THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF SIDCUP RUGBY CLUB

SEAL OF APPROVAL

1st XV Match Reports

Sat 26 Jan 08: Jersey 15 - Sidcup 15

Sidcup departed a cold and murky Gatwick on Friday evening with one goal in mind. Jersey were to that point unbeaten in London 2 South and Sidcup believed that with their recent performances in both league and Kent cup they may just cause a little friction in Jersey's master plan.

The Saturday morning revealed clear blue skies and a bright sunshine that highlighted how beautiful the small channel island is. On arrival at the ground, the Sidcup travelling supporters were very evident despite being mingled within hundreds of Jersey sponsors and proud supporters. The Jersey team which consists of several overseas players appeared very confident of a win when the referee blew to start the game.

Sidcup virtually at full strength and with a very impressive squad did not take long to announce their arrival to Jersey. After several direct drives from their large pack drawing in the Jersey loose forwards the ball was released along the speedy back line for Richard Pilgrim to touch down for the opening score. The 900 strong crowd at St.Peters appeared dazed by the score and the pitchside was temporarily hushed. 0-5.

Both sides were keen to play rugby and had slightly different tactics to gain a win. Jersey relied on pick and drives at the break down before feeding their overseas centres who ran strongly and were just about stopped everytime at the crucial moment by a last gasp tackle. Sidcup on the other hand made headway up field with impressive driving mauls which Jersey could only defend by pulling down although not generally punished by the referee. When spun along the back line the Sidcup backs looked sharp and came close to crossing the white wash on a few occasions.

Jersey could not cross the visitors line despite their best endeavours and were sent packing several times by the resilient defence that Sidcup had demonstrated.
Despite this Jersey were ahead at the interval thanks to three penalties from Jonathan Swift opposed to one penalty from Jim Hardy the Sidcup 10. HT 9 - 8.

Surprisingly Sidcup had not had their usual powerful scrummage platform in the first half and must have seemed a bit puzzled at the prospect of going backwards to what looked a fairly well matched contest. With a few stern words at half time and the removal of a scrum cap or two, Sidcup found their form in the scrum and rocked back the Jersey unit with ease throughout the second half.

Shortly after the break Jersey were offered another two penalties which appeared harsh since the discipline of the Sidcup side had been exemplary. Jonathan of Jersey accepted the six points on offer and the home side led by 15 -8.

That is where the home side remained. Sidcup then took over the match and with their variation in play and strong running left Jersey defending their lead with some desperation.

Sidcup made a change to the pack with the introduction of Danny Mizen and Tom Page and both appeared to make an immediate impact. With the larger than average frame of Stuart Anderson switching to tighthead and Page taking up the loosehead role the Jersey pack struggled to hold the Sidcup 8 who seemed more determined than ever to set the record books straight.

It took the referee 75 minutes before finally tiring of Jerseys captain Keam Yates, who spent most of the afternoon on the wrong side of the law (mainly unnoticed) and he was awarded a yellow card which would see him through till the end of the match.

From a driving maul from a fair distance out Sidcup set up waves of attack which finally ended up with a Danny Mizen crash over the line for a well deserved try. Jim Hardy kicked a fantastic touch line conversion to level the scores at 15 - 15 and any finger nails that the Sidcup committee and supporters had were quickly being devoured.

It was Sidcup with the final say in the match with a backs move that saw scrum half McDonough stopped within inches of the oppo's line. The home side were saved by the full time whistle and the game announced a tie.

Final score 15 all. Not bad for a team of amateurs who have been described as lowly by one Jersey paper. Obviously the Jersey definition of 'lowly' translates to 'full of passion and spirit'.

Sidcup then did what Sidcup do best. Players, committee and supporters drank the night away and no doubt contemplated what might have been.

Thanks to Jersey for their fine hospitality and much appreciated efforts, thanks to the great travelling Sidcup supporters, and thanks to all the players and subs for a great effort both on and off the field. It may be a reminder to all at Sidcup that in a professional era that you can easily buy players, but you cannot buy a packed clubhouse!!

