Fullerians returned to RFU national level 6 with a win over Belsize Park at Coningesby Drive on Saturday.

Fullerians we’re promoted during the summer when the Rugby Football Union restructured the leagues to reduce travel and help grow the game, owing to a strong 4th spot in London 2 NorthWest Fullers earnt a return to the highest level of English rugby they’ve ever played in their 97 year history.

The game kicked off on a lush green pitch which incredibly only a week or so ago looked like the African Savannah!
Fullers started with a real sense of urgency with 20 minutes or so of dominance in the oppositions half with Belsize, who have consistently played at this level for a number of seasons, held on strongly with great defence in what looked from the off as a good evenly matched battle.
It came as a surprise when Belsize crashed over on 20 minutes following a slip from a Fullerians tackler allowing the visitors to take the lead, conversion duly converted.

Fullers continued with good ball retention and a flurry of forwards in the final five saw veteran Liam Boyd appear from a pile of bodies following some excellent work in the pack, Dan Evans unusually pulled the conversion wide. A couple of minutes later yet another dominant scrum saw George Harvey drop over the line as the front five drove the opposition towards the grand union canal with incredible force. Evans this time made sure of the extras. A yellow card was shown to the Belsize back rower for a persistent infringement and they finished the half with 14 men.

Half Time 12-7

With the lead and man advantage starting the second half you would of thought Fullers would of pushed on but it was the visitors who started the stronger and within two minutes of the restart they had their second try and conversion to take a narrow lead after some sleepy defending from Fullers.

The game continued with more great defence from Belsize and much more position from Fullers and the home side took the lead again after yet another penalty allowed Evans to slot over from 35 yards.

One again the final five minutes proved hectic and the Belsize captain lost his head in a moment of madness saw red for slapping Sean Deller across the face in front of the referee, with the man advantage again the Fullers forwards drove Belsize back and back before the referee had enough and awarded a penalty try, with two minutes to play Belsize came back fiercely and were rewarded with a losing bonus point with their 3rd try in the final play of a great game.

Full time 22-19
Gary Wall man of the match - Richard McCabe

Next up is Old Haberdashers on Saturday 10th September at 3pm at Fullerians, who also are hosting a beer festival over the weekend so everyone is welcome.

Photo - Chairman Malcolm Harrison presenting the manor the match award to Richard McCabe.