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Match Report: BRFC - ES Renault
| Date: 08/11/2008 | Venue: H | Result: 10-26 | |||
Final result: 10-26 A cold wintry morning greeted the stalwart warriors of BRFC as they assembled at the ungodly hour of 8.15 for another foray into the lions den that is French corporate division rugby. All bleariness was immediately dispelled as our arrival at the ground was greeted by the traditional absence of the groundsman. Only the ingenuity of Sam's (clearly legitimately acquired) forced entry skills and some inventive (and in some cases painful) trips to the bushes ensured a "comfortable" start to the match.
This was always going to be a big match against a fierce opposition and it was demonstrated from the start. Renault had most of the early possession and pressure but BRFC were notable for the aggression and organisation with which they defended. After 10 or so minutes of attack, it took a lucky bounce from a chip and chase for a score to come for Renault. Renault continued with their pressure for the next 20 minutes but failed to make anything of it in the face of hard tackling led by Paul Moss-Bowpitt up front and orchestrated by Duncan and Charles in the backs. Eventually, however, the pressure told and Renault scored a couple more well-worked tries.
For me, Saturday's match marked a real turning point for BRFC. At 3 tries down, despite good play from BRFC, it would have been easy to contemplate defeat. However, the spirit shown by the side was fantastic. Led from the front by the omnipresent Ned, BRFC showed some excellent attacking vision from both forwards and backs, dominating at the breakdown, running hard lines and showing real creativity when space allowed. The 9/10 axis of Duncan
and Bryn looked consistently dangerous and got the team moving forward well.
At half time, it was clear that if BRFC kept taking the game to Renault they would get results. The kick off for the second half led to a yellow card for British when yours truly may have demonstrated a little too much enthusiasm. This was a definite hindrance to British at a crucial moment in a tight game and Renault took advantage to score a quick try. However, again the spirit of the British was shown, as, despite being down to 14 men, they came back in style to demonstrate excellent build up play and a well taken try by the stand-in skipper.
The British began to gain momentum and looked dangerous for the majority of the second half although the old heads of Renault did their best to disrupt the game - one contender for Mr Movember 2008 realised to his cost that Nicolas cannot be hurt by conventional weapons... British maintained their pressure and Bryn Roberts topped off a brilliant debut with a sniping try that put British into contention. However, despite pressure from the British, the Renault defence remained strong and the win was not to be.
Saturday was a great match to be a part of - Renault were a tough and aggressive opposition who looked genuinely pleased to be getting off the pitch by the end of the match. BRFC looked much better - better organised and more aggressive and purposeful in attack and defence. There is genuine momentum to take into the next match.
Moreover, it was great, especially as a new member of the club, to see so many people, from the newest players to some real veterans, in the Cricketer to watch the internationals. A great atmosphere and an entirely sober and uneventful affair.
Will
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