won but they were unable to exert sustained pressure on Dover and, although Lee Woollard was beaten to a touchdown, they didn’t look as though they were going to score. To be fair, Dover didn’t look like scoring a try either and were restricted to three penalty opportunities, converting two and hitting the post with the other.

Dover deserved to win because they played the conditions better and took their chances. Sidcup’s forwards caused Dover problems throughout but, once again were unable to build the continuity needed to work tries.

This Saturday, Tunbridge Wells are the visitors to Crescent Farm where, unlike Twickenham, tickets are still available.

Team: Steve Harrison, Iain Wilson (c), Alex Isaacs, Danny Mizen, Matt Boyle, Liam Rankin, Steve Evans, Jon West, Richard Clarke, Richard Evans, Lee Woollard, Callum Thomson, Phil Evans, Dickie Day, Wes Smith, Luke Drury, Nick Gilbert, Chris Jones.

RDPH - 8 Mar 09

Sat 21 Feb 09: Sidcup 0 - Basingstoke 38

Despite putting up a much better performance than the previous week at Dorking, Sidcup were comprehensively beaten by Basingstoke at Crescent Farm on Saturday by five goals and a penalty goal to nil.

The snow seemed a distant memory on a beautiful spring afternoon and the Sidcup pitch was in it’s usual excellent condition although, given the potential of the Basingstoke back division in the reverse fixture, this did not necessarily seem beneficial to a home side struggling with injuries and lack of confidence.

The visitors began confidently; winger Lambert nearly scoring before Osborne showed an impressive turn of speed for a prop and sent No. 8 Stirling over in the corner. Fitchett converted with an excellent kick from the right touchline. Although behind, Sidcup were playing with some promise. The scrum and line-out were much better than at Dorking. Matthew Boyle secured line-out ball and Wesley Smith showed some good touches in the centre. The back division, with Richard Pilgrim at stand-off, looked more fluent without threatening to pierce the Basingstoke line.

With five minutes to half time and the Basingstoke stand-off, Morris, in the bin for a high tackle on Richard Roddis, it began to look as though Sidcup would turn round only a score down until a routine passing movement just inside the visitor’s half broke down, scrum half Lillywhite seized on the loose ball and ran in unopposed under the posts to give Fitchett an easy conversion.

Although Sidcup were now playing with slope and sun, the second half started disastrously as, within a minute, Richard Pilgrim slipped when attempting a downfield kick inside the Sidcup half, the ball was gathered by Richards and the centre scored under the posts. To make matters worse, Pilgrim who had been playing well although out of position had to leave the field injured. He was replaced by Sam Eydmann but this led to a major reconstruction of the Sidcup back division with a further loss of fluency. To add insult to injury, Matthew Boyle was binned in what seemed a rather harsh decision for not rolling away; an offence which enabled Fitchett to further extend the lead.

Sidcup continued to defend stoically and Basingstoke were rarely able to advance far into their half. Unfortunately Sidcup couldn’t generate enough continuity to make much of an impression in the Basingstoke half either. However Basingstoke were making fewer mistakes with the ball and were able to exploit Sidcup’s. This resulted in two further tries in the last ten minutes from Morris and Richards which were both converted. One of these came from a missed tackle just outside the Basingstoke twenty two and the other from a turn over inside the visitors twenty two.

Basingstoke gave a lesson in the clinical exploitation of mistakes. Their recycling was quick and their support play meant that, once the defensive line was broken the ball carrier had options. Ball retention has been a problem for Sidcup throughout the season and they are simply unable to build pressure.

The scrum, with Alex Issacs returning to the front row scrummaged much better. Jon Ford’s carries became more evident as the game progressed; Jon Harris made a couple of incisive runs and the mid-field in its various guises but especially with Chris Jones and Wesley Smith, defended well. Basingstoke looked a good side but four of their tries came directly from Sidcup errors, usually in Basingstoke territory.

An international weekend gives the opportunity for xenophobia to be manifested once more before a trip to Dover the following Saturday.

RDPH - 23 Feb 09

Sat 14 Feb 09: Dorking 47 - Sidcup 10

Sidcup travelled to league leaders Dorking on Saturday and were comprehensively beaten by a side that they had only lost to by a score earlier in the season.

On a pitch which, unsurprisingly, was boggy in parts, Sidcup played the first half up the slope. It quickly became apparent that it was going to be a long afternoon for the visitors. The scrum was under pressure and Dorking took the first three Sidcup line-outs. Despite this, having fallen behind to an early penalty, Sidcup took the lead after 10 minutes when, following quick ruck ball on the Dorking twenty-two, Richard Pilgrim grubber kicked for Richard Day to score with Pilgrim converting.

This was pretty much the last time Sidcup visited the Dorking twenty-two in the half as the home side exerted increasing pressure up front and, although they scored two tries before half time, one the usual one on the stroke of the interval, the visitors defended well to turn round 18-10 down.

However the writing did seem to be on the wall. There is only so much defending a side can do within twenty yards of its line. Dorking’s second half performance was extremely impressive. Sidcup could have played a lot better but even if they had it is doubtful if the result would have been any different although the score might have been. Dorking moved the ball at pace, supported well and recycled frequently and quickly. Kelly and Roux carried well up front and centres Noble and Love looked dangerous. Tries were scored by Kelly, Allard (2), Noble, Watts, Richards (2) and Shepherd.

Sidcup’s consolation score in the second half was a penalty by Pilgrim. The defence stood up well until the last 15 minutes when an interception try after they enjoyed a spell of pressure in the Dorking twenty-two seemed to knock the stuffing out of the visitors. It was difficult for anyone to shine in a performance of this nature. Chris Jones made a couple of breaks but lacked support, Richard Day took his try well, Richard Pilgrim tried to stem the marauding hoards and Sam Eydmann covered well from scrum-half. The forwards didn’t come to terms with the game although the back row of Steven Evans, Liam Rankin and Tom England defended courageously and Simon Burwood secured line-out ball.

An already miserable day took a turn for the worse upon learning in the car on the return journey that Scotland had lost in Paris although, fortunately for your correspondent, things did perk up a bit later in the evening with the score in Cardiff as every Scotsman’s second team got the desired result.

This week promotion chasing Basingstoke visit Crescent Farm.

Team: Steve Harrison, Iain Wilson (c), Tom Page, Danny Mizen, Simon Burwood, Tom England, Steve Evans, Liam Rankin, Sam Eydmann, Chris Jones, Richard Roddis, Wes Smith, Dickie Day, Steve Amura, Richard Pilgrim, Steve Duffus, Jon Ford, Richard Evans.

RDPH - 17 Feb 09

Sat 31 Jan 09: Sidcup 27 - Chobham 16

After snatching defeat from the jaws of victory against Thanet Wanderers, Sidcup were faced with the prospect of taking on a Chobham side in the top third of the league. Past results against the visitors suggested that this was not going to be an easy game and consequently the victory was all the more pleasing.

The game began badly for the home side and, within two minutes, Brendon Mahood gave Chobham the lead with a penalty. Early pressure was from Chobham with Kennard box kicking well from scrum half and it took over ten minutes before Sidcup made a sortie into opposition territory following a good kick and chase from Richard Pilgrim. It looked as though this was going to come to nothing when Chobham were awarded a scrum but a tremendous drive by the Sidcup forwards disrupted Chobham possession and Jon Harris exploited the ensuing chaos to score a try converted by Pilgrim.

