Bloke's match report

Written by Bloke

After some last minute changes to the team due to traffic and delayed flights cup were ready for the first home fixture of the season against Westcliff.

Sporting a spectacular 'Ladies Day' kit in support of Cancer Research the lads started the game with intent and conviction. Building the pressure and taking advantage of all of Westcliffe's errors the team was rewarded with a score directly off the back of a scrum and some silky hands by the backs to end with Louis Keeley in the corner.

Sidcup 5-0 Westcliff

After the restart (and Colby defending Max's honour) there was an exchange of phases from both sides only for Vidge to intercept a pass just infront of the 22 and run the distance and score. Josh adding the extras.

Sidcup 12-0 Westcliff

Westcliffe realising that Sidcup had their tails up needed to get back into the arm wrestle of the match and started fighting back and gaining territory. Despite some drop ball by the visitors in the Sidcup 22 they managed to turn the ball over eventually and capitalise on their time camped in Sidcup territory.

Sidcup 12-7 Westcliff

Both teams trying to break a period of handling errors and one up rugby Westcliffe finally got a score on the wing despite a good effort of scramble defence by Sidcup.

Sidcup 12-14 Westcliff

Westcliffe finally found their noses infront. This gave them an obvious boost which they grabbed and took full advantage of. Shortly after the restart scoring with a clean line break.

Sidcup 12-21 Westcliff

From the restart a returning kick from Westcliffe and penalty to match gave Josh the opportunity to place Sidcup deep in the opposition half for a lineout. Through strong carries and a scrum created a platform for Poland to ground the ball.

Sidcup 17-21 Westcliff

A knock on at the restart from Sidcup hands unfortunately gave Westcliffe the chance to build and score the final try of the half.

Sidcup 17-28 Westcliff HALFTIME

After a regroup and realisation in the sheds that we were being slack from the beginning of the 2nd half Sidcup evidently wanted to take this match by the scruff of the neck.

Despite a relentless attack on the Sidcup line, Westcliffe coughed up the ball and a clean break by Charlie Hopkins and link up with Skipper Jon West who's kick left Westcliffe being tackled within their try area by Max O'Leary. Consistent and determined attack by Sidcup led to a penalty 10 out knocked over by Josh.

Sidcup 20-28 Westcliff

From the kick off Dan Thomas let his presence be known to Westcliffe when he immediately broke the line and linked up with his brother JT. Sidcup taking full advantage of the field position spread the ball full width for Westy to score out wide.

Sidcup 27-28 Westcliff

Westcliffe were under pressure from not only the 15 Sidcup men infront of them but the increasing volume of support coming from the excited home crowd. Sidcup continued to attack the Westcliffe defence but despite continued phases the visitors held out. Westcliffe getting their hands on the ball tried to penetrate through the Sidcup defence time and time again but couldn't seem to get out of their own half. Sidcup's defence was rewarded with a penalty just outside the 22 with Josh nailing the kick for 3 points.

Sidcup 30-28 Westcliff

With the closing minutes of the match looming both teams were looking for gaps and holes to punch through. Charlie Hopkins coming up with a crucial turn over with moments to go infront of the sticks. Westcliffe not happy with the decision we're marched back further, making Josh's life easier to close the game.

Sidcup 33-28 Westcliff FULLTIME

Everyone to the Marquee for Prosecco and Pimms!

Written by Bloke