24 April 2010 v High Wycombe IV (home)                    Result: 12-12 (D)

Yesterday saw a strong High Wycombe IV's bolstered with a few IIIs and three players who had appeared for the I's this season come to us. The London Society sent along a ref thus allowing Slaps to get his playing boots back on, although it was in his less favoured position of front row in the absence of Ian who played for the Runwell Wyverns. It must also be added that SODAM had 15 players at the ground before the ref or the opo had even arrived, so lets hope it's a start of things to come.

The game itself was played in the spirit the game is intended to be played. We also had the bonus of having subs, in our squad we managed to have 4 new faces one of which was another Bodman alas from the Valleys and only there to run the London Marathon, (welcome to our group Dan and Good Luck today hope to see you again soon). SODAM scored 1st through a try from Gibby which was converted by Mooresy but we then managed to switch off momentarily and let them in for a rather softish try, which was also converted and the score remained 7-7 at half time. The sunshine was glorious but unfortunately it's not ideal for a bunch of old boys who huffed and puffed their way round the park, we dominated in the scrum and from one such scrum the platform was so well set that Adam Standley on only his 5th appearance in a SODAM shirt saw him pick up at 7 with a virtually clear run to line to score his first try in the 15's game at adult level, unfortunately the conversion was just outside Mooresy's range and although on target it fell just under the crossbar. Just as the game was winding down Wycombe launched another attack and despite John Sykes raising his hand to indicate the player was in touch the referee over ruled his call (stating that he wasn't present at the start of the 2nd half so didn't recognise him as a touch judge) fortunately for us Wycombe's attempt at the conversion was well short and nowhere near the target. Shortly afterwards Adam Michalowski went down injured and was hobbling badly the ball went dead and the ref blew early, I can only assume that he recognised that it was a fair way to end the game there and then thus avoiding uncontested scrums although Stu has been known to hook and the opo had a spare hooker. So for the second season running we ended the season in a drawn game 12-12. Throughout the game SODAM at times had to contain some considerable ustained pressure when they were penned in their own 22 for long periods in both halves and it was to the credit of players like Michal who made countless takles and laid his body on the line that we did not conceed more points. Credit also to Izu for soldiering on after sustaining a nasty finger dislocation.

Well done everyone, next stop Croatia.

                                                                                 Report by Chris Moores

Team: Pete Nolan, Adam Micalowski, Slaps, Michal Jarowsinski, Colin Duff, Andrew Brooks, Adam Standley, Stuart Frost, Patrick Walsh, Gibby, Daniel Bodman, Izu Nwachukwu, John Bodman, John Sykes, Moorsey, Ben Goetz, Andy Butler

Tries: Gibby & Adam Standley   Cons: Mooresy (1)

Man of the Match: Michal Jarowsinki

                                      * * * * * * * *

17 April 2010 v Mill Hill (home)                                         Result: 15-19 (L)

1.Pete Nolan, 2.Adam Micalowski, 3.James Salter-Duke, 4.Adam Standley, 5.Roy Coombes, 6.Andrew Brooks, 7.Bob Coutts, 8.Ben, 9.Gibby,  10.Grant Coombes, 11.John Sykes, 12.Izu Nwackuwu, 13.Opo, 14.Gary McMorland, 15.Mooresy, 

Tries: Ben (3)               
                                      * * * * * * * *

10 April 2010 v SODAM Old Boys (home)                        Result: 22-10 (W)

SODAM Old Boys Squad

1 Steve Richards, 2 Ian Wells, 3  Paul Derrett, 4 Robin Ogleby, 5 Roobz, 6 Tim Glover, 7 Joe Townsend, 8 Stuart Frost, 9 Liam Roberts 10 Tom Hodgson, 11 Fabio, 12 Will King, 13 Paul, 14 Ian, 15 Andrew Harrison, 16 Bob Coutts  No shows:  Emlyn Evans, Chad Smith Withdrawals:  Dave Griffiths, Stef Criscuolo, Gary Winstanley, Mark Efange, John Farrow, Jon Mitchell, Mad Mick, Jim Keary.

Tries: Liam, Tim

SODAM Squad

1 Pete Nolan, 2 Adam Michalowski, 3 James Salter-Duke, 4 Michal Jarowsinski , 5 Tom, 6 John Sykes 7 Andrew Brooks, 8 Exile, Dion McLeod, 10 Tim Denton, 11 Hugh, 12 Izu Nwachukwu, 13 Alex, 14 Gary McMorland, 15 Mooresy, 16 Andrew No Shows:  Borja Sordo, Terry Njera, Robbo, Pat George Withdrawals: Rich Burgess, Steve Nolan  

Tries: Michal, James, Tm                    

                                     * * * * * * * *

27 March 3010 v CSSC Barbarians (home)                     Result: 10-30 (L)

Provisional squad tbc: Pete Nolan, Adam Michalowski, Ian Wells, Michal Jarowsinski, Steve Nolan, Stuart Frost, Adam Standley, Dion McLeod, Robbo, Andrew Brooks, James Keary, Jon Bodman, Izu Nwachukwu, Mooresy, John Sykes, Pat George, Orish, Borja

Man of the Match:

Tries:                             Cons

                                     * * * * * * * *

20 March 2010 v Ealing Exiles (Away)                             Result: 07-19

Team: Pete Nolan, Adam Michalowski, Ian Wells, Slaps, Michal Jarowsinski, Steve Nolan, Mooresy, Dion McLeod, Gibby, Gary McMorland, Jon Bodman, Izu Nwachukwu, JJ.

Man of the Match:

Tries: Pete Nolan              Cons: Mooresy

                                   * * * * * * * *

13 March 2010 v Northolt (Home)                                    Result: 00-12

Team: Pete Nolan, Ian Wells, James Salter-Duke,  Michal Jarowsinski, Steve Nolan, Adam Standley, Andrew Brooks, Adam Michalowski, Mooresy, Robbo, Gary McMorland, Jon Bodman, John Sykes, Tim Denton.  Withdrawals: Joe Townsend, Will King, Joe Townsend, Mark Efange, Pat George, Bob Coutts

Man of The Match:

Tries:                          Cons:                   Champagne Moment

Colgate Dick of the Day Award:

                                 * * * * * * * *

06 March 2010 v Bank of England II/III (Away)               Result: 10-00 (W)

Team: Pete Nolan, Bob, Ian Wells, Michal Jarowsinski, Slaps, Steve Nolan, Joe T, James, Dion McLeod, Robbo, Gary McMorland, James Keary, Morne, Mooresy, Tim Denton, Orish.     WDs Sunhill Sharma, Adam Michalowski, John Sykes, Alex, Will king.