Pilgrim

Despite this reverse, Chobham continued to have the lion ’s share of territory. Sidcup’s retention was poor and the right option was not always taken. However, although Chobham exerted a lot of pressure on the Sidcup line and looked to have a number of attacking options, the defence was solid and it seemed that the visitors might become frustrated by the lack of reward although eventually Mahood kicked another penalty.

After a brief hiatus when Mr Masters, on exchange from the Midlands, decided to clear out one player from each side, Sidcup began to look as though they might get to half time without conceding their customary score. This proved to be a pious hope as, on the stroke of the interval, Chobham were awarded another penalty which Mahood kicked and Steve Harrison was dispatched to the bin for good measure.

Faced with the prospect of playing the first ten minutes of the second half a player short, Sidcup responded well with an early penalty by Richard Pilgrim to restore the lead following good play by Jon Harris and Wesley Smith. However Chobham looked to press home their numerical advantage and embarked on a sustained period of pressure on the Sidcup line. However the defence bordered on the heroic and, once again the visitors were unable to turn possession into points.

Eventually the pressure was relieved by a Harris interception which nearly led to a score at the other end. Raising the siege seemed to give the Sidcup side renewed belief. They were awarded a penalty, Pilgrim kicked for the corner, pressure at a five metre scrum forced Chobham to concede a free kick which Liam Rankin took quickly and crashed over.

Rankin

The tide seemed to have turned. The Sidcup pack were dominant with one series of pick and drives covering about 30 yards. Chobham conceded a penalty and from, the line out, a model set and drive allowed colt Steve Evans to score on his home debut with Pilgrim converting to give some breathing space. The lead was further extended when Richard Clarke collected a relieving kick, made ground and gave the ball to Wesley Smith who somehow squeezed 40 yards down the touchline before passing inside to Steve Amura, the replacement for the impressive Richard Day, who crossed for an unconverted try.

With only 5 minutes left, Sidcup were out of sight but Chobham returned to the attack. The Sidcup defence held but only by conceding penalties and eventually Mr Masters lost patience with the tactic and awarded Chobham a penalty try which proved to be the last action of the game.

Chobham were a good side. They kicked well, showed skill and pace and retained the ball for long periods. This made the victory all the more pleasing. The second half performance, in particular was excellent. The forwards were dominant in the scrum with the front row of Steve Harrison, Alex Isaacs, Iain Wilson and Tom England, making a welcome return from injury, putting the Chobham scrum under pressure ably supported by Simon Burwood and Danny Mizen. Steve Evans looks a really exciting prospect. The back division played with real efficiency in the second half and it was good to feel the confidence levels rising as the game progressed. It was also reassuring that they managed to close the game out this week.

Evans

This week there is some respite in the form of the cup match at Westcombe Park which has a 1.30 kick off to allow time to watch the Twickenham match although the game at Croke Park looks far more attractive. Despite their improved form, it seems unlikely that Sidcup will be weakened by any call up of players for the Six Nations.

Team: Steve Harrison, Iain Wilson (c), Alex Isaacs, Simon Burwood, Danny Mizen, Liam Rankin, Steve Evans, Matt West, Richard Clarke, Chris Jones, Wes Smith, Dickie Day, Richard Roddis, Jonathan Harris, Richard Pilgrim, Tom England, Mark Smith, Steve Amura.

RDPH - 1 Feb 09

Sat 17 Jan 09: Sidcup 14 - Maidstone 6

On the first Saturday following Brian Bennett’s sad death after a long illness, it seemed appropriate that Sidcup should play old friends and rivals from Maidstone; a side that Brian played against many times in his outstanding career with Sidcup. As a tribute to Brian, players and spectators observed a one minute silence before the kick off.

Following four consecutive league defeats and indifferent performances, Sidcup had targeted this match as one which could get their season moving forward once more as Maidstone have had a disappointing campaign. On a remarkably balmy day and on a pitch which was in superb condition especially considering recent weather, Sidcup played the first half up the slope and into what little wind there was in shirts which were a rather fetching and delicate shade of pink.

The early pressure came from Maidstone and Neil Graves made a penetrating run from centre. Although he was stopped just short of the line, Maidstone were awarded a penalty which Piers Francais kicked. Sidcup were level within five minutes. Following a series of rucks in the Maidstone twenty two, the visitors were penalised and Jim Hardy kicked from 25 yards. Three minutes later Sidcup nearly went ahead when, after a line out steal, the ball was moved quickly to Jon Harris who kicked ahead but was just beaten to the touchdown by Francais. Following the drop out, Maidstone were penalised again at a ruck to give Hardy his second penalty.

The Sidcup forwards were beginning to dominate. There were several drives with Steve Harrison and Alex Isaacs prominent but too often there was a failure to build through the phases and to secure the ball in contact which conceded possession and position. However the Sidcup defence was resolute and Maidstone were unable to threaten the line. After 30 minutes, following a scrum turnover, Hardy extended the lead with another penalty. Three minutes later Sidcup scored as good a try as they have all season. Matthew West drove from a scrum; quick ruck ball was moved by Richard Clarke, the ball went down the line at pace, Richard Pilgrim found a gap and released Jon Harris who rounded the full back to score halfway out.

As usual, Sidcup contrived to concede a score just before half time when a sloppy piece of play in possession ended up with a penalty awarded for obstruction 40 yards out enabling Francais to kick a good goal. Despite this, the performance in the half had been much more controlled and confident than in recent weeks and it seemed that one score early in the second half would put the visitor’s resistance to the test.

In the event the only score in the second half was a penalty from Francais after 20 minutes. Sidcup’s performance was lacklustre. There were too many wrong decisions and poor execution. The scrum was on top of Maidstone but the use of the ball left something to be desired. Consequently they were unable to build through the phases and Maidstone had the lion’s share of possession. With ten minutes to go Richard Roddis made a penetrating forty yard run but eventually the move broke down. Matthew West was binned near the end but the forwards were equal to the challenge. Fortunately the home defence was excellent throughout and the visitors never looked likely to cross the line but Maidstone played far better than their record this season would indicate.

Like Baroness Vadera, Sidcup supporters were looking for green shoots of recovery and, in the first half, these seemed to be there. The ball was moved with much more purpose in the back division, the pack scrummaged well and the line out was solid. However matches need to be closed down and this didn’t happen. One felt that the opportunity for a significant victory was not taken. This week’s visit to Ramsgate to play Thanet Wanderers may show if the green shoots are continuing to grow; hopefully they will not become chlorotic.

Team: Steve Harrison, Iain Wilson, Alex Isaacs, Danny Mizen, Matt Boyle, Liam Rankin, Tom Wicks, Matt West, Richard Clarke, Jim Hardy, Richard Roddis, Wes Smith, Chris Jones, Jonathan Harris, Richard Pilgrim, Sam Carmen, Jonathan Ford, Steve Amura.

RDPH - 20 Jan 09

Sat 20 Dec 08: Gravesend 37 - Sidcup 10

Despite leading at half-time, Sidcup faded in this London II encounter as Gravesend scored 37 unanswered points in an impressive display.