Sidcup team: Anderson, Wilson ©, Roques (Page), Rankin, Burwood, Elliot, Wotton (Mizen), J West, McDonough, Hardy, Thomson, Lankshear, Amura, Roddis, Pilgrim, (J Cosh, C Jones)

Report by Zed - 28 Jan 08

Sat 29 Dec 07: Sidcup 34 - Kent President's XV 28

As part of the 125th Anniversary season celebrations, Sidcup RFC hosted a Kent President's XV on Saturday 29th December. The President’s XV was made up from the Dunstonians, Beckenham, Charlton Park, Maidstone, Askeans, Sevenoaks, Old Colfeians , Tunbridge Wells and Gravesend clubs.

In a closely contested match, the visitors, who had not played together as a team before this game, showed unexpected cohesion and the match turned out to be a fine and hard fought contest in which the home side ran out winners by 34pts to 28.

Sidcup ran out in their 125 anniversary shirts, a shirt based on the floral design of Stade Francais, which had the crowd voicing their opinions.

Sidcup were not at full strength but showed their newly found form, after winning their last four games. Sidcup opened the scoring after early exchanges in midfield which saw McDonald leave the field for Sidcup after an initial tackle. From a good forward drive tying in the President’s back row allowed flanker Grayson to go in uncontested, which Hardy, playing his first season at Sidcup, converted.

The President’s XV were soon back in the game when Martin Arnold, the Maidstone centre who had nealy gone over earlier, forced his way over. Jake Smith, Charlton Park fly half, converted for all square.

With the home side seeing plenty of possession a score looked certain but brave defence from Kent allowed them to clear their lines on a few occasions. Kent went into the lead when Dunstonian Bennett ran a good line at outside centre and was put clear by the ever present Arnold. Smith converted. Half time and 14-7 to the visitors with the large crowd enjoying the rugby on show.

Richard Clarke, who had replaced Colin Meares at scrum, half put the pacey Roddis over on the blind side, squeezing in at the corner.14-12 to Kent after a failed conversion.

Kent‘s back division always looking dangerous and with an eye for the gap soon went ahead again. Bennett again showed his power when given the ball on the 22 finished off in style after beating the defenders to the line, 21-12 to Kent. Jake Smith converted from wide out. A great two points.

It started to look as though the invitation side were now in ascendance but Sidcup showed great character and with their organised drives were able to cross the line three times through second row Burwood,who scrambled to the line, the hard working Grayson from a messy set piece and the ever present Jon West who used the base of the post and the large frame of front row Anderson to assist. At 29 - 21 the game was becoming interesting and with Sidcup backs trying again to penetrate, left Tweedle to show his pace by intercepting on the half way line. With the conversion, 29 - 28 in Sidcup’s favour the last few minutes were tense but the organised Sidcup pack had the last word. From a line out Jon West was able to drive though the middle of the maul to touch down under the posts. A great game of rugby to match the occasion.

Sidcup RFC presented a 125 Anniversary Shield to Kent RFU and a 125 Anniversary tie to Mr. Tim Miller, President of the LSRFUR who officiated over the game. Men of the Match awards were presented to Mike Elliott from Sidcup and Renford Bennett from Kent. These were presented by the sponsor Mr. Brian Bennett an ex-Sidcup and Kent player himself.

Robin Taylor, Kent RFU President took the opportunity to present Sidcup RFC with their Seal of Approval plaque.

PJW - 2 Jan 08

Sat 20 Oct 07: Sidcup 10 - Jersey 36

Sidcup welcomed Jersey RFC to Crescent Farm in their sixth London 2 South league game of the season. It was sure to be a tough game – with the visitors having won all their games so far – they are strong contenders for promotion into London 1. But, although Sidcup are struggling with form and a growing injury list, they still managed to start the first half strongly and defended Jersey’s constant attempts to find gaps with committed tackles and across the park.

Number 8 Mark Whitford eventually scored the try Sidcup deserved and converted by full back Richard Evans. But it was Jersey who led at the break through two unconverted tries to make the score 7-10.