Man of the Match: Steve Nolan

Tries:                          Cons:                   Champagne Moment

Colgate Dick of the Day Award:

                                         * * * * * * * *

27 February 2010 v A Millhillians Select (Home)      Result: 37-10  W

Old Abbottstonians pulled out very late on the Friday leaving us with just a few hours to get new opo but with a bit of help from our friends at Old Millhillians and Ealing Exiles a game was played which SODAM won 37-10 with Dion scoring SODAMs second hattrick of the season . 

Squad: Pete Nolan, Adam Michalowski, Scotty, James Salter Duke, Tom, Michal Jarowsinski, John Sykes, Steve Nolan, Dion McLeod, Robbo, Andrew Brooks, Tim Denton, Fabio, John Bodman, Pat George, Mooresy, 

Man of the Match:

Tries:  Dion 3, Adam 2, Michal         Cons: Michal        Champagne Moment

Colgate Dick of the Day Award:

                                         * * * * * * * *

20 February 2010 v Ickenham IIs (Away) Cancelled away 25-00 walkover (W)

Sadly we were unable to get any opo after a late cancellation.

                                          * * * * * * * * 

13 February 2010 v Staines IV (Away)   Merit League                        Result 00-79

The score says it all really. Staines are just too good for this league and were certainly too good for SODAM reducing the team to making mistakes after mistake. Always difficult to turn in your best when the opo are so much better. 

Team: Pete Nolan, Bob Coutts, Scotty, Mic Connetta, Tom, Michal Jarowsinski, Pat George, Slaps, Richard Davis, Adam Michalowski, Dion McLeod, Robbo, Andrew Brooks, Tim Denton, Fabio, Mooresy, Terry Macauley,

Man of the Match: Dion McLeod

Tries:                          Cons:                   Champagne Moment

Colgate Dick of the Day Award: Slaps and Pete for spitting the Dummy.

                                       * * * * * * * *

06 February 2010 v Old Millhillians II (Home)                      Result 15-08 (W)

Team: 1.Pete, 2.Bob, 3.Ian, 4.Pat, 5.Michal, 6.John S, 7 Joe T, 8.Adam 9.Stuart, 10.Robbo, 11.Andrew, 12.Steve N, 13.John B, 14.Gary, 15.Mooresy, 16.Slaps

Man of the Match: Adam Michalowski

Tries: Adam (2) Gary   Champagne Moment: Garys first ever try

Colgate Dick of the Day Award: Ian & Stuart for feeble ball juggling

                                          * * * * * * * *

30 January 2010 v HAC II (Home)                                          Result: 42-03 (L)

Team: 1.Simon, 2.Ian, 3.Scotty, 4.Michal, 5.Pat, 6.Adam, 7.Will, 8.Pete, 9.Dion, 10.Robbo, 11.Andrew, 12.Tim, 13.Keary, 14.Mooresy, 15.Cameron    WDs Chris R, John B

Man of the Match:   

Tries:   nil                                    Pen: Tim

Colgate Dick of the Day Award:  Pete Nolan - Prop/No 8's don't kick

                                * * * * * * * *

23 January 2010 v London French II  (Away)   Result 05-24 (L)

Team: 1.Pete, 2.Ian, 3.Scotty, 4.Michal, 5.Slaps, 6.Andrew, 7.Keary, 8.Adam, 9.Dion, 10.Robbo, 11.Gary, 12.Tim, 13.Jon, 14.Chris R, 15.Mooresy, 

Man of the Match:

Tries: Keary

Nice bump John shame your warwound was inflicted by Slaps

                                       * * * * * * * *

I6 January 2010 v Feltham II (home)   Result (Postponed opo had no team and bad weather)

Squad: 1.Pete, 2.Ian, 3.Eamonne, 4.Michal, 5.Adam, 6.Newbie, 7.Newbie, 8.Keary, 9.Dion, 10.Robbo, 11.Andrew, 12.Tim, 13.Newbie, 14.Mooresy, 15.Gibby, 16.Pat, 17.Bob, 18.John B

                                     * * * * * * * *

9 January 2009 v CSSC Barbarians (away)   Result (Cancelled bad weather)

Squad: 1.Pete, 2.Adam, 3.Ian, 4.Michal, 5.Pat, 6.Steve N, 7.Joe T, 8.Stuart, 9.Dion, 10.Robbo, 11.Gary McM, 12.Morne, 13.Keary, 14.Mark E, 15. Mooresy, 16.John S, 17.Bob, 18.Slaps, 19.Chris R, 20.Cam

                                   * * * * * * * *

19 Dec 09 v Ealing Exiles (away)                    Result 40-05 (W)

After such a close game against a Top 4 side the previous week, we were brimming with confidence in our final fixture of the season, a friendly against Ealing.

The snow that had fallen leading up to the match, had put the game in doubt, and when a pitch inspection was done at SODAM’s home ground early on Saturday morning, it was decided that the pitch was unplayable.  Rather than say ’game off’, we switched the game to Ealing’s home ground.

When we arrived to find the pitch covered in snow, the Antipodean contingent thought it was a sick joke that the match was going ahead.  They walked in to the bar area to see everyone drinking Guinness, and this gave them the impression that it actually was a joke.  But when Wellsy offered them a half each as a ‘warm-up’, they understood that the game was still on!

The warm changing rooms gave everyone a false sense of security, because the conditions outside were freezing (literally).  As per SODAM tradition, we had plenty of stragglers, but in an unusual turn of events, we had more players than the opposition.  As this was a friendly, we were happy to provide players to the other team, and we got underway playing 13 a side, and agreed to play 30 minute halves.