On a dry but windy day when the Bluewater traffic proved to be less of an impediment than expected, Sidcup played the first half with the benefit of sun and a strong breeze that was always likely to be worth at least a score. The visitors opened brightly and were soon on the attack following good work by Matthew West, Jim Hardy and Richard Pilgrim. After seven minutes, following a line out steal by Liam Rankin in the Gravesend twenty two, Danny Mizen and Wesley Smith featured before Sidcup were awarded a penalty which Jim Hardy kicked.

The visitors continued to play well and were gaining good positions through solid scrummaging, line out work by Rankin in particular and intelligent kicking by Hardy. On twenty minutes, Sidcup were turned over in their half but a Gravesend passing movement was intercepted by Richard Evans who outpaced the cover from 60 yards, Hardy adding the conversion.

At this juncture, another try for the visitors might have made for an interesting game but, despite doughty defence, they were unable to pressure the Gravesend line and the home side began to haul themselves back into the game. Gary Gray hit the post from 40 yards and Sidcup knocked on but the danger was cleared. Alex Isaacs and Danny Mizen made good runs and Tom Wicks, Jonathan Ford and the mid-field defended well but Gravesend were having territorial advantage and just before half-time, Sidcup gave away their usual score in the form of a penalty under the posts by Gray.

Sidcup needed to frustrate Gravesend at the start of the second half but they were level inside ten minutes when a high kick went loose and Gravesend were able to gain an attacking position. Eventually, from a defensive scrum, Sidcup were turned over and centre Junior Rockett leafed through to score by the posts. Gray converted and within five minutes had kicked a penalty for the lead.

Gravesend seemed to be invigorated by this and the pace of their game increased significantly. They began to move the ball impressively and at pace. Excellent support play and handling enabled further tries to be scored by Tom Bishop, Rob Forbes and Matt Weighman with the reliable Gray converting all of them and adding a penalty just before full time. Two of the tries were initiated at re-set scrums where the Sidcup pack were clearly unable to satisfy referee Miss Patrick with their technique or to agree with her as to what constituted 90 degrees. However the Gravesend’s ability to move the ball at pace, lines of running and have support on either side of the ball carrier would have troubled most sides in the league and they were worthy winners.

Against a good side, there were some encouraging signs for Sidcup. The line out was good throughout with Liam Rankin outstanding. The scrum worked well apart from the re-sets, Nick Gilbert played well in his first start and the defence was sound until overwhelmed in the last quarter. However there is still a lack of cutting edge and too many penalties are conceded on the ground.

The next league match is on January 10th at home to Maidstone and in the meantime the club would like to wish all our readers on the World Wide Web a very happy Christmas and as prosperous a New Year as we have any reason to expect.

RDPH - 22 Dec 08

Sat 6 Dec 08: Sidcup 5 - Old Colfeians 17

Although Sidcup lost their third league match in succession, the performance against Old Colfeians was substantially better than that at Beckenham a week earlier. With none of the injured players returning, the wounded on the touchline were further augmented by Steve Amura and Callum Thompson, the latter as a result of an injury in the warm-up.

On a day in complete contrast to the previous Saturday, Old Colfeians were immediately in the Sidcup half and within two minutes James Poole had kicked a penalty to take the lead. However Sidcup responded with some urgency to the reverse and, following a couple of good runs by Wesley Smith, put some pressure on the Colfeians line. Although this was relieved, after a quarter of an hour, an interception by Richard Evans, playing on the wing, enabled him to score from thirty yards.Colfeians looked dangerous when in possession but Sidcup were worth their lead at this stage. The forwards were recycling the ball quickly and Jim Hardy, Richard Clarke and Richard Pilgrim were kicking well from hand. One of the kicks by Hardy was collected by Chris Jones who was stopped just short but Sidcup were unable to capitalise on the position.

In recent matches Sidcup have conceded points just before half time and this week was no exception. With five minutes to the interval, Colfeians won a scrum on the half-way line about 5 yards from the touchline. No 8, Alan Bateson broke on the short side, went inside the tackle, made 20 yards and released winger Nicholas Miller who touched down. Although Poole missed the conversion he was successful with a much more difficult kick on the stroke of half-time to extend the visitor’s lead.

The second half began with Sidcup on the attack. A third penalty was missed and a lovely back move involving Hardy and Pilgrim ended with a pass going astray. Although the line out was functioning well the scrum was creaking a bit and Colfeians were able to disrupt Sidcup possession. After 15 minutes, Miller nearly scored his second try but was stopped by an excellent tackle. However within a couple of minutes, Poole had extended the lead to nine points when Sidcup were penalised for stamping and 10 minutes later he completed the scoring with another penalty for a ruck offence. With the game lost, Sidcup began to play with some of the purpose and urgency of the first quarter. From a line-out, Matthew West gave the ball to Liam Rankin who made a fine run but was tackled on the line. It looked inevitable that Sidcup would score from the ruck in front of the posts but somehow a Colfeian emerged with the ball and Mr Cardosi, who refereed well, called time.

Although Sidcup controlled the start and finish, Colfeians were on top in the middle 50 minutes. In addition, Poole kicked their goals while the Sidcup kickers had a collective off day. The forwards were more effective at ruck and line-out than at Beckenham but penalties are still conceded at the breakdown. Although the return of Wesley Smith brought more potency to the attack, try scoring opportunities are being missed perhaps through a combination of a lack of patience and a lack of confidence. This week the club visit Westcombe Park to play a Kent Cup match - almost certainly between two weakened teams.

RDPH - 8 Dec 08

Sat 29 Nov 08: Beckenham 8 - Sidcup 3

Sidcup once again lost by ten points or less at Beckenham on Saturday but, if the truth be told, it was a game that they never looked like winning.

The game kicked off in the gloom and the quality of rugby from both sides did justice to the conditions. Sidcup are still missing half a side with injuries which are mainly long term and the disruption to continuity was evident throughout the match in which all the points were scored in the first half hour. Liam Blake crossed for an early try for Beckenham, Richard Evans reduced the deficit with a penalty goal from 30 yards but this was offset by a penalty goal by Craig Whitehead.

Most of the game took place between the halfway line and the Sidcup twenty two. The Sidcup defence was resolute enough to prevent Beckenham turning territory into points but the visitors were unable to generate any yardage with the ball in hand either through the backs or the forwards and consequently were unable to exert any pressure on the Beckenham line.

Hopefully there will be an improved performance this Saturday against an Old Colfeians side who achieved an excellent win over Cobham. At least we will not have to battle through the Bromley Christmas traffic to see it.

RDPH - 1 Dec 08

Sat 15 Nov 08: Sidcup 25 - Gravesend 32

For the fourth time this season, Sidcup lost a league game by 10 points or less as they were defeated by Gravesend at Crescent Farm on Saturday. With already half a first choice team out with injury, Sidcup were further disrupted when Peter Grayson was injured in the warm up and was replaced by Colin Cooper at openside wing forward.

Gravesend began playing with the advantage of slope and wind and were quickly into the Sidcup twenty two. Following an impressive handling movement, winger Tom Bishop was tackled into touch just short of the home line but Sidcup managed to make a mess of the line out and No. 8 Sox Stevens gathered the ball and crossed the line unopposed. Gary Gray converted. From the kick off Gravesend put together a terrific passage of play with the ball passing through a dozen pairs of hands. Sidcup eventually halted the play near their line but Gravesend won the ruck, the ball was quickly moved down the line and Bishop touched down with Gray converting.