Unfortunately for Sidcup, as the second half began, it seemed Jersey were just moving out of second gear and some quick passing in the backs saw their flanker Graham Bell score a converted try under the posts.

After the referee appearing to miss a high tackle a Sidcup player, the home team were awarded a penalty, which Evans kicked between the posts. But this was to be the last score of the game for the home side.

Sidcup then stepped up their defence and Evans made a try-saving tackle on Jersey flanker Latu Maakafi, giving Sidcup a chance to kick the ball clear.

After a few more attempts at breaking the line by the visitors, an overhead kick, which landed nicely before Sidcup’s try line, finally penetrated Sidcup’s defence. Winger Ryan Morgan beat Sidcup’s Evans to the ball to carry it over the line for another converted try to make the score 10-24.

A try from Maakafi, whose backs created the space for him to score, and another by Morgan who weaved his way through Sidcup’s waning defence, ensured another convincing win for Jersey, whose chances for promotion are looking more promising.

AC - 21 Oct 07

Sat 22 Sep 07: Haywards Heath 29 - Sidcup 25

Last season Sidcup and Haywards Heath were two leagues apart, literally, but due to relegation from London 1 and promotion from London 3 South East, both teams clashed in London 2 South.

This was Sidcup’s second visit to a relegated London 1 team in three weeks after losing at Guildford two weeks ago. It looks from the players on show both at Guildford and Haywards Heath, that a return to London 1 is the aim of both clubs. Haywards Heath had a mixture of home grown youth mixed with half a dozen antipodeans, which seems to be the norm for London 2 South this season.

Sussex showed that rain can fall in September but this was shortlived with the game being played in bright sunshine. The pitch had plenty of grass but it could have done with Mark’s finishing touch.

Sidcup did not let themselves down in what was a robust, physical encounter, where on occasion it was difficult to see why this type of play was not punished. From the first set scrum Sidcup showed their intentions when Elliott forced a knock-on from the No 8 pick up with a crunching tackle.

Sidcup showed how to retain the ball and with plenty of possession and great running from full back Richard Pilgrim were able to create gaps in the Heath defence. This lead to an opening score, as Rich Roddis went over in the corner with good support from the back row. Pilgrim converted from wide out and with good retention of the ball and increasing turn overs Sidcup went further ahead through a Pilgrim penalty. At 10-0 Sidcup had two further chances to stretch the lead but were unable to capitalize. Heath (that was on the back of their t-shirts) then forced their way back into the game with two tries just before half time to lead 12-10, a little fortunate!

The second half produced a thriller with the lead changing six times, Sidcup went back into the lead shortly after half time when Heath failed to bring down the strong run of Rich Roddis from his own half and he linked well with his back line to put Jim Hardy over in the corner. At 15-12 Heath replied when their second row went over near the posts and with the conversion the score was 19-15 in Heath’s favour.

Sidcup had not finished there and with good line out ball were able to put Jon West over from the resultant driving maul. At 20-19 the conversion was charged down;
Heath went in front with a penalty from a so called late tackle, made the most of by the New Zealand 8.

At 22-20 Sidcup pushed again and from a kick through from Hardy, Roddis again showed his pace to touch down in the corner. Pilgrim narrowly missed with the conversion the score now at 25-22 to Sidcup with minutes remaining.

The Kiwi No 8 finally made his mark on the game with pressure on the Sidcup line; his pick up and feed enabled the supporting Heath player to dive over near the posts. The conversion made the score 29-25. With a minute or two remaining Sidcup tried again but to no avail.

Sidcup’s performance was a gutsy and determined one, played against a side who underestimated the opposition. Sometimes the dizzy heights of National leagues and London 1 do that! One thing both sides had in common was that playing good youth players grown from within their clubs is good for the English game and do we need it!

PJW - 23 Sept 07

Sat 15 Sep 07: Sidcup 71 - Sevenoaks 7

Sidcup kicked off their 125 season in style by beating fellow Kent side Sevenoaks by more than 60 points in their first home game in the London 2 South league.

