Date: 26th Jan 2008

The Squirrels, missing their 'inspirational' leader Saunders, set out to put the previous weeks disappointment following a narrow defeat to Hemel behind them. A soft pitch only managed to impact on the warm-up (did we have one) and not the performance once the first whistle blew. The visitors were Welwyn who managed to lose 3 players on the way. Thanks to Matt and Sam for playing for the opposition to ensure we had a sensible game.

The first ten minutes were cagey and Squirrels spurned an early opportunity with a missed penalty in front of the posts due to a fault in McCullough's radar. It wasn't long though before good forward dominance resulted in a short range burrowing effort from Porter which was converted. In recent weeks the Squirrels would have relaxed at this point but the pressure was maintained and shortly after Ross Osborne broke a number of tackles out wide and had the presence of a good Squirrel mind to set down between the posts. A 14-0 lead was just reward for the territory which the Squirrels held.

Welwyn replied with an uncoverted try following sloppy defence from a Squirrel line-out on the 22. Again an annoyed bunch of Squirrels returned to the Welwyn 22 and some quick ruck ball led to an overlap on the right which Shed ignored to step inside for a well deserved try. A couple of earlier easy conversions meant that McCullough's boot was now correctly pointing in the right direction to convert. Again the massive support could not relax, a sign of the sheer entertainment value provided by the Squirrels, as Welwyn got a soft try breaking from their own 22 to score. Just before halftime a clever chip kick by scrum half James created confusion between the Welwyn winger and fullback, allowing McCullough to kick through and show blistering pace that even he didn't know he had to touch down.

Half time OV Sq 28 Welwyn 10.

Welwyn realising the size of their task increased their efforts in the second half which as a result became a bit scrappy. Skipper for the day, Jimmy A, decided to take the points on offer when Vees were awarded a penalty within kickable distance, despite the rest of the Squirrels team as always wanted the quick tap and go. The rest of the half was spent in the Welwyn half ensuring that no nerves were shredded on the touchline. Squirrels finally identified a post ball strategy for coping with the Welwyn rush defence and this gave centres Osborne and Fretter gaps to break through. Welwyn also worked out to their peril late in the game that full back Rawlings, like any good Squirrel, always runs the ball straight back you when a kick is expected. From a line-out on the 22 the pack mauled very well and at the bottom of the pile debutant Stocky emerged. Following an ambitious kick for touch by scrum half the referee ended a encouraging and enjoyable game.

Graphics & Design: S. Mandelbaum (shalom@mandelbaumonline.net)