At this stage the signs seemed ominous for the home side but they dug in and, with the pack grafting well and the defence sound, hauled their way into the Gravesend half. In the next 15 minutes, Richard Evans kicked three excellent penalties from 35 yards or more into the wind. With 10 minutes remaining in the half, despite not playing particularly well, Sidcup had got to within a try of their opponents. Unfortunately they were not able to close things down and, by half time, Gravesend had visited the Sidcup twenty two twice and Gray had kicked two penalties to one by Evans giving the visitors an eight point lead at half time. It was particularly disappointing that, not for the first time this season, Sidcup conceded a score on the stroke of half time.

Gravesend were worth their lead. Their backs moved the ball with pace and a couple of forward movements had gained a lot of yardage through excellent support play. It seemed that the first score in the second half would be crucial and within 5 minutes it had gone to Gravesend as winger Tony Nolan collected a kick ahead to score an unconverted try. Evans replied again with another excellent kick from the Gravesend 10 metre line and the deficit was further reduced when Evans was successful again following one of many forceful runs by blind side Jon Ford. Sidcup had got the deficit back to a score and, although not as slick as Gravesend outside were causing them problems up front. Unfortunately, with just over 15 minutes to go, they managed to give away a soft try from a penalty which had shades of the one conceded against Maidstone the previous week. From a scrum penalty some forty yards out, Jon Clement took a quick tap, Sidcup reacted slowly, the Gravesend support was good and the move ended with Clement featuring again by scoring a converted try to extend the lead to fourteen points.

Gravesend, looking to make the game secure returned to the Sidcup twenty two but there followed a terrific period of defence where Sidcup withstood a battering within 10 yards of their line for what seemed an age. Eventually a scrum was won against the head and the ball was cleared by Richard Clarke. At last the home side showed their ability with ball in hand and went through a couple of phases when a number of passes stuck and good ground was made. Eventually from a scrum on the Gravesend twenty two, Matthew West broke from No. 8, passed to Wesley Smith, the move was carried on by Lee Woollard and Richard Clarke scurried down the blind side from a ruck near the line for Richard Evans to take his personal tally to 20 points with the last kick of the game.

There is no doubt that Gravesend looked as good as anyone this season with ball in hand but it is still legal to win ugly. The final Gravesend try should not have been conceded and the penalties around half time gave the visitors clear water when the home side might have put them under a bit more pressure. However, considering the injury list, it was a performance of some character. Richard Evans had an outstanding game with the boot, Wesley Smith stood in for Richard Pilgrim very capably, the mid-field defence of Callum Thompson and Chris Jones was again sound but wingers Lee Woollard and Richard Roddis did not have any opportunity in attack. For the last hour, the pack played really well. Jon Ford was outstanding; the scrum with Steve Harrison making his debut at prop looked in control and, after the first twenty minutes the line out functioned well with Liam Rankin and Matthew West prominent.

This week there is no match and it is hoped that this will give the opportunity for injuries to clear up as, if a full squad was available, the competition for a place in certain positions would be both interesting and healthy.

RDPH - 17 Nov 08

Sat 8 Nov 08: Maidstone 10 - Sidcup 24

For the second consecutive week Sidcup managed to grind out a win in difficult conditions, this time over Maidstone at a cold, muddy Mote Park in their London 2 (South) encounter.

League rugby has meant the loss of many traditional fixtures but somehow Maidstone and Sidcup have managed to find themselves in the same league reasonably frequently and so a fixture that goes back longer than anyone breathing can remember has been maintained over the years. Last season Sidcup arrived at Mote Park holding up the table and this year it is Maidstone’s turn to be struggling at this stage of the season.

Sidcup played with the wind and slope in the first half but, initially couldn’t put Maidstone under pressure with most of the play occurring around the Maidstone twenty two. A number of moves by the visitors were perhaps a little too ambitious for the conditions and Tom Searles at stand-off for Maidstone impressed with his handling and kicking out of defence. It took 15 minutes before Sidcup strung together 12 to 15 passes in a move that went right then left finishing with a scrum near the Maidstone line. From this Matthew West picked up and passed to Jonathan Ford who was too strong for the tackle on the line. Richard Pilgrim struck the left post with a difficult kick.

Sidcup conceded a penalty from the restart and it was Searles’ turn to hit a left post from 45 yards but Maidstone followed up well and Sidcup had to deal with a period of pressure. The defence held firm with Callum Thompson and Chris Jones impressive in mid-field although the visitors were not helping themselves by giving away penalties. Eventually the forwards rumbled up the park with drives by Matthew Boyle and Danny Mizen prominent and the pressure was relieved.

On the half hour, from a scrum, Matthew West picked up, passed to Richard Clarke who fed Richard Evans; Chris Jones timed his run to perfection, gathered the flat pass and ran in from the twenty two. Three minutes later the visitors defied the conditions with a lovely piece of play. From a scrum near halfway, Richard Roddis came off the left wing going right, Richard Pilgrim carried on the move, drew the defence and, with a well timed pass, released Lee Woollard who ran in from 30 yards. Richard Pilgrim was successful with a difficult kick to give the visitors a decent lead at half-time.

The second half began in conditions that had become even gloomier. Both packs slugged it out and both sets of backs found it difficult to do anything constructive in the mud, wind and rain. The Sidcup pack, with Liam Rankin dominating the line-out and the front row of Mizen, Iain Wilson and Alex Isaacs scrummaging well were generally on top but the visitors were still giving away penalties. From one of these, scrum half Ed Laurent took a tap and set off on a weavy run which looked as though it was going to be halted until centre Mark Ryan appeared on the burst and raced over from 35 yards although Searles missed the kick.

With 15 minutes remaining, Richard Evans hoisted a high kick towards the Maidstone twenty two, Richard Pilgrim set off in pursuit and, with a wonderful leap, gathered the ball and crossed under the posts leaving a kick that, even in these conditions was easy. That should have been it but 5 minutes later Sidcup presented Laurent with an interception from a scrum on their 10 metre line and he outpaced the defence to score. Sidcup returned to the home twenty two, embarked on a sustained period of pick and drive but eventually lost patience and so failed to gain the score that the control probably deserved.

The victory might have been greater but the weather was against both sides. The Sidcup backs found the conditions difficult in attack, tried a bit too much early on but looked solid in defence and took the chances well. The forwards were very impressive. Alex Isaacs scrummaged well and had a good game in the loose. Matthew Boyle showed he has lost none of his fire from the Leamon years and was very prominent and, as usual, the back row played well. Maidstone’s performance was much better than their league position would suggest and, as they are in an identical position to Sidcup at this time last season, survival is by no means out of the question.

This Saturday, Sidcup are at home to a Gravesend side who have picked up some impressive results this season.

RDPH - 10 Nov 08

Sat 1 Nov 08: Sidcup 12 - Thanet Wanderers 9

After three narrow defeats, Sidcup returned to winning ways with a hard fought victory over Thanet Wanderers in a London 2 match played in dreadful conditions. Thanet have been a yo-yo club between London 2 and London 1 in recent seasons but arrived on Saturday with an almost identical record to the home side so, given the weather and the respective league positions, a close match was on the cards.