New captain Iain Wilson’s team learnt from their disappointing result away to Guildford, who tried their luck in the London 1 league last season, through dominating up front and outpacing the opposition in the backs throughout the game.

The home side received Sevenoak’s kick off and almost turned it into points immediately, with the ball passing through four pairs of hands, but the final pass to flanker Jon West was deemed forward and the away team were given a scrum on their five-meter line. But Sidcup opened the scoring two minutes later through full-back Richard Pilgrim, who kicked a penalty to make it 3-0.

This was just the start of things to come and the first try was scored shortly after, when a rolling maul by the forwards edged Sidcup towards Sevenoak’s line, before spinning the ball out to the backs and to winger Richard Roddis, who took the ball over the line. Pilgrim added the two points.

Sevenoaks’ then gained a brief spell of possession and gained a line out in Sidcup’s half, only for it to be fumbled by their forwards. An interception by No .8 Jon West, who ran more than half the pitch, scored Sidcup’s second try.

Sidcup’s determination continued to pay off and more points were added to their tally, which originated from Sidcup stealing a Sevenoaks scrum, which was spun straight out to the backs and man of the match centre Bert McDonald touched the ball down for another converted try.

It was now the away team’s turn to show they were not going to be a walkover and put Sidcup on the back foot. After a try-saving tackle by Sidcup no. 8 Michael Elliott and a dropped ball over the line by Sevenoaks’ winger, the pressure began to show and Sidcup conceded a penalty. This was utilised by Sevenoaks’ no.8 Olly Robinson, who scored their first, and only, try of the game. This was converted and made the half-time score 24-7.

Sidcup storming second half saw a flurry of tries mixed in with some sterling defence. The first try came from second row Liam Rankin, who was on McDonald’s shoulder in support and scored under the posts. Another came five minutes later when scrum half James Cosh peeled off a rolling maul and found a gap in Sevenoaks’ defence to score.

Centre Callum Thompson added the next five points after the back line took advantage of a Sevenoaks’ penalty that didn’t find touch and further tries from winger Steve Amura,Rich Roddis, Matt West and debutant Jim Hardy.

On 68 minutes Sevenoaks requested uncontested scrums due to front row injuries when the score was 52-7. League regulations call for the match to be abandoned and the result to be determined by the League Secretary after investigating the circumstances. The game continued which finally gave Sidcup a 71-7 win – a fantastic result which show’s how far they have come since their last appearance in London 2, two seasons ago, when they were beaten home and away by the visitors.

On the Tuesday evening after the game the League Secretary ruled that Sidcup had won the game by 52-7. A win for Sidcup but lacking the 19 points scored after the abandonment of the game, which in this tight league is very disappointing. From a Sidcup point of view this Regulation needs to be overhauled and revisited to ensure a fair reflection of the game.

AC/PJW - 23 Sept 07

Sat 8 Sep 07: Guildford 32 Sidcup 17

Sidcup started their campaign in London 2 South on a hot and sunny day at Guildford.

Guildford, who had tried their luck in London 1 last season and found it hard going, looked as though they were rebuilding and had recruited well over the summer.Sidcup were slightly below strength with top try scorer from last season, Rich Roddis, on holiday and open side flanker Peter Grayson on the touch line with a groin strain.

Playing with the slope (why do rugby pitches always have slopes?) Sidcup played with commitment but with early stoppages in play due to player injuries were unable to control the game as they would have liked. With most of the game being played in the Guildford half, a good forward drive allowed scrum half James Cosh to go over near the posts; this was converted by full back Richard Pilgrim.

Guildford replied with an unconverted try after a good handling in midfield but poor defence from Sidcup. Sidcup replied with further strong forward play and James Cosh was able to sneak a second try after a driving maul was stopped close to the line.
The half time score was only 12-7 and with the missed chances the question was this going to be enough.

Guilford started to gain in confidence as the game progressed and with two unconverted tries went into the lead 17 -12. Sidcup responded and with a good driving maul and early ball from the break down put Steve Amura in the corner for an unconverted try.

