Bishops Stortford vs Rochford 100 in the National Plate competition

Match report

National Plate competition

Sunday 23rd January 2011

Bishops Stortford Colts vs Rochford 100 Colts

(35 minutes each way)

In round 3 of the National Plate, Stortford Colts impressed the 150+ crowd who turned up at Silver Leys as the progressed to the next round with a convincing 73-0 victory which included 11 tries.

A full strength, and very determined Colts side started the match with such pace and power that the visitors were overwhelmed, conceding a try, scored by Captain and Back row forward Louis Reynolds after only 3 minutes. Fly Half Tom Walsh converted to make the score 7-0.

The Stortford pressure did not ease and they scored again 7 minutes in to the match when Inside Centre George Cullen cut through a mass of bodies and touched down close to the posts. Walsh again converted. (14-0)

The forwards took control from the next re-start and a flowing move ended with Prop Declan Caulfield scoring a try. Walsh stepped forward and converted. (21-0).

The match was 23 minutes in before Rochford managed to get in to the Stortford half as stout defending prevented Rochford getting in to the game. Walsh and Cullen both drove Rochford back time and again with some excellent kicking out of hand.

A series of well rehearsed and executed backs moves created more chances for Stortford to score and in an 11 minute spell up to half time Outside Centre Tommy Ramadoro, Louis Reynolds with his second of the match, and Flanker William Maundrell all scored tries, two of which were converted by Walsh.

Half Time 40-0

Rochford started the second half with their best spell of play of the match, putting the Stortford line under pressure. They failed to score, but Stortford had a player yellow carded 8 minutes in to the half as some desperate defending tested the Referees patience.

12 minutes in to the half Stortford again took control. Fraser Doake, playing out of position on the Left Wing, broke the Rochford line to score in the corner. (45-0)
From the re-start Stortford came back on the attack and a combined move involving back and forwards created a chance for George Cullen to score a try. Tom Walsh converted. (52-0)

5 minutes later Stortford drove through the centre of the Rochford defence and Hooker Will Roberts scored a try, converted by Walsh. (59-0)

With only 8 minutes left to play, and with all 7 possible Stortford substitutes now on the pitch, Rochford’s defence became very stretched allowing Stortford to totally dominate play.

Right Wing Adam Elliot scored a well worked crossing the line close to the corner flag. George Cullen, who had now taken over as place kicker from Walsh (Walsh made 8 conversions before being substituted) converted a very difficult kick. (66-0)

Right on full time BSRFC finished off the match with a second try for Will Roberts which Cullen duly converted. Final score 73-0.

BSRFC Colts now go forward to the next round which is due to be played on 13th February.

Steve Dunkley 23.1.11