Sidcup kicked off playing down the slope but it quickly became apparent that the strength of the wind more than negated the advantage of the slope. Thanet were quickly into the Sidcup twenty two and after two minutes Iain Wilson was penalised for lazy running and Richard Eldridge put the visitors ahead with a kick in front of the posts. Sidcup nearly scored through Steve Amura after good work by Matthew West and Tom Page but the strength of the wind was shown when Thanet relieved the pressure through a 70 yard drop out into touch. From the line out, a speculative drop goal attempt by full back Tom Longdon was touched in the air resulting in an attacking scrum five at which the Sidcup front row were penalised. The kick from Eldridge meant that the visitors were six points up within ten minutes.

The home scrum was beginning to creak as a result of pressure from the powerful Thanet pack and the situation was not helped when tight head Tom Page went off injured after 20 minutes to be replaced by colt, Sam Carman making his debut.

On the half hour, a better Sidcup scrum in the Thanet twenty two was followed by a series of drives and enough space was created on the blind side for Richard Clarke to cross. The kick by Richard Pilgrim passed above the posts and might have been given on another day. The Sidcup pack continued to play well in the loose but struggle a bit at set pieces. Just before half time Thanet kicked a ball through from a ruck in their half. Although Richard Roddis retrieved the situation well, he was penalised for holding on and Eldridge kicked his third penalty to put Thanet back in the lead at the interval.

The already poor weather had deteriorated further by the start of the second half. It seemed that a four point deficit represented a considerable achievement in the conditions and immediately Richard Evans and Richard Clarke began what turned out to be a series of excellent kicks from half back. Within five minutes, one of these kicks led to a line out deep in the Thanet twenty two. Following a couple of mauls, the ball reached Callum Thompson in the centre and he was driven over the line only to find Danny Mizen stealing the ball from him to score a try by the posts leaving Richard Pilgrim an easy conversion.

This ended the scoring. For the rest of the half, good set piece work by the Thanet pack was matched by excellent Sidcup defence and outstanding kicking for position by the home half backs and the back three of Pilgrim, Amura and Roddis. For half an hour, Thanet found it difficult to break into the Sidcup half but, in turn the home side couldn’t quite manage to secure consistent possession and therefore failed to exert as much pressure as they would have wished.

Eventually Thanet managed a series of driving mauls in the Sidcup half and disrupted the scrum a number of times. However the defence stood firm and relief came in the form of another Clarke kick enabling Sidcup to be pressing when referee Mr Dunkley from Yorkshire, who had a good game in very difficult conditions, decided he had had enough fun and blew for time to allow cold players and wet supporters to escape.

It was good to win again. The problems in the set pieces were as much due to Thanet strength as much as Sidcup weakness and all the pack contributed well in the loose with the ball retention good in very difficult conditions as the pack worked through the phases. Sam Carman will be delighted with his debut and did not look out of place. Callum Thompson and Chris Jones defended very well in the centre and the kicking was excellent. It was not a pretty victory but, under the conditions, the manner of it was just what was needed.

RDPH - 3 Nov 08

Sat 25 Oct 08: Chobham 20 - Sidcup 14

After six games, we have now played the top four clubs in the league, winning at Cobham but coming off second best to Basingstoke, Dorking and Chobham, teams which, at the beginning of the season, were going to be there or thereabouts looking for promotion. It is a pity that we don’t have bonus points in this league as we would have mustered a few points going close on all occasions. With more intensity in periods of the game we could so have easily won. It cannot be long before we start to put a string of wins together that will see us in the correct half of the table. Last season was a prime example of this. The game on Saturday was a game of two halves with us losing the first 13-3 and winning the second 11-7.

Chobham using the slope and breezy conditions in the first half adopted what must be a usual tactic of hoisting the ball high and pressurising the opposition. The ball has to go high on this pitch otherwise, as we found out in the second half, the ball tends to carry on and on until reaching the dead ball area. Chobham’s management of this pitch was first class as the tactic forced us on the defensive from the kick off. From one of these high kicks, Richard Pilgrim slightly fumbled but when regaining was caught by the quick attack and was penalised for holding on. However the successful penalty kick was made 10m easier when the referee’s decision was questioned.

At 3-0 Chobham pressed forward with good touchline kicking and after some excellent defensive work by Sidcup to keep Chobham’s pick and go try scoring tactic from the line, they finally succumbed to a try near the posts which was converted. At 10 -0 Sidcup started to press forward but always seemed to lose the ball in the final third of the pitch and Chobham cleared their line with long range kicking. From one of these forays the Chobham hooker who was standing at fly half decided the best approach was to drop a goal for which Chobham duly took three points. In all my 404 games playing in the front row it is something I never attempted. I would never have been able to live that down; how times change!

With the score at 13-0 Sidcup defended well and as the first half ticked away the travelling spectators thought this deficit could be turned around in the second half. There was an added bonus when we were awarded a penalty on the Chobham twenty two, which reliable Richard Pilgrim slotted over. 13 - 3 at half time and with the elements in our favour in the second half.

Our tactics had to be the same as Chobham’s in the second half but overall the kicking was too flat and Chobham on many occasions were able to deal comfortably with the kicks. However the second half started well and from an initial attack Callum Thomson, who decided that if a hooker can drop a goal then so too could an inside centre, snapped up the ball from his shins and gracefully dropped a goal! At 13-6 Chobham thought that they would find an answer which they did when their fly half Justice broke a tackle in midfield and fed their inside centre who went in unopposed.

Sidcup tried various ploys in trying to break the opposition’s defence but Chobham held firm until Richard Pilgrim slotted another penalty to make the score 20-9 and on two other occasions should have possibly attempted kicking at goal. Finally with the last play of the game and with a slick movement along the backs replacement Richard Evans went over in the corner.

This was a disappointing result which allows the three Surrey and one Hampshire club to move away at the top of the table. However, with six games played, four away and two at home, the season still has a long way to go. We will be looking to hit top form this weekend as we entertain a Thanet Wanderers side who had the experience of London 1 last season.

PJW - 27 Oct 08

Sat 18 Oct 08: Sidcup 17 - Letchworth Garden City 24

Sidcup made an exit from the Intermediate Cup at the first time of asking in a disappointing performance against Letchworth Garden City. It was the first time the two clubs had met at any level. Letchworth have struggled in London 2 North and are currently propping up the table. From their performance the conclusion would seem to be that either they have been very unlucky this season or that they are in an exceptionally strong league. Nevertheless Sidcup had more than enough territory to have won the game and, whatever the merits of an early departure from cup competitions, will have been very disappointed to have failed to do so.

Sidcup played the first half into the wind but were immediately on the attack. However it only took three minutes for Letchworth to gain the first of many turnovers and kick with the wind to relieve the pressure. A clever kick by Jim Hardy and quick following up by Lee Woollard got Sidcup back into the Letchworth twenty-two. Peter Grayson was held up over the line but following a number of drives, Letchworth went off-side in front of their posts and Richard Pilgrim kicked the penalty.

After 10 minutes, Letchworth scored their first try. Sidcup were turned over at a ruck just inside their half; a chip and chase resulted in winger Rick Streets touching down in the right corner. Henry Robinson converted with an excellent kick. Within five minutes Sidcup had regained the lead. An attacking line out followed by powerful drives by Matthew West and Peter Grayson created space which Jim Hardy was able to exploit and score under the posts leaving Richard Pilgrim an easy conversion.