At 17-17 the game was evenly poised but good defence in midfield by the Guildford backs kept Sidcup restrained. With Guildford gaining further possession as the game progressed it was Guildford’s chance to show what they could do and their strong running Fijian centre started to make holes in the Sidcup midfield defence. With strong support Guidford added another three tries late on and ran out 32-17 winners.

Not a good start for Sidcup but it showed that they will be competitive in London 2 South and will be difficult opposition to beat.

PJW - 23 Sept 07

Sat 1 Sep 07: Sidcup 17 - Blackheathens 36

Three games, all against opposition from Blackheath, kicked-off the 125 Anniversary season celebrations, with the 3rd XV using the pitch behind the stand for the first time. The afternoon proved to be very successful with no less that ten Sidcup Colts playing for the 2nd and 3rd XVs.

The 1st XV, playing Blackheathens, played well against a team who supply players to National 2 league rugby but were outgunned by a skilful and pacey side 36-17. Sidcup scored three tries through Danny Mizen (2) and Steve Amura, which included a driving/running maul for 22 metres, a try mch appreciated by the large crowd. In fact each of the three games had a good number of spectators, which was great to see.

Colts Dave Driscoll, Stevie Wade, Andy Hind (Jnr) and Steve Evans played in the 2nd XV against Blackheath Brigands and helped Sidcup to a 36-5 victory. Two of the Colts were on the scoring sheet: Steve Evans, who makes scoring for the U18s a regular occurrence and Dave Driscoll (Jnr). Senior scorers were Simon Burwood, Colin Cooper and Jim Hardy. All played under the watchful eye of coaches Barry Pinder and Dave Driscoll (Snr).

The 3rd XV ran out comfortable 63-0 winners and after giving Blackheath Blades two players still had plenty of replacements sitting on the bench. Lewis Anderson, son of Club Chairman Ian, went over along with Dan Evans who had a great match at fly half ensuring all nine tries were converted. Sam Eydmann, who had been impressing at summer training, played at scrum half whilst Ryan Hudson and Ibbi Ahmet went on the score sheet after coming on as second half replacements and Alex Isaacs playing at prop provided some very welcome fresh blood in the front row. The experienced Steve Hancox ably led the side and Coach Andy Hind (Snr) was there to ensure the side knitted together.

During the post match supper coach Phil Ubee and Captain Iain Wilson presented Blackheath skipper, Nick Maurer with the 125th anniversary shield and ties. Malcolm Schofield, manager of Blackheath was also presented with a 125 tie for his help in organising the day.

Blackheath then presented Sidcup with their shield and a caricature of a game between Sutton and Sidcup from 1957. The picture will be hung in the clubhouse.

With the Cricket Club having a successful day on the field, the Rugby and Cricket enjoyed an evening in the bar being entertained by Graham’s Duo.

A great start to the 125th Anniversary Season. Thank you to all the members that made the day a success.

PJW - 2 Sept 07

PICTURES OF SIDCUP vs. BLACKHEATHENS

Sidcup vs. Blackheath

Many thanks to Dave Fewell for the album of pictures of the 1st XV's 125 Anniversary game against Blackheathens.

Click on the picture to go the Club's Picasa website from where all albums can be viewed.

Sat 25 Aug 07: Eastbourne 33 - Sidcup 17; Bromley 7 - Sidcup 22

Sidcup travelled to join Bromley and hosts Eastbourne in a three way tournament held in the heat of the English summer! Sidcup took a 1st XV and 2nd XV with an initial party of 20 players leaving early for the coast, in their search for accommodation that had been booked for the evening's entertainment. It is a pity that the following players and supporters didn’t follow suit as this summer's shy sun brought out the whole of south London onto the M25 and A22. Well it seemed like it!

The format for the afternoon allowed the three teams to play in a three way tournament of two twenty minute halves, with the 2nd XVs of Sidcup and Eastbourne playing a full eighty minute game.

