Trinity A XV 40- 19 Old Whits 2nd XV
Trinity’s scheduled 2s opposition Chobham pulled out of the league fixture so welcomed local rival Old Whits for a friendly game at LMA.

Weather conditions seemed perfect during the warmup but after a brief shower right on kick off meant handling would be difficult. Trinity fielded an experienced side with father & son combination, Dom & Callum Plumb in the side, brothers Jason & David Hoffman in the front row and debuts to Seb Robertson and Sam Taylor. Jack Greenwood back in the side to skipper from full back.

Whits started the game the stronger side playing up the hill due to handling errors and indiscipline, particularly struggling with the tackle height law – with several penalties in the first 10 minutes Whits were able to spend the time in the Trinity 22. However, stout defence repelled the visitor’s attacks with Zou, Mark Handley and Callum Kerr at the forefront of the action. One high tackle too many and Mark Macaskill was yellow-carded to spend 10 minutes on the naughty step – despite going down to 14 players Trinity were finally able to string some phases together which resulted in an impressive score from Kitan Taiwo to cross for his first try for the club—then followed a second score by Ben Edmondson, playing his first game back after a shoulder operation.

Old Whits hit back with a score after further indiscretions by the home side and the pressure was back on. Set piece was working well with the scrum solid and lineout work from Jason Hoffman & George Daniels in particular exceptional. This platform produced a 2nd try for Ben Edmondson who quickly completed his hattrick after a fine solo run from halfway, great footwork & pace enabled him to round the full-back. Half time arrived and Trinity went in 4 tries to 2 ahead, although during the huddle the chat was about reducing the penalty count and bringing more structure to their play.

Crouchy kicked off the 2nd half and much of the chat during halftime clearly went in one ear and out the other as continued penalties hindered any chance to build momentum and control in possession. Whits pressured the Trinity line but the defence was solid and Trinity were able to clear their lines. Build-up play improved and space was created on the right flank with Sparky feeding Seb Robertson for his first club try on his debut, converted from the touchline by Crouchy. One further highlight was Kitan Taiwo fielding a kick off and making 40 metres with a fine run but the final pass didn’t go to hand with Dave Stanton running great support lines. Crouchy crossed for a try himself after making a break just outside the Whits 22, and gave a great dummy to elude the cover defence and put the game to bed. The ref awarded Whits a controversial penalty try in the final play of the game where their scrum half was held back after a hack ahead and the final whistle went.

Trinity 2s 100% record remains – with an earlier kick off the boys were able to support the 1s for a fantastic win against Weybridge. Next league game coming up versus Kingston 2s next weekend.

MoM went to Ben Edmondson for an impressive hat-trick on his return
DoD went to Scotty for dropping the ball over the line in slow motion

Match photos can be seen on Pete Filewood’s FLICKR page HERE

Try Scorers – Ben Edmondson x3, Seb Robertson, Dan Crouch, Kitan Taiwo
Cons – Dan Crouch x5

Squad – Dom Plumb, Jason Hoffman, David Hoffman, Ben Donovan, Callum Kerr, Mark Handley, Alex Scott, Zou Mihramane, George Daniels, Dave Stanton, Dan Crouch, Kitan Taiwo, Mark Macaskill, Ben Edmondson, Callum Plumb, Jack Greenwood, Seb Robertson, Jack Porter, Sam Taylor.
Saturday 21st September 2024