The lead lasted less than five minutes as Letchworth stole a line-out in the Sidcup twenty-two, Sidcup eventually went offside and Robinson kicked the penalty bouncing the kick off the posts. After 30 minutes, Letchworth regained the lead. Sidcup were working the ball left in quite a promising movement just inside the Letchworth half. A forced pass caused the ball to go loose and it was seized by wing-forward Pieter Sterienburg who ran in unopposed. Robinson converted. Things went from bad to worse for the home side when No 8 Hett collected a kick from Sidcup and sent Robinson in for a try which he converted. In injury time, following a free kick deep in the Letchworth twenty-two, West drove and from the ruck Hardy found a gap and scored under the posts giving Pilgrim another simple conversion.

At half time Sidcup were only a score down with the wind and slope in their favour. Despite spending around thirty of the next forty minutes in or near the Letchworth twenty two, they were unable to score. Pilgrim hit the post from 40 yards, Steve Amura went close a couple of times, Peter Grayson was tackled into touch in the corner and, although a couple of breaks were made in mid-field, the final pass either was not given or went astray. Letchworth defended well and Robinson and stand-off Olly Daniels put in good relieving kicks but the game ended with the score as it had been at half time.

Letchworth deserve a lot of credit for resisting stoutly but Sidcup really should have won. Each Letchworth score came directly from Sidcup losing possession although the visitors were certainly able to make the most of their opportunities. With hindsight, in the second half it might have been better to take the many penalty opportunities to kick for goal rather than the corner- the new laws make the line out drive a less effective ploy. Scoring a couple of penalties could have induced uncertainty in the visitors upon which the home side might have capitalised. Letchworth managed to disrupt Sidcup attacking scrums and the home back division failed to move the ball as slickly as the visitors. The lack of penetration is a concern particularly as this week’s game is away against a Chobham side who are riding high in the league.

RDPH - 20 Oct 08

Sat 11 Oct 08: Sidcup 23 - Dorking 30

Dorking arrived at Crescent Farm on Saturday with a 100% record in London 2 South and left with their record intact. This was despite the presence on the touchline of a large number of Vice-Presidents and Past Players all of whom had improved as players considerably with the passage of time.

In wonderful conditions, Sidcup were turned over twice at rucks in the opening minutes and only good covering by Iain Wilson assisted by Richard Pilgrim prevented a score. Dorking exerted early pressure and after 10 minutes Sidcup conceded a penalty at a scrum which Simon Love kicked from 35 yards. The home side went further behind 5 minutes later when Dorking stole a Sidcup line-out on the twenty two, Matt Noble made a break from stand-off and No 8 Jason Geldenhuys scored by the posts. Love converted. At this stage Dorking looked the much sharper side with backs and forwards participating in handling movements and visiting pressure forced another penalty which Love kicked from 45 yards after 25 minutes.

Sidcup were finding it difficult to make much impression in attack but after 30 minutes, in their first sustained visit to the Dorking half, Pilgrim kicked a penalty. Although there were good runs by Matthew West and Richard Roddis, Sidcup were unable to retain possession and were therefore unable to build pressure. Dorking were able to rely on getting the ball back and Noble, at stand-off was kicking well to relieve any pressure. After 35 minutes, Noble went past four tackles to score by the posts with Love converting. In injury time, Sidcup managed their first really sustained attack on the Dorking line, winning eight or nine rucks inside the five metre area and Dorking eventually gave away a penalty for offside which Pilgrim kicked to reduce the deficit.

The second half began disastrously for Sidcup. An error at the kick-off put them under pressure immediately. A free kick and a couple of rucks later, wing-forward Qin Wiseman crossed from short range. From the kick-off, a missed tackle led to Dorking streaming up field with a huge overlap and Love scored in the same place as Wiseman a couple of minutes before. Things looked pretty bleak for Sidcup and it came as some relief that on ten minutes Colin Cooper took a free kick and was driven over the line for a try which Richard Pilgrim converted. The score seemed to give them confidence and they began to improve. Mark Whitford made a good run shortly before being replaced by the welcome return of Peter Grayson after nearly a year out with injury. Sidcup were adopting a less ambitious but more effective approach, relying on drives by the forwards, good kicking by Jim Hardy and a chase which put pressure on the Dorking defence which eventually conceded a penalty that Pilgrim kicked. Further pressure led to a drive over the Dorking line but the ball was not grounded and an excellent defensive scrum by Dorking relieved the danger.

Sidcup continued to occupy Dorking territory and, with ten minutes left, Jim Hardy made a mazy run from the twenty two to score by the posts leaving Pilgrim an easy kick. The gap had been reduced to a score but, despite Sidcup getting into the Dorking half, they were unable to really threaten the Dorking line and the visitors managed to disrupt scrums that looked as though they might lead to opportunities for the home side and they held on for the win.

Like Basingstoke, Dorking looked a good side. They moved the ball well and crisply; backs and forwards were able to handle well and the support play caused problems. Once again, Sidcup saved their best for the second half but by this time Dorking were pretty much out of sight. The Sidcup back division, with yet another change in personnel, struggled to make an impact in attack but defended well. The forwards showed a real improvement in the second half. Liam Rankin and Matthew West made ground and Peter Grayson had a substantial impact when he came on. Although it was still a defeat, Sidcup should take some consolation from giving a talented Dorking side as good a run for their money as anyone this season. This week there is a respite from League rugby with the visit of Letchworth Garden City from London 2 North in the “Whatever it is called these days Cup”.

RDPH - 13 Oct 08

Sat 4 Oct 08: Basingstoke 21 - Sidcup 11

The last time Sidcup visited Basingstoke was in season 1991-1992 when both clubs were in National 4 South. Since then their paths have diverged but they find themselves in the same league once more and the same side won again as Sidcup lost their unbeaten record.

Basingstoke is clearly an ambitious club and have spent most of the last fifteen years in the National Leagues. They have an enclosed ground with floodlights and are hoping to escape from London 2 at the first time of asking. Having travelled 90 miles to the game, Sidcup’s travelling supporters were surprised to have to pay to go the last 5 yards - presumably a throwback to the semi-professional National Leagues.

In dreadful conditions, Sidcup had to play with the elements in the first half and were immediately in the Basingstoke twenty-two where they were awarded a penalty which Richard Pilgrim kicked. It became clear that the Sidcup line out was having a good day with Liam Rankin and the West brothers causing Basingstoke problems on their own ball and Jim Hardy was able to take advantage of the possession and conditions to make a number of long relieving kicks. However the back division was unable to take advantage of the territory gained as the Basingstoke defence was aggressive and effective. Basingstoke missed a penalty in front of the posts before, after 25 minutes, following good work by Tom Page and Jon West, Richard Roddis made a good run into the home twenty-two. Basingstoke eventually conceded a penalty which Pilgrim kicked from 45 yards.

On the half hour, hooker Tom England went off with an injured ankle and was replaced by Alex Isaacs. He was barely on the pitch when a good move down the right from forty yards ended with full back Fitchett scoring a try under the posts which he converted. Despite the strong wind Basingstoke continued to attack and a dangerous situation was only stopped by a good tackle from Matthew West. There was just enough time for another sortie into the Basingstoke twenty two but the visitors were unable to score and consequently reached half time behind with the prospect of facing the wind and rain to come.

