| Following a fortnights break, the British were well set for the hugely anticipated, showcase grudge match against the blood thirsty Police
The selection process was made very difficult due to a large number of players being available; finding the right mix of power, speed and experience against the cops was crucial. Of the players selected, many were new to the team, but they were fully aware of the physical game that lay ahead. On the back of four narrow British victories the Police were keen to assert their authority be it legal or not.
The game started intensely as was expected, the Police kicked off to the British forwards who gathered the ball and set up some powerful phases which worked in the British� favour.
As the game opened up there was very little between the two teams, however, the British managed to have a lot of ball and remain in the Police end of the pitch for large spells to no avail. The cops were the first to score through a penalty 20m out. The British diving over a ruck was not missed by the referee who was quick to show his authority. 3-0 to the police after 15mins (approx.).
The British pack and backs were linking very well, asserting large amounts of pressure on the Police who found themselves needing to defend rather than attack. The British lineout, after a quirky start, came together well and it was no longer the Achilles heal which frustrated the British in previous games. Good pressure from the British led to a penalty being given away by the Police. On the left side and quite a way out (35m) Barks fancied to go for the posts to draw us level. A very well struck kick from our very own Johnny Wilkinson fell just short of the posts so the score remained at 3-0 to the Police. Clock: 20th minute (approx.).
The Police were themselves awarded a penalty shortly after which they did not fail to convert. With the lead extended to 6-0 it was crucial the British struck back before the Police had a chance to extend their lead beyond that of a try.
The answer couldn�t have been any better as the British responded by going over the line for a try; The referee however concluded that there had been a forward pass. The forwards had set the ball up on the right, 25m out, for the backs to receive fast ball in space. If it wasn�t for the forward pass the British would have been in the lead following a very well worked team try.
Another opportunity for points came from a rare penalty for the British in front of the posts. Barks took charge and kicked the first British points bringing the score to 6-3. Clock: 25th minute (approx.).
The game had not lost any intensity and both teams had chances to extend their points tally. A well worked British maul inside their own half soon turned into an Olympics master class as Damiano broke free and thundered his way up the pitch to a sonic boom. With little support he was soon slowed down by the Police who�s defence had been picked by the British lock. Clock: 30th minute (approx.).
- HALF TIME -
The second half started much like the first, a good team talk for the British at halftime ensured intensity was kept alongside discipline, the British needed to play rugby and not rise to any foul play by the cops which the Ref was amazingly oblivious to. The more the cops pressed, mainly through off the ball antics, the more exposed they became and it was clear that the British could turn the game through simply playing rugby.
Holes were being punched in the Police�s line through good runs from Eudes and Bez. Keeping the ball in hand was crucial and the British managed to do so. Ball was being set up very well by the pack and equally well protected. One problem the British could not overcome was the enigma that was the ref. Was he wearing blue? Was he a bent cop? or did he simply not like the British? Whatever the reason was his decisions did the British no favours nor the game as a whole. Very dangerous foul play by the Police was rarely picked up on and it was the British who were finding themselves being penalised for respiring too heavily.
With tempers elevating and the penalty count looking like a receipt from Monoprix, frustration was rising and it was a gremlin for both teams. Christoph who had been on the receiving end of the Police antics throughout the match, caught �yellow fever� so went off for some water. Clock: 65th minute (approx.).
A defensive kick by the British, was collected by the small Police full-back who had some space to run. He was chased down by Bez who mistimed his tackle, resulting in him being rather �red-faced�. The tackle, which was high, gave the Police a penalty on the back of heavy British pressure. The score remained 6-3 to the Police (the penalty was too far out to kick) and both teams were desperate to score points as the clock ticked. As the British progressed in the Police�s half Barks eyed his chances for a drop-goal. He soon wished he hadn�t as a daisy cutter soon left his boot. With no other options it was a good decision which would have brought the British right back into the game.
Soon after the British got the break they were looking for. Great build up play by Daz and the British pack put the Police on the back foot and in great fear of conceding late points. The ball came free to Barks who �ignored a 5 man overlap on the right to draw a couple of men and give the ball to Andy�, Andy drew his man and skilfully sent the ball into the hands of Yves. Everyone�s� hearts stopped. Yves didn�t. He charged for the line, two plain clothed Police officers desperately tried to stop the British winger (they regret not bringing their tear gas) who dived before the line and slid beyond the line to win the game for the British (conversion unconverted). Clock: 75th minute (approx.).
The remaining five minutes were not for the faint hearted. Outrages penalty decisions against the British gave the Police the opportunity to steal the game from the jaws of defeat. Three penalty kicks were all �nail bitingly� missed by the Police kicker who was gifted the chance of glory on three occasions.
When the referee finally blew his whistle the British were so relieved there was a slight delay before their celebrations. The supporters in the main stand invaded the pitch so hug their heroes. The Police took the defeat well but can only be criticised for their poor conduct during the game. The British stuck to playing rugby and it paid off with a very memorable win.
All of the British players put in sterling performances but the Man of the Match was awarded to Nicholas for a great job upfront. |
