Impressive win in 1st Round of Cup



Actonians welcomed Old Johnians to West London this Saturday in a cup match, looking forward to braving the wet and windy conditions and testing themselves against a completely unknown opposition. With less than 2 minutes on the board, the away team scored after strong running from their big 12, and the less said about that the better.

Once they woke up, Actonians started to pile on the pressure, with the set piece already starting to fire. It was from the back of a driving mall that Joe M-R managed to score in the corner (although some reports suggest it was Cian. Ultimately we will never know) with Nino M back to his marksman ways, The As drew level.

This set the tone for the rest of the match. In wet conditions, the ball was moister than an oyster, yet the Actonians did a great job of hanging on to it, whereas the visitors seemed to struggle. With lineouts and scrums working well, Actonians were able to take advantage of the possession they had. Eventually, Alex D scored after good hands from the backs and the As nudged ahead, with Nino adding the extras.

Unfortunately for Nino, shortly after he drove to the shop, went inside and bought the biggest dummy he could, the OJ number 8 making him look all kinds of silly (also at fault was the ever-injured Ben Watkins but he had a bad knee so it was allowed) and once again, the scores were tied. With the visitors knocking on the door, the home team put in an almighty defensive shift to stop the visitors scoring and it seemed like another OJ try was imminent. However, the home team nudged ahead at half time thanks to another Matt Lloyd try, taking his tally this season up to 437.

After half time, the barrage continued but soon, the Actonians started taking control of the match. With the game structure finally emerging to the fore, the home team were able to start putting some good phases together. Captain Lloyd scored under the posts, Michael G forced a turnover and picked up to score (following yet another outrageous no-look-behind-the-neck-unnecessary-offload from Second Row/ Street baller Raimonds) and to finish it all off, substitute 9 Alex Jones scored after a great turnover scrum. When the final whistle went, Actonians were through after a great 38-17 win. (Nino missed two kicks).

MOTM this week was Cian, for his tackling, running and sensational salmon impression under the kick off. The first Double Duck of the Day went to Alex D for going to kick the ball, missing, kicking the air and getting smashed, and also Paddy H for roaring during a match. Roaring like a dinosaur. Bizarre.

The 1s are at home again this week, back in the league against Chess Valley.