Trinity played their final League fixture of the season at home to Old Cats; conditions were pretty good, bright but a strong wind down the pitch.

Early signs were ominous with Old Cats showing up with a large squad full of youth and enthusiasm, rumours were their first team didn’t have a game so would they have a few players ‘coming back from injury’? Trinity on the other hand had 9 players 30 mins before kick off playing slow motion touch. In recent games Trinity had been very slow out of the blocks and some inspirational pre-match words were needed, keenly provided by Zou & Scotty in the sheds.

With the wind at their backs for the 1st half, Trinity were able to gain territory and through effective direct carriers made good yards into the Cats 22, in particular from Chris Mitchell, Mark Handley and Alex Scott – this resulted in a first score for captain Dave Bouchard who finished well. Another score followed from Mark Macaskill after more good interplay between backs and forwards to barge his way over. The Old Cats jacklers were proving to be a nuisance at the breakdown with several turnovers conceded, Trinity knew they needed to secure better possession to convert their opportunities. The away side fought back to score a try and apply pressure & dominance – Trinity were camped on their line and gave away too many penalties resulting in a ‘team’ yellow card for Mark Handley – the momentum of the game had changed and Trinity needed to get to half time which they did without conceding another score while they were down to 14.

You would have to say despite Trinity having the lead the scores were effectively even given the wind and Cats started the 2nd half strongly scoring two quick tries to take the lead; game on!! Big Mark Handley was back in the fray and Trinity’s success through their direct play was paying off again. The set piece was working very well with Dom, Chris and Zou getting the better of the oppo front row, Trinity pushed Cats off several scrums and turned over possession which resulted in a push over try scored by Mark Macaskill at 8. Then followed a glorious catch & drive with Dom Plumb emerging from the heap with the ball for a deserved score. The backs were moving the ball well, Will TD and James Duffy controlling play and bringing Stanners and Bouch into the game making strong carries into the midfield. Cappers, Doug Shard, Callum Plumb and Ed Fyfe all got their hands on the ball in the wide channels getting in behind Cats. Cats fought back with another score after but Trinity effectively finished the game off with a trademark Scotty carry to score and another push over try dotted down by Will TD. James Duffy kicked his conversions very well considering the difficult wind.

In the huddle after the game it was agreed that this was a fine finish to the season where despite challenges with numbers we have been able to build continuity & momentum in the second half of the season picking up some excellent wins along the way. Hats off to Dave Bouchard and Tom Caplin who have led the side fantastically well and deserve loads of credit. MoM went to Will TD at scrum half and DoD went to Sparky for an outrageous volley return from a re-start. Now onto the Cup where the 2s have the opportunity for some silverware and a QF game coming up.

Match Report by Sparky Macaskill
Saturday 12th March 2022, LMA, Sanderstead
Trinity 2s 50-28 Old Cats 2s
Tries – Dave Bouchard, Dom Plumb, Will TD, Alex Scott, Mark Macaskill x3, Ed Fyfe
Cons – James Duffy x5
Squad – Zou Mihremane, Chris Mitchell, Dom Plumb, Mark Handley, Paul Johnson, Alex Scott, Ben Donovan, Mark Macaskill, Will TD, James Duffy, Callum Plumb, Dave Stanton, Dave Bouchard, Ed Fyfe, Doug Shard, Tom Caplin, Russell Jones, Rob Mitchell