The pitch was covered in at least an inch of snow, which was bound to make handling tricky.  Tactics should have been to keep the game tight, kick a lot, and put pressure on the opposition in their own 22, which is exactly what SODAM planned to do. 

As was the case against Old Streetonians, SODAM dominated the opening exchanges, especially in the forwards, and the domination was transferred to points on the board early – with a lovely try to Joe (his first for SODAM) after him making an excellent break.  Tim added the extra’s from close to straight in front, and SODAM had an early 7-0 lead.

The next few minutes saw some good attacking play from both sides, with good handling on display in the tricky conditions.  Some good tactical kicking from Robbo kept the opposition pinned in their own 22, and it was an opportunity for SODAM to capitalise on some excellent play.  From a lineout deep in our attacking 22, Dion passed it out to Robbo, who drew his man and passed to Tim.  Tim managed to get on the outside of his man, and strolled in for the second try of the match.  It was a good piece of attacking play, and when Tim added the extras, we held a 14-0 advantage.

Ealing were trying their best to break our line at every opportunity, but solid defence from the inside SODAM backs was repelling them at every attempt.  They were becoming increasingly frustrated, and handling errors started to creep in to their game.  This gave SODAM plenty of attacking ball, and we made sure that we capitalised on it.  Joe crossed for his second try of the match from another piece of excellent broken play running, and when Tim nailed his 3rd kick from 3 attempts, SODAM held a 21-0 lead, only minutes from half time.

After pinning Ealing in their 22 once again, they (Keary playing for Ealing) managed to run it out of defence.  He offloaded on the inside, but the pass was knocked on by another Ealing player.  This gave SODAM a scrum just inside our attacking half, on the left hand side of the field.  The ref signalled that this was to be the last play of the half, and another try here would surely put SODAM out of reach on the scoreboard.

From the base of the scrum Dion passed to Robbo, who put a beautiful cut out ball right on Tim’s chest.  Tim still had plenty of work to do from about 40 metres out, but managed to cross for his second try of the match.  Whilst lining up the conversion, the ref offered Tim a swig of whiskey which he declined, and he proceeded to slot the goal kick for a 28-0 half time lead.

This was the best half of football SODAM had played all year, in the worst conditions we had faced all year.  We looked dangerous every time we had the ball in attack, and our defence was committed to making the first tackle.  The message at half time (apart from trying to keep warm by drinking whiskey & port) was to ensure that we were sensible with the ball in the second half, and ensure that we didn’t get lazy in defence.

Unfortunately, the second half didn’t start as planned, with Ealing crossing in the first 5 minutes after some sloppy play from SODAM.  Fortunately Mooresy (also playing for Ealing) missed the conversion, and we stayed more than 3 converted tries ahead.

By this stage of the game, a couple more Ealing players had arrived giving them some life in the backline, but the SODAM defence stood firm, with Robbo and Keary (now playing for SODAM) making some big hits.  One hit from Robbo hurt himself more than the Ealing player, but unlike the Ealing players who were injured (or too cold to keep playing) Robbo soldiered on.

SODAM continued to attack well, thanks to some strong forward play around the fringes of the rucks, and excellent handling of a very slippery ball.  After a scrum in our attacking 22, a ruck formed on the right side of the field about 15 metres out.  With all the forwards lingering in the backline (yes, Pete was out there too!), something was bound to happen.  But when Robbo stepped back inside after taking a nice ball from Dion off the bottom of the ruck, he caught the Ealing defence totally off guard.  He put his head down, and went for the line (could anyone actually see the line anyway through the snow?).  Somehow though he came up short according to the ref, and from the ensuing ruck, Tim scored a very soft pick up and put down try, giving him a hat-trick for the day.  He added the extras, and we had skipped out to a 35-5 lead, with 5 minutes left to play.

Ealing’s heads had dropped once they conceded that try after being competitive for the first 25 minutes of the second half, and SODAM really wanted one more try to finish them off.  Ealing knocked the ball on not long after the restart, and Tim pinned them in their defensive 22 with a good kick.  The Ealing full back responded with a kick of his own, which went straight to Robbo who had dropped back to Full Back to protect his shoulder.  Robbo returned the ball with interest, palming off the first defender, then getting to the outside of the next.  With the line in sight for the second time today, Robbo did his best Jonah Lomu impersonation, trying to run straight over the top of the full back, but at the same time managed to knock the ball on.  Ealing fed the scrum deep inside their own 22, but when the ball came out of the 2nd row, Dion scored his second opportunists try within the space of a week when he toe-poked the ball into the ingoal area, and dived on it to score.  Tim missed his first kick of the game, and the scores finished 40-5 when the ref blew a halt to proceedings.

Standout performances for the day came from Dion, who played a fine game at scrum-half, especially in tricky conditions.  Pete, Adam and Ian all played a strong game in the front row, and really laid a solid platform for the backs to attack from.  Tim scored the first hat-trick of tries in his career, and for kicked 5 out of 6 goals, but Man of the Match goes to Joe for his strong running, aggressive defence, excellent work at the break-downs and for bagging his first two tries of the season.  Well done also to the numerous SODAM players who wore the Ealing jersey for the day including John who made his debut for both sides.  Commiserations however go to John Sykes, who was the only SODAM player in the squad on the day who didn’t actually wear a SODAM jersey (so technically John hasn’t played on a winning side all season still!)

Overall, it was a wonderful display from SODAM, and a great way to finish an otherwise disappointing year, especially with our team Xmas Dinner held afterwards.  If we continue to put a similar team on the park week after week, we could really turn our season around after Xmas!

Wishing all of the SODAM family a wonderful Christmas with their families and loved ones, and a safe and prosperous New Year.

