OLD Mid-Whitgiftians secured a 45-23 victory over Ellingham & Ringwood at Lime Meadow Avenue last Saturday.
Ellingham were awarded a penalty soon after kick-off, which their kicker duly slotted. However, Dan Crouch was soon able to equalise when he kicked a penalty back for Mids.
Lock Mark Handley was instrumental in gaining many turnovers and this allowed Mark Macaskill to score his first try, which Crouch converted to lead 10-3 at the break.
And Mids were once again back in control from the off. Flanker Joe Baulf was instrumental in chasing up the kick, supported ably by blindside Iain Munro, and soon Baulf was able to break the line to score a try.
However, Ellingham & Ringwood refused to be pushovers and were soon on the attack. Despite some huge defensive hits from the likes of Macaskill and Dean, Ellingham found an overlap on the wing.
A simple series of passes allowed them to score in the corner, having made a break from their own 22 to take the score to 17-8.
Mids spent the next few minutes camped inside the opposition half, and a series of forward pick and drives, marshalled by scrum-half Jacob Bacon, allowed Macaskill to cross the line for 24-8.
But the hosts soon became complacent, and despite a good aggressive defence around the breakdown, it left gaping gaps for Ellingham to exploit. Despite the best attempts of winger Ben Pritchard and full-back James Orchard, Mids' defence was outnumbered and Ellingham ran in a try in very similar circumstances to their first.
Soon after, Mids' hooker Tim Jupp made a break down the wing and found prop Nat Bacon, who carried it forward tirelessly, supported by Temitope Okenla.
With the rucks cleared out by backs and forwards alike, Jacob Bacon swung the ball out wide to talismanic winger Pritchard, who was able to score in the corner. With the conversion missed, the score was 29-13.
Unfortunately for Mids, Okenla was left dazed and bloody after a big hit and went off just before half-time. Experienced utility back Dave Stanton was available to fill the void, while Baulf was replaced by Brooks.
Soon after the second half kicked off, Mids were able to extend their lead to 32-13 after another penalty.
However, some lazy defence allowed Ellingham to sneak in another try, which they failed to convert.
With the forwards dominating the scrums and Ellingham unable to counter the rolling maul, the backs had a perfect platform to launch their attacks.
But Mids were unable to always capitalise on this and a series of mistakes led to penalties and turnovers.
However, they were also awarded their fair share of penalties and Crouch was able to convert one to bring the score to 35-18.
Buoyed by the increasing points margin, the next penalty was kicked into the corner. With Handley catching the ball, Mids pack steamrollered their way over the line, leaving Dave Spedding the easy job of scoring the try.
Ellingham remained a dogged and determined side and they soon grabbed the bonus point when they scored their fourth try.
But Mids secured a final try late on from Stanton to win 45-23.