The front row was further disrupted when Tom Page went off at half time to be replaced by Colin Cooper with Danny Mizen moving into the front row. However the visitors showed considerable grit at the start of the half with several good drives by the forwards although the continuity was not quite there and Basingstoke were able to relieve the pressure quite easily in the same way as Sidcup had in the first half. Within 15 minutes Basingstoke were further ahead when hooker Lovegrove peeled from a line-out near the Sidcup line and sent Wilson over for a try converted by Fitchett.

It looked ominous for the visitors but once again they impressed with the way they stuck to the task although this seemed to have been made more difficult by Danny Mizen’s visit to the bin midway through the half. The forwards continued to steal line out ball, Mike Elliott and Jon West as the remaining back row drove and defended well and the three-quarters, with Dan James replacing Jonathan Harris who was on international duty forced mistakes from the dangerous Basingstoke back division. The game degenerated as both sides struggled to come to terms with the referee’s requirements at the breakdown.

Sidcup looked to have given themselves a chance of victory when Iain Wilson crossed for what seemed a perfectly good try only for the referee to bring play back to a penalty for Sidcup. From the next play, Basingstoke gained possession, a long kick by scrum half Lillywhite and good chase left the Sidcup defence short handed and Lillywhite scored a try converted by Fitchett. However Sidcup showed considerable character, got up to the home line and following several rucks, Jim Hardy scored in the corner. It would have been a miracle if Richard Pilgrim had converted under the conditions.

In the end it was a really gutsy performance. It would have been easy to concede a cricket score in the second half as Basingstoke looked a really useful side who will surely feature in the promotion race. The line out functioned very well, Mark Robinson proved an able replacement for Richard Clarke at scrum half in difficult conditions and for the defence to concede only two tries in the second half was a real achievement. The more optimistic visiting supporters speculated on what the result would have been if Iain Wilson had been awarded the try. However the lack of continuity is still a worry especially with this week’s visit of high flying Dorking to Crescent Farm.

RDPH - 6 Oct 08

Sat 27 Sep 08: Sidcup 24 - Dover 10

Like Cobham, two weeks ago, Dover have come up through the leagues having been in Kent 3 as recently as 2003 and gaining two promotions in the last two years. They have made an excellent start in London 2 with victories against Beckenham and Old Colfeians and consequently arrived at Crescent Farm in confident mood. Sidcup, fresh from an unconvincing draw at Tunbridge Wells had every reason to approach the fixture with some apprehension and so it was a considerable relief to the home support that a much improved performance secured victory.

On another beautiful day, Sidcup put Dover under early pressure and after 5 minutes Tom England crossed for a try after good approach work by Jonathan Harris and Jonathan Ford. Richard Pilgrim converted. Dover then showed why they have started the season so well. Following a good run by winger Blair Charge, the Dover pack exerted a period of pressure which was only relieved by a 60 yard kick from Jim Hardy.

Both sides then enjoyed spells of pressure. Wesley Smith nearly scored for Sidcup following a mazy run and, following a 50 yard break by centre Jamie Townley, Dover were eventually awarded a penalty but Martin Beaumont struck the post. Another long kick by Hardy relieved the situation and after 30 minutes Sidcup gained a penalty in the visitors twenty two which Pilgrim kicked. With 5 minutes to go in the half, Richard Clarke broke from a ruck, chipped ahead and Pilgrim, following up well, gathered to score a try which he converted.

At this point, Sidcup seemed to be in control of the game. Dover were awarded a long penalty and as it was the last play of the half elected to go for goal. The kick fell short and, only needing to get the ball out of play; Sidcup missed touch. A couple of rucks and another penalty later, Beaumont crossed for a try under the posts which he converted.

It was careless to give away a try in this way and when Beaumont kicked a penalty at the start of the second half much of the lead had evaporated. It began to look as though there would be a repeat of last week as for the next twenty minutes Sidcup made mistakes, gave away penalties and generally failed to do the things they were doing well in the first half. Dover gained in confidence and moved the ball well although they couldn’t manage a sustained period of pressure on the Sidcup line. It began to look as though Dover would win if they managed another score.

However the home defence stood firm and eventually Sidcup roused themselves from their torpor, got back into the Dover twenty-two and Steve Amura went close in the corner. With 10 minutes to go, following a drive by Matthew West, Jim Hardy found Wesley Smith with a miss pass and he weaved his way over under the posts from twenty yards leaving Pilgrim with an easy conversion.

Dover continued to move the ball but Sidcup looked to be out of sight and so it proved. In the end it was an encouraging win against an impressive Dover side. The line out functioned much better; Mike Elliott was outstanding, Danny Mizen played well in front and second rows and the kicking was much better than the previous week.The backs had much more cutting edge with the return of Richard Roddis and Jonathan Harris; Richard Pilgrim and Wesley Smith were to the fore and fewer penalties were conceded on the ground. However they still need to close sides out more effectively.

This week Sidcup travel to Basingstoke who convincingly beat Old Colfeians last Saturday.

RDPH - 29 Sep 08

Sat 20 Sep 08: Tunbridge Wells 21 - Sidcup 21

Despite scoring 21 points in the first quarter of the London 2 South encounter, Sidcup emerged from the match at Tunbridge Wells with a sense of relief as they hung on for a draw.

A beautiful day and a huge pitch, with perhaps the biggest dead ball area in the World, gave some hope of a running game. Although both sides fulfilled this expectation, they did not manage to do so at the same time as an early purple patch from Sidcup was followed by a longer one from the home side.

Matches against Tunbridge Wells are rarely one sided and are always keenly contested. Within three minutes of the kick off, both sets of forwards were at each others throats and, as a consequence Matthew West and Acklam, the Tunbridge Wells hooker, were dispatched to the bin. Sidcup made light of the loss of the player and after 8 minutes hooker Tom England crossed for a try which Richard Pilgrim converted. Yet again, Sidcup didn’t secure the re-start and from the ensuing territorial advantage, Rogers dropped a goal from stand-off. Within 5 minutes, Sidcup extended their lead. Pressure from their back division caused chaos in the home twenty two, Steve Amura won the ball on the ground and Wesley Smith scored a try which Pilgrim converted. At this stage Sidcup were rampant and after 20 minutes scored a gem of a try. From a ruck, Richard Clarke moved the ball left, Richard Pilgrim kicked ahead, regathered and with a sleight of hand passed inside to the supporting Liam Rankin who scored; Pilgrim again converted.

Unfortunately, as far as the visitors were concerned, that was that. On the half hour, Rogers fed centre McMahon with a flat pass and he scored a try converted by Murtagh and after 35 minutes an identical move was stopped just short of the Sidcup line but from the following ruck Wooster crossed for a try. Murtagh missed the conversion and at 15-21 Tunbridge Wells were well and truly back in the game. Sidcup were not helped by losing Jon West to a knee injury to be replaced by Colin Cooper and on the stroke of half time, Jonathan Ford, who had been featuring well on his debut at wing forward became the second Sidcup player to visit the bin.

Sidcup had to make another enforced change at half time as Phil Evans replaced Callum Thompson. Both replacements showed well but Sidcup’s performance deteriorated from the first quarter. Penalties were given away regularly at the breakdown and some of the kicking was to the defender rather than into space. After striking the bar with a penalty, Murtagh succeeded with a second attempt to narrow the margin to three points with 30 minutes remaining. The home side camped in Sidcup territory and only good tackling and defensive kicking by Jim Hardy and Richard Clarke, in particular, kept them at bay. Eventually, with 15 minutes remaining, Wesley Smith conceded a penalty for a deliberate knock on and Sidcup were relieved that a lot of pressure on their line had been no more costly.