Team: 1.Pete, 2.Adam, 3.Ian, 4.Michal, 5.Stuart, 6.John S, 7.Joe T, 8.Bob, 9.Dion, 10.Robbo, 11.Andrew, 12.Tim, 13.Keary, 14.Mark E, 15.Moorsey, 16.John, NS Morne

Man of the Match: Joe Townsend 

Tries: Joe T (2) Tim (3) Dion                           Cons Tim (5)

Halftime port for Chris and Keary in our chilly match at Trailfinders (Bottle soon to be nabbed by Wellsy)

                                       * * * * * * * *

12 Dec 09 v Old Streetonians III  (away)        Result 24-27 (L)

After 2 games in a row against teams in the top 4, we made it a hat-trick with our trip across to East London to play Old Streetonians.

Fresh off the back of a 100-0 win the previous week against a team that beat us 58-7, this should have been a walk in the park for them.  Before kick-off, Pete asked for commitment from everyone in the SODAM shirt, and that is what he got.

In what was a reasonably scrappy opening, SODAM definitely had the upper hand.  The SODAM pack, which included father and son combination Roy and Grant both playing out of position, definitely had the best of the early exchanges.  Unlike recent games, we managed to capitalise on our territorial advantage early, with Dion scoring a fantastic opportunists try.  The ball came flying out the back of an Old Street scrum thanks to a big SODAM push, Dion cleverly toe poked the ball into the in-goal area, and was the first to dive on it.  Tim added the extras with a drop kick conversion (thanks to Pete leaving half the gear back at SODAM – including all the kicking tees), and we were 7-0 ahead.

As is usually the SODAM way, once we score, we tend to switch off, and we conceded a soft try under the posts, and when their kicker missed from straight in front, we held on to a 7-5 lead.

The Old Street backline looked well rehearsed, and when they attempted to run the ball from inside their own 22, it could have gone one of two ways.  They managed to create an overlap out wide, but the predictability of their fly half was easy to read, and when he tried a cut out ball, Tim stuck out the left hand, juggled the intercept, and then strolled in (puffing) under the sticks.  After he added the extras, from straight in front, we were out to a 9 point lead.

Soon after, we conceded another try, this time from some good broken field play from Old Street, and we went to the break up 14-10.

The message at half time was clear – we are giving them the fright of their lives, and we can’t afford to concede easy points.  We needed to be the first to score after the break, to ensure they were playing the second half under pressure.

After 5 minutes of the second half, we were trailing 15-14 after conceding another soft try, and in need of a spark.  On the back of some excellent tactical kicking by Robbo, and a couple of penalties, we had a line out 5 metres from our attacking try line.  Our line-out was functioning well, with Adam our go-to man (Is he the only hooker in the world who actually doesn’t throw the line-out, but is the number 1 jumper?).  A good throw from Ian, and Adam leapt like a salmon to take the ball.  He pulled it to ground, and the pack drove, and drove, and drove.  The ball worked its way back to Ian, and Dion and Robbo got on the back to push.  Our 10 man rolling maul was edging closer and closer to their line, and when Ian went to ground to score his first try in 3 years, the belief we could register our first win of the season was definitely there.

After missing the conversion, we had regained our lead, 19-15, and we could smell blood.  Some scrappy play ensued, and handling errors were beginning to creep in to the play of both sides.  In what could have been a match turning piece of play, Morne chased a kick down to score an incredible try, to increase our lead to 9 points.  With 15 minutes to play, we were in the driving seat, but it was a seat we hadn’t been in before this season.

We needed to score once more to make sure the game was ours, but we were on the wrong end of a refereeing decision after Robbo kicked it into a player who was clearly offside, but somehow we were called for a knock-on.  From the ensuing scrum, they raced in to score their 4th try, and the gap was closed to 4 points.  

Nerves were evident, and our confident play from earlier in the game had disappeared.  Our errors continued, and after we turned the ball over trying to attack their blindside in midfield, the stamina of Old Street got them over the line for their 5th try, even though there were about 6 SODAM players underneath the ball.  The try was converted, and they had a 3 point lead with 2 minutes to play.

We needed something special to pull this one from the fire, and following our restart, we had a scrum at about half way on the left hand side of the field.  The ref indicated that this was to be the last play of the game, and when Robbo made a mini bust, the improbable seemed possible. A short ball to Tim who was on the outside of his man stuck, and when Tim passed to put Morne into a gap, it looked like we might just do it.  But when a deliberate knock-on from their outside centre went un-noticed, and their scrum-half picked up the ball and booted it into touch, the sound of the whistle rang in our ears, and disappointment was written all over our faces.  So close to our first win, a 27-24 defeat,  and as heart-breaking as it was, we pushed a top 4 side to the limit for the 3rd week in a row.  While we don’t have anything to show for our three weeks of hard toil, we have gained an enormous amount of confidence, as a team and with each other, and we can sense now that a win is only just round the corner.

Special mentions for the match to Ian for soldiering on after breaking his nose in the first five minutes of the game (It may have actually straightened it out!) and for scoring his first five-pointer in 3 seasons (unfortunately it would have sounded unrealistic to say that we drove them back from inside our own half like you asked me to Ian!).  Thanks to Roy, Grant and Mad Mick for helping us out, and Robbo for some great general play kicking and some punishing hits on their fly-half.  However Man-of-the-Match honours go to Adam for his work in the line-outs, barn-storming runs and aggressive defence.

This weekend sees us host Ealing Exiles in a friendly, and this is our last fixture before Xmas.  We will definitely be looking forward to putting a win on the board before the break for the festive season.

