Ruislip 24 FULLERIANS 1st XV 16

London 1 North League

Ruislip deserved their first win of the season at the expense of a lacklustre second half by Fullerians. Fullers started very well indeed and earned three penalties which full back Dan Evans converted brilliantly. There were two more opportunities but both went wide and one hit the upright.

Fullers moved the ball well and threatened their host’s line on numerous occasions but just couldn’t get over the try line. Dropped balls and long passes went astray in the slippery conditions.

To add insult to injury Fullers built a nice attack and went through the phases only for the ball to be intercepted by Ruislip who shipped the ball wide for the winger to score. Just before the break they went over again as their tails were up and Fullers defence seemed to crack. 12-9 at half time where Fullers really should have been 15 points clear with all their possession.

In the second half and up the slope Fullers started slowly and Ruislip seeking that first win used the wind to their advantage. The home side went further ahead as again their left winger found himself in space to run down the touchline and score.

They went further ahead after Fullers put themselves under pressure by knocking on in their own 5 metre line rather than clearing the lines. The resultant scrum went wide and the scrum half kicked for the right winger to win the race to touch down helped by a flat footed Fullers defence.

Fullers did pick the pace up and when they do they look great moving the ball through the phases. However, forcing the off load or missing the pass at the most critical time costs Fullers the scoring opportunity.

They did have the final say when they marched up field the ball was shipped wide for winger Curtis Woodham to score, excellently converted by Evans. Unfortunately it was all too late to earn anything out of this game

“We started very well and rightly went for the points when they were on offer. The line-out worked well but we lacked a cutting edge today and were just not clinical enough. Ruislip deserved their win as they simply just wanted it more.” commented Fullerians Head Coach Rich Hoskins.

Team. Barson, K. Williams, McGregor-Smith (Maclean 60), Boyd, Kerr, Scully, Longbottom (D. Toon 50), Finnegan, Matchett, M. Toon, Alexander, Dollard, Mann, Woodham (Williams 50), Evans.

Man of the Match: Liam Boyd