Sidcup 1st XV started against Eastbourne up the hill and against the stiff breeze but went into a ten point early lead. This seemed to be the signal to switch off and against a lively Eastbourne side this was very unwise. Having gained promotion into London 3 South East last season Eastbourne looked a talented and well organised side that were not shy of running with the ball. Their appetite in their first pre-season game was greater than Sidcup’s, who could have been labelled heavy legged after their third trial game in a week.

Sidcup were not given the chance of running down the hill as Eastbourne somehow gained the advantage of that for the whole forty minutes. Maybe the fitness training in the heat was the order of the day. Eastbourne finished clear winners 33-17 and will do well in the league Sidcup have just left.

After Eastbourne and Bromley slogged out another forty minutes in the heat, Sidcup took on neighbours Bromley with greater commitment and in less heat as the coastal wind picked up. Sidcup came out on top 22-7 with fly half Francois Maritz opening his account for Sidcup.

Sidcup 2nd XV enjoyed their afternoon playing on an adjacent pitch. Good support work and handling enabled Sidcup to come out on top 55-12 with Jon Cosh scoring a hat trick of tries. This emphasises the competition that there will be for 1st team places this season.

Eastbourne hosted the day well and were true hosts as players from both sides showed the true spirit of rugby by enjoying an evening of pub golf and clubbing in to the early hours.

PJW - 26 Aug 07

Weds 22 Aug 07: Old Dunstonians 7 - Sidcup 44

A second trial game for Sidcup against last seasons rivals Dunstonians from L3SE ended in a win after overall period of eighty minutes split into four quarters.

Under the excellent playing and floodlight facilities of Croydon RFC there was plenty to cheer about for Sidcup with the only down side being that the supporters had to exchange short sleeves for winter coats and umbrellas. It was true November weather!

Again Sidcup took over 30 players and again both experienced and newcomers impressed. Playing these trial periods is always difficult for players but with the well supported summer training Sidcup looked able to change players around without too much difficulty.

Scoring two tries in each quarter made the try tally eight to one with only two conversions being added. Maybe an extra evenings training for the kickers is needed! Only joking.

Tries were scored by Iain Wilson, who opened the evenings account, Liam Rankin, Barry Jackson, Steve Amura, Ryan Conradie, Darryl Vas (from 1yard), Peter Grayson and Jon West.

Sidcup travel to Eastbourne on Saturday ,who were promoted to L3SE at the end of last season, before entertaining Blackheath in the first home game of the 125 season on Sept 1st.

PJW - 23 Aug 07

Sat 18 Aug 07: London Irish Amateurs 5 - Sidcup 41

Sidcup RFC made the trip around the busy M25 to Sunbury yesterday, to have their first run out of the season in a friendly with London Irish Amateurs (L3SW). The game was played on the professionals lush first team pitch minus a few markings. The four 20 minute periods allowed the five strong coaching staff to have a look at the the ten new players making their debuts for Sidcup RFC and of course the seven week pre-season training schedule was going to be tested.

With the mixture of these new players and the established players from last season, Sidcup had 34 players looking for game time. This was always going to be a difficult task against a Irish side who only had 18 players. By the time the last period started 4 players from Sidcup joined the Irish line up and impressed!

The afternoon produced a big headache for the coaches as everybody that pulled on the white jersey impressed. This will mean that Sidcup RFC will have a strong squad going into this season's London 2 South campaign.

It was nice to see new skipper Iain Wilson opening this season's campaign with a try and this was followed by a further 6 tries. Try scorers were Iain Wilson, Richard Roddis, Rob Macdonald, Matt West 2, Phil Evans and Matt Ditchfield.

The only injury in the trial was Dave Fennelly, who whilst playing for the Irish sustained a cracked rib. We wish Dave a speedy recovery.

Thanks to all the players, coaches and supporters that made the trip and to London Irish for making us most welcome. A great after match supper.

Sidcup RFC are at Croydon RFC on Wed 22nd Aug playing Old Dunstonians in a trial period game. Kick off is at 7.30pm. See you there.

PJW - 19 Aug 07