Squad: 1.Pete, 2.Adam, 3.Ian, 4.Roy, 5.Deano, 6.John S, 7.Grant, 8.Mick, 9.Dion, 10.Robbo, 11.Andrew, 12.Tim, 13.Morne, 14.Moorsey, 15.Gibby, 16.Chris R

Man of the Match: Adam Michalowski

Tries: Dion, Tim, Ian, Morne                               Cons Tim (2)

                                       * * * * * * * *

05 Dec 09 v West London II  (home)                Result 12-39 (L)

Squad: Pete, Adam, Ian, Steve N, Michal, Deano, John S, Keary, Tim, Gary, Mat, Andrew, Oirish

Man of the Match: Mat

Tries: Adam & Keary                                      Cons:  Tim

                                         * * * * * * * *

28 Nov 09 v Wasps II (away)                               Result 31-34 (L)

Squad: 1.Pete, 2.Riian, 3.Jonny, 4.Adam, 5,Slaps, 6.John S, 7.Franswa, 8.Stuart, 9.Dion, 10.Michiel, 11.Mark E, 12.Tim, 13.Morne, 14.Chris R, 15.Moorsey, W/D Borja

Man of the Match:

Tries: Tim (2), Pete, Jonny, Michiel

                                         * * * * * * * *

25 Nov 09 v HMRC (home)                                      Result 12-52 (L)

Squad: Pete, Ian, Steve, Keary, Chris, Tim and guests from Dover Customs

Man of the Match:  Tim Denton                                           

Tries: Customs lads                                           Con: Tim

                                          * * * * * * * *

21 Nov 09 v Pinner (home)                               Result 00-57

Squad: Pete, Adam, Mic, Michal, Pat, Keary, Stuart, Gary, Morne, Chris R, Mark E, Mooresy, W/Ds Ian & John S

Man of the Match: Adam Michalowski

It may have been an off day at the office for the team but at least Gary looks determined.

                                          * * * * * * * *

14 Nov 09 v Ealing Exiles (home)                             Result 07-19

Squad: Pete N, Adam M, Ian W, Pat G, Michal J, Simon E, Joe T, Mark D, Dion Mc, Mooresy, Gary Mc, Duncan, Henry, Mark E, Chris R, Luke, Gideon, Bob C,     W/D Stuart F   Damian N/S

Man of the Match: Joe Townsend

Tries:   Mark Efange                 Con: Moorsey    

                                                      * * * * * * * *

7 Nov 09 v Northolt  (away)                                          Result  07-17 

A good game played in a good spirit with our old friends from Northolt. SODAM with much the smaller of the two packs stood their ground well in the scrums but were not quite street wise enough in the breakdowns where Northolt generally had the upper hand.

First blood went to Northolt when Eamonne using his considerable size bundled over from short range. But SODAM came straight back with the best try of the game when Ian tidied a tapdown from the line out to the SH Dion who fed Gibby and a quick series of pases between Mick and Tim then led to Morne being put in for a lovely try. Mango scored a copybook of Eamonnes try in the 2nd half and after several breaks from Steve, Mic etc falling short Mark bundled over for Northolts third 'fatboy' try (sorry Mark). A good few drinks were then had in the bar watching the England v Australia game before some of the senior team members took off to partake in a 'Celebration of Life' in memory of former friend & team mate Dave Lawrence. (see pics below)

Trevor, Robin, Ian, Andrew, Ayla, Gary, Ian, Slaps, Deano, Mooresy

Team: 1.Pete, 2.Ian, 3.Mic C, 4.Pat, 5.Michal J, 6.Deano, 7.Steve, 8.Mick K, 9.Dion, 10.Gibby, 11.Chris R, 12.Tim, 13.Morne, 14.Mark E, 15.Mooresy, 16, Damian, 17.Slaps, 18.John S        W/D Rudi

Man of the Match: Gibby

Tries: Morne Joubert       Con: Tim Denton

                                    * * * * * * * *

31 October v Uxbridge II (home)                                 Result 22-22

Team: 1.Pete Nolan, 2.Borja, 3.Mic Connetta, 4.Michal Jarosinski, 5.Pat George, 6.John Sykes, 7.Swifty, 8.Paul Knowles (Knowlesy), 9.Dion, 10.Michael Robinson (Robbo), 11.Chris Moore (Moorsey), 12.Tim Denton, 13.Morne Joubert, 14.Chris Ridley, 15.Midnight Gibson (Gibby), 16.Mark Effange, 17.Steve Nolan, 18.Ashley, 19 Matt Harris, 20.Paul Turner (Slaps)     N/S Adam

Man of the Match: Borja

Tries:

                              * * * * * * * *

24 October v Staines (match postoned)

                              * * * * * * * *                           

17 Oct 09 v Britsh Airways II (home)                       Result 03-46

Squad: Pete Nolan, Ian Wells, Mic Conetta, Pat George, Michal Jarosinski, Mick Schwoerke, Matt Harris, Deano, Adam Michalowski, Knowlesy, John Sykes, James Keary, Robbo, Rich Burgess, Gary McMorland, Chris Ridley,

Man of the Match:

Tries: Nil                                                                          Pen: Tim Denton

                                           * * * * * * * *

10 Oct 09 v Quinten III  (home)                                 Result 07-58 

Team: Pete, Ian, Mic, Slaps, Michal, John S, Adam, Knowlesy, Keary, Robbo, Chris R, Tim, Rich, Gary, Mooresy, Mark E

Man of the Match: James Keary

Tries: Michal Jarosinski                                         Cons: Tim Denton

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03 0ct 09 v Bank of England III  (away)                   Result 00-10

With both teams there on time the game kicked off at three as planned but for the first 50 minutes completely cancelled each other out. In fact if the stats had been shown on Sky Sports I think it would have shown no real threat by either side to the try lines being breached and time spent in the oppositions 22 in the first half would have been very minimal. Nevertheless both teams were intent on trying to breakdown the defences with Robbo at 10 and Tim at fullback making probing runs but both the Bank were covering and tackling well. Pat came off with a damaged ankle after 20 mins to be replaced by Slaps and John S went on at half time for debutant Gary (1st game ever).

The Bank had the upper hand in the line-outs and the scrum but SODAM had the better of the back play and SODAM were the first to threaten early in the 2nd half when Gibby made a break from scrum half darting 30 yards down the wing with Mic screaming for the inside ball which narrowly failed to go to hand when less than 10 yards out. Shortly after a chip ahead and a perfect bounce to hand lead to the Bank running in a try which was followed soon after by a second try for the Bank with the boot again being used to set up the move. The game had been very even and SODAM were unlucky to have fallen behind but kept their heads and continued to fight. Ian came on for the last 25 mins shortly before a an outburst from their prop, very uncharacteristic of the game led to him being sent off for punching and then head-butting and Pete taking 10 mins for retaliation.

There were 13 players on the pitch who had all played together the previous week so despite the defeat there are signs the team and squad are coming together and there’s a belief our first win of the season is just around the corner.