With 10 minutes to go and the scores level, Sidcup at last managed to put the Tunbridge Wells under sustained pressure but control eventually failed them and the home side relieved the situation. Time remained for another assault on the Sidcup line but the defence stood firm.

There were positives to take from the game. Sidcup played some really good rugby in the first quarter but didn’t sustain it. The defence stood up well to a lot of pressure and managed to adapt to the Tunbridge Wells ploy of the flat pass to the centre. The scrum, with Danny Mizen in the front row, looked more solid than at Cobham and Colin Cooper and Liam Rankin worked hard in loose play. On the minus side, a lot of penalties were given away on the ground again and some possession was kicked away when the lesson of the first 20 minutes was that attacking with ball in hand was causing problems. Clearly a chance to close the game out was not taken although credit should be given to Tunbridge Wells for persevering, getting back into the game and very nearly winning.

This week’s game is the first home game against newly promoted Dover who have two wins to start their campaign in London 2.

RDPH - 22 Sep 08

Sat 13 Sep 08: Cobham 14 - Sidcup 16

Cobham have had two outstanding seasons including successive promotions, so it was with some trepidation that Sidcup approached their first London 2 South league encounter of the season. The home side also used the day to open their new clubhouse with many of their supporters and past players in attendance. Despite all this, the visitors managed to spoil the day by winning a close fought match.

Cobham have recruited well since they were last in the division some four years ago and sent out a large experienced looking pack which had Sidcup in trouble in the early scrummages with good work by Jon West at No 8 retrieving difficult situations. It was therefore somewhat against the run of play when after 10 minutes Wesley Smith intercepted the ball in the centre and ran 40 yards to score in the corner, Richard Pilgrim narrowly failed with the conversion attempt but kicked a penalty from 45 yards 5 minutes later to extend the visitors lead.

Cobham gradually exerted more pressure. Their big props, Alexander and Mealin were prominent in close to the maul drives and eventually Sidcup conceded a penalty for going off the feet at a ruck which winger Cowell kicked. The Cobham forward pressure continued and Cowell kicked another penalty following a scrum to bring the home side to within two points. At this stage it began to look as though it might be a long afternoon for the visitors. Cobham were continuing the pressure on the Sidcup set piece who were also finding it difficult to work through the phases and retain possession. It was only good defence that prevented Cobham taking the lead.

Towards half-time Sidcup began to show an improvement. Intelligent kicking by Jim Hardy and good chasing gained ground but attacking line-outs came to nothing as the new laws make the rolling maul, such an effective weapon for Sidcup in recent years, much easier to stop. Just before half-time, Lee Woollard was sent to the bin- an unlucky decision as he was penalised for holding about 45 yards from his line. The only conclusion seemed to be that it was an accumulative offence.

From the re-start, Cobham used the extra player and the Sidcup defence was called upon again. Fortunately Taylor, the Cobham stand-off, kicked ahead when there was an overlap. Eventually this pressure was relieved by a good kick by Richard Clarke coupled with a chase by the West brothers. Cobham conceded a penalty which Pilgrim missed but he made amends shortly after to extend Sidcup’s lead. Cobham pressure then caused chaos in the Sidcup defence; a kick was charged down and from the ensuing play, Alexander, the home prop drove over from close range for an unconverted try.

Sidcup put pressure on Cobham again but a wonderful catch by Sutton at full back was followed by a 50 yard kick and chase and Sidcup were grateful to scramble the ball into touch near the line. It looked as though relief would be at hand when Cobham lay across the ball at a ruck following the line-out but Sidcup were penalised for stamping and Cowell kicked Cobham into a three point lead. At this stage it was difficult to see how Sidcup could get back into the game as only their doughty defence prevented Cobham from going further ahead.

However around the hour, the game turned when Richard Pilgrim put up a high kick, chased and caught the ball on the full, continued his run and fed Richard Clarke who did well to support and scored in the corner to make the score 16-14 to Sidcup. The visitors, although occupying the Cobham half, couldn’t really threaten the line- the nearest to a score being a missed penalty attempt by Richard Evans who had replaced Hardy. With 5 minutes to go, Cobham were awarded a kickable penalty but Cowell struck the left post, the danger was cleared and the game finished with Sidcup in the Cobham half.

This was a good victory against a side that would have been full of confidence but it was achieved without playing particularly well. The back row of Mike Elliott and the West brothers again showed to good effect, Richard Clarke was busy at scrum-half and Richard Pilgrim was safe at full back in addition to making a try. The line-out caused Cobham problems throughout. Once again, the defence was sound but ball retention was a problem and, for the second week running, too many penalties were given away on the floor. This week Sidcup travel again- this time to Tunbridge Wells who opened with a victory against Old Colfeians.

RDPH - 15 Sep 08

Sat 6 Sep 08: Sidcup 7 - Blackheathans 7

Sidcup’s first match of the season was preceded by a memorial game for Jimmy Mizen and Robert Knox between Blackheath Blades and a Sidcup Memorial XV. The Sidcup side was largely a Youth XV augmented by the evergreen Steve Hancox.

The senior match began in wind and rain. It was generally reckoned in London 2 last season that Sidcup had a fairly big pack but the Blackheathans pack was a much larger but still athletic outfit. The visitors playing with wind, rain and slope began strongly. They were able to recycle the ball quickly and impressively pinning Sidcup in their half. On the occasions Sidcup gained possession they struggled to retain possession and make ground. However the Sidcup back row and mid-field defended well and the Sidcup line wasn’t threatened until after 35 minutes Lawy, the Blackheathens open-side, took a flat ball 15 yards out and scored a converted try by the posts.

At the start of the second half it became clear that the elements were having a significant effect on the pattern of the game as Sidcup exerted much more territorial pressure on the visitors. The Sidcup forwards began to win a greater share of possession and began operating as a unit more effectively. After 15 minutes following a good chase by Richard Clarke, Blackheath conceded a line-out close to their line. Liam Rankin was just short with a drive but after an attacking scrum, good work by Jon West and Callum Thompson led to Tom Page scoring a try which was converted by Richard Pilgrim.

Sidcup continued to have the territorial advantage but didn’t make the most of their possession not least through giving away too many penalties at breakdowns. Eventually Blackheathans worked their way back into the Sidcup twenty-two but the Sidcup defence was resolute and Blackheath never really threatened the Sidcup line. In the dying minutes Blackheath were awarded a penalty 35 yards out in front of the posts but the kick to win the game missed on the right and a draw was probably overall a fair result.

There was a lot that was encouraging about the performance. The pack improved as the game went on, the back row all played well and Darian Uys was a very effective substitute. The defence in the backs, was very sound; Steve Amura came off his wing to make several well timed tackles and Wesley Smith looks a good acquisition. There is a need to improve as an attacking unit and to be able to work through the phases more efficiently.

The experimental law variations didn’t seem to do much to improve this game. It looks as though Sidcup’s driving maul will be less effective than in previous seasons and its difficult to see what options are open to defending backs other than lumping the ball downfield now that the ball can’t be kicked directly into touch from a pass back into the twenty two. Next week’s league opener at Cobham will give a clearer idea of the prospects for the season although it is likely that some supporters will miss the experience having spent the afternoon watching Chobham!

RDPH - 7 Sep 08

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