Team: Pete, Adam, Mic, Pat, Steve, Matt, Deano, Knowlesy, Gibby, Robbo, Michal, Keary, Rich, Gary, Tim, Ian, John S, Slaps   No shows Nick & Chris R

Man of the Match - Michael Robinson (Robbo)

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26 Sept 09 v Old Isleworthians  (home)                   Result 10-29

This game all became a little disorganised!! 

The ref was running late and rang to apologise and to say we would be with us and able to start at 3.30 and as one of the players had left one boot behind (tell us how you can do that John) we sent him back to get it rather than lend him a pair. The Old Is had other ideas and wanted to start on time and offered one of their players as a ref but by sending a player home we were a player short so we were also offered a 59 year old replacement for him.  And so the game more or less started on time.

The stand in ref was very inexperienced and failed to get any real grip on the game and this led to the two teams, fueding and some bitter exchanges. The ref turned up just in time to see Cameron being carried off injured and as one of our players, came on as his replacement rather than as the ref but as a 2nd row replacing a centre this led to some disruption.  John then turned up with both boots and replaced Tony shortly after Slaps had come on. The poor refereeing continued with many illegal turn-overs and off the ball incidents going unseen and at halftime, despite getting slightly the better of the scrums and lineouts we found ourselves 4 tries and 24-00 down. The game had been much closer than the score suggested even though we had spent the majority of time penned in our own half.Slaps was asked to ref the 2nd half and Clint who had shown up just to watch was persuaded to borrow some boots and come out of retirement and play.  The Captain Pete asked one thing of us at halftime and that was to go out and win the 2nd half.  Clint missed the halftime team talk and first few mins of the 2nd half but when he came on in his Bermuda shorts he didn’t take long to make an impression scoring after about 5 mins with a bulldozing run and later scored a second with a short tap penalty. In between Old Is broke away and scored but the second half was the complete opposite of the first with SODAM camped in the Old Is half and with several chances going begging. Man of the match went to Adam who was press ganged into playing hooker and played a great game getting all over the pitch.   

Team: Pete, Adam, Ian, Pat, Mike, Matt, Rich, Slaps, Craig, Robbo, Chris, Cameron, Keary, John S, Tim, Clint

Tries: Clint (2)

Man of the Match - Adam Michalowski

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19 Sept 09 v Old Actonians (away)                       Result 05-80

What can I say, a bad day at the office! Thanks go to Cameron who scored a good breakaway try with an inteception and 60 metre sprint to secure our only points although Tim tried hard to add two more when he hit the upright with the conversion. Thanks also go to John for agreeing to hook although a few days latter having been unable to move was heard to be saying never again. Nice to have Gina, Una and Megan come along and support.

Team: Pete, John S, Ian, Pat, Slaps, Keary, Terry, Stuart F, Cameron, Tim, Mike, Rich, Adam, Chris, Adam   No show - Quidna  Withdrawal - Mark Luker

Tries: Cameron

Man of the Match: Cameron (by virtue of scoring)

                                           * * * * * * * *

12 Sept 09  v GWR (away)                                            Result 00-57

Expecting just 14 players were dissapointed to have two players fail to turn up. The opo only had 14 but decided to keep one on the touchline and play with 13 against 12. Not a lot can be said about this game other than Rich was bounding with energy and making tackles everywhere but for the most pat nobody else seemed particularly interested.

We let in 5 tries in the first half but started the 2nd half a bit more galvanised for a match and kept GWR out for about 20 mins but after letting one try in we then lost Javi and playing 2 players short quickly saw a further three tries conceeded.  

Team: Slap, Ian, John, Pete, Mike, Victor, Alfred, Mooresy, Javi, Rich, Morne, Terry   No shows - Craig & Pat

Man of the Match - Rich Burgess

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                Match Reports 2008/09

April 2009 v Old Redingensians                                     Result 17-17 (D) 

What a way to finish the season that started with an away win and finished at home with a draw, there is plenty to build on for next season. Unusualy for us there will be pre-season training starting early July. The highlights of the game were the first half attack of the spit the dummy contest, and leaking 17 unanswered points. The second half was better and after changing the complete front row and scrum half we started to boss the game and I think the number of subs we had (yes we had a number of subs) took it's toll on the Reading boys and our fitness turned possesion into points something we didn't do in the first half.

                                         * * * * * * * *

7th March v London Italians                                         Result 86-12 (L)

Well what can I say apart from, I’m so glad we will not have to play rugby against a football team again! The players all agreed the Referee had a good game, I on the other hand felt he missed too much of the Italians off the ball shenanigans, thus said, SODAM battled from the 1st to the 80th minute, playing a man short due to two drop outs and a 50/50 not making it. A re-jig of the pack saw Liam normally scummie pack down at No 8 and Mooresy out on the wing come in for scrums at open side, this did cause a bit of confusion in the Italian ranks as they never spotted the acres of space out wide at scrums.

Highlights of the game were SODAM’s two tries, the first was a rumble up field and off load 30 metres out for Paul “SLAPS” Turner to hand off 2 players pirouette out of another tackle to score under the posts, that’s how he reported it to me after his fifteenth pint of “OLD WILLIE’S JOCK STRAP”, the truth is a little bit clearer after marching the Italians back another 10 yards for again walking off with the ball/ kicking it away at a penalty (SOOOOOOOOOO Childish) a tap penalty, a pick and drive followed by Slaps picking up at the base and evading two on the line to score with the Italians saying it was held up but  referee Ollie seeing it in SODAM’s favour, lets hope it’s not another 20 years before you score your second try for SODAM Slaps. The second came from another run at the Italians, (as Corporal Jones said they don’t like it up ‘em) result in yet another penalty and a quick charge at a retreating back line saw Borja score, Tom added the extras.

Tries: Slaps, Borja                Cons: Tom Hodgson

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March 2009 v Feltham                                         Result 17-41 (L)

The score flatters Feltham slightly, as we actually gifted them not one but Two converted tries by kicking the ball in the 22! A further try came from having a discussion with the ref whilst they took the quick penalty a ran through an almost non existant defence. A brighter moment was when Simon was driven over from a good lineout take to score in the corner.

The second half was started brighter for Sodam, which saw James Keary come on into the centre and bolstered the defence and as usual was full of running and tackling. Ten minutes into the second half saw Mark Efange make his season debut and after a strong twinkle toed run from Steve was on hand and with his first touch beat 2 defenders to score. After another strong bout of SODAM pressure saw Simon Swallow Dive over. The game went to uncotested scrums when Simon came off (and far from me to be cynical but I'm sure this was JUG AVOIDANCE) the pack was also hindered when Pete Nolan finally succumbed to his migraine which meant the reintroduction to the front union for me this time at loosehead (whats all the fuss about?).

Man of the Match and Dick of the Day went unpunnished suffice to say man of the match was Russell for his strong ball carrying performance at No 8 dick of the day well it was close but I think although he did score 2 tries the one thing I have learnt  is hookers shouldn't attempt a swallow dive so Sorry Simon you get Dick of the Day for injuring yourself in the process.

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31st January 2009 v British Airways                              Result 17-24

Well it was most definitely a game of two halves with both teams starting with 14 a side, SODAM took the ball by the horns and mounted attack after attack only to contrive to lose the ball with the try line beckoning and BA seizing the opportunity and score completely against the run of play, this happened on more than one occasion in fact SODAM concocted to concede four unanswered tries and get on the wrong side of the ref who marched us back 10 yards every time we conceded a penalty.

The second half started the way the first half ended with SODAM on the offensive this time didn’t shoot ourselves in the foot and scored, through a move through the centre which saw Glenn score in the corner. The second try was rather fortuitous as BA tried to clear their lines an attempted box kick from BA’s scrummy got held up in the wind and went backwards, bounce off Tonys’ shins another hack from BA somehow ended up in Simons’ hands to romp in almost unopposed from 15 yards. With time ticking away SODAM launched another attack which resulted in Glenn scoring near enough to the posts which enabled Jamie to add the extras. All that was needed was one last push, well that push was a scrum on the 5 metre line but cold hands and strong resistance from BA saw them hold out and secure a win.

Man of the Match was awarded to Alex for his no nonsense in your face game.

Dick of the Day was given to Darren who turned up LATE we were actually getting showered; otherwise the dick of the day would have gone to BA’s scrum half for his backward clearance.

Next week we are at HOME Bank of England 12pm Meet 1pm KO it is a rearranged League Match.

Update “QUIZ NIGHT” March teams of up to 6 £6 per team 8 rounds of General Knowledge, The Venue is Hayes & Harlington Community Centre, Albert Road, Hayes Middlesex. Nearest Public transport Hayes & Harlington BR station.

1st prize a pair of tickets to a Guinness Premiership game of your choice 2nd prize is a signed ball of a Guinness Premiership team of your choice, there will also be a raffle and cheap BEER! This is a night where WAGS are welcome.

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30th August 2008 v Northolt (Friendly)                            Result: 43-38  

SODAM's 2008-9 season began in the glorious sunshine you would perhaps expect of late august (in Madrid!) with a "friendly" game against Northolt, at their place. The unseasoned hot weather (not the　with pre-season fitness levels) meant we played four 20 minute quarters rather two 40 minute halves, allowing us to enjoy the iced water supplied by Northolt at regular intervals.　　

SODAM started slow losing the 1st Quarter 7-17, with our first try coming at the death of the first quarter, bringing us back into a game we already seemed out of. James S-D powered through the bewildered Northolt defence, from about 15m out to score mid-way from the posts giving Chris a good opportunity to add the conversion - which he did.

In the heat the down hill slope was to prove important with both teams having there best quarters down hill. In comparison to another summer sport, much like in cricket one dayers where a distinct mental advantage lies with the teams batting second as they know what they're chasing - SODAM would also know what they were chasing downhill so to speak! (Or the comparison can be made to tennis where the player serving first has an advantage, both in the subsequent sets, and the key 3rd and 5th sets - you can tell what I've spent my summer doing!　Olympic tactics may feature next week.) Anyway with this advantage SODAM scored three tries (two converted by an on-fire Chris) to Northolt's one converted try, putting SODAM in the lead 26-24 at half time. As mentioned "on-fire" Chris scored under the posts, and converted his try, whilst Frankie (on lone from the Springboks) scored in the corner with a darting, weaving run from the wing. The third try was scored by Richie. Unusually with Wayne on kicking duties as Chris took advantage of the rolling subs for a break, Wayne missed his conversion opportunity. More importantly one of the Northolt players after breaking down the wing managed to run the ball dead in a vain search for "under the posts" losing Northolt a decisive five points (the margin they lost by!).

With Northolt back playing down hill the third quarter was closer but SODAM eventually emerged victorious with two unconverted tries from Henri and Chris to their one converted try, leaving the score at 36-31, with one drinks break and 20 minutes to go. The last quarter was a tight affair with one converted try each, SODAMs scored by Frankie, who's darting efforts down the hill and down the wing proved too much for a very tired Northolt team (and to be fair a tired SODAM team also, its not like there were loads of us in support if the run went all tits up!). Wayne having taken over the kicking from Chris finally landed one from the touchline after 3 near but failed attempts. The final score coming in at 43-38 to SODAM, not that most players knew at the end as frankly the maths is just far two difficult when you get past the number of fingers in the front row!　So the season's off to a good start, lets continue this at London Media, where if there's any journo's from the Daily Mail things are likely to get violent from my point of view!　Just a reminder those who want to train -　facilities are available at Northolt and West London during the week - ask Ian for details. Unbelievably I'm also a rugby coach (John S) if anyone wants to go through some technical stuff before a match (assuming I'm there early enough). Also we all need to be organised as Ian is off saving the world at the end of the month for a bit! Finally thanks to Slaps for reffing (and for not sending me off). 　                                                                       Match report John Sykes

Tries: James S-D (1), Chris (2), Frankie (2), Henri (1), Richie (1) Cons: Chris (3)　Wayne (1)　

2008-9 Season Top Points Scorers: Chris - 16; Frankie - 10; James S-D; - 5; Richie - 5; Henry - 5; Wayne – 2;　

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                     Match Reports 2007-08.

17 May 2008 Northolt/SODAM Charity trophy 

SODAM won the Northolt/SODAM trophy on Saturday with some great performances starting with a hard fought game against the much bigger pack of Northolt who we beat 7-0 in the opening group match followed by wins over Ealing Exiles 38-00 and Old Vaughanians 19-00 in match marred by lots of unnecessary niggling and far too much verbal from the opo who seemed to think they might talk themselves a victory but they were never in a with a shout from the start.
 
The only try we conceded was in the opening minute of our semi final against the London Japanese but this only served as a wake up call and we went on to win comfortably running in 4 tries.

In the final we played the Sudbury Springboks who were clearly the best team in the other half of the draw but the final seemed to be one match too far as we were reasonably untroubled in either the backs or forwards and should probably have converted more opportunities than the 3 unconverted tries and 2 drop goals from Bobby Goulding that we did take.  Surely it's easier to covert place kicks than take drop kicks Bobby?

To all those players who helped out the CSSC Baabaas, Ealing Exiles etc without complaint many thanks.  Some we did manage to get on the field for SODAM in the semi final and Final. 

Unfortunately we were I believe the only team to have players carted off to hospital with first Flannan O'Mally dislocating his wrist on his debut for SODAM in the first minute of the opening game and Hamish having his fingernail stood on and crushed inwards in what was maybe his last game for us as he is returning to Cheltenham in July.  It was great to see Paddy back in a SODAM shirt again and to have Tim Glover take to the field again (and score a try) only the second time he has turned out this season but the misses says he should play more next season so we may have to negotiate at a higher level than Tim.  
 
Top try scorer was Alex O'Rourke with 7 tries. 

Squad.

Forwards: Rob Langham, Ian Wells, James Salter-Duke, Steve Barham, Tim Glover, Hamish Adamson, Paddy Stock, Tim Prail, Mark Jackson, Matt Harris, Duncan Threadgould, John Sykes, Flannan O'Mally, 
 
Backs: Chris Moore, James Keary, Bobby Goulding, Nathan Alliston, Alex O'Rourke, Quincy Allen, Rich Burgess, Raph Diguesto, Flannan O'Mally, Alex Ferguson, Garvin Troussiant (CSSC Baabaas guest) 

SODAM squad players who played for other teams - Stuart Frost, Pat George, Wayne Meek
Failed to show - Gary Winstanley, Chris Cockle, Nick, Gareth Coady, Paul Allen

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19 April 2008 v Roxeth Manor OB (vets) (The SODAM report)

It started for SODAM in the Post Office bar about 2 months ago after a hard game and several pints when it just happened that the average age of the six players left standing at the bar after the youngsters had disappeared (no stamina) averaged over 45.  It was there the Roxeth gauntlet was thrown down.  

SODAM arrived mostly late as is their want to find a huge number of opposition and every one of them (well almost) somewhat larger than any of us. The Captain Ian decided it would be rude being a true vet not to join in the warm up ritual of a pint of Guinness but the rest of the team decided against such a warm up and as the game unfolded I think a few of the Vets may have regretted the warm up.  

SODAM were under the cosh for the opening 15 mins or so, penned in our own 22 and needed some excellent tackling from every player with some particularly big hits coming from Lurch, Ian & John B.  We just couldn’t lay our hands on the ball but our defence was fantastic under such immense pressure and held firm and the scrums were also surprisingly solid against an overwhelming weight disadvantage.  It looked like it was going to be a bad day for injuries when first one of their backs pulled his hamstring and had to go off and then the hooker who had just swapped places with the tighthead followed him off after snapping something in a collapsed scrum.  

Completely against the run of play SODAM managed to score when the fullback Chris Cockles quick thinking turned defence into attack with a quickly taken free kick and boot upfield into space found him in a sprint supported by two other SODAM backs against their winger and fallback to score.  This was neatly converted by Wayne.  We were then back on the defensive but tackling anything that moved and the tempo and competitiveness of the game continued to rise.  Ian for once found men on the opo who ran at the same pace as him and was having a great time getting involved in all the breakdowns (and was never offside er well maybe occasionally). Despite further excellent defence, SODAM were opened up shortly after scoring when a good take at the lineout saw the ball moved out wide, rucked and re-cycled.  Their scrummie ran it blind, got tackled and popped it over his head to their 2nd row Pat Joyce who fumbled, dropped and landed on the ball to score in the corner (he said in the bar afterwards he had control and made downward pressure, yeah right).  SODAM then had the third injury which saw the scorer of their 1st try go off with a broken bone in his hand and the first half ended 7-7.   

The second half continued in much the same vane with Roxeth attacking at every opportunity and SODAM continuing to tackle well but we created a few chances of our own as game went on and became a little more open and managed to score our 2nd try from a similar effort to our first with Marne latching on smartly to the chip into space and touching down for Wayne again to convert.  Roxeth thought they had scored when John at fullback touched down under his own posts as they contended he fumbled (but he didn’t) before they pounced.  They should have had an attacking scrum however as it bounced over the line off a SODAM defender but a 22 was awarded instead.  As the commitment went up and the offsides and handling on the deck increased so tempers became a little frayed.  As usual, Matt was in the thick of it being offside as he usually is at any opportunity before being replaced by Rich. The Roxeth openside Harry (biggest offside culprit) then scored but thankfully it was on the 5 yard line instead of the try line but we had it covered anyway.  Roxeth continued to pressure and got very close a few times but SODAM’s defence was remained solid and continued to tackle and cover superbly and even saw the rarity of Ian making a great touchline kick from defence.  We had some better territory in the 2nd half than in the 1st half i.e. we spent some time in midfield and a little in attack but mostly in defence and in one of our rare excursions upfield with just a few mins to go SODAM in the spirit of the game refused the opportunity to convert a pen which would have put the game out of reach and went for the lineout but the opportunity to extend our lead was lost but nevertheless the game ended 14-7 to us.  Much I am sure to the chagrin of Roxeth.  All in all a great game to be a part of.

SODAM team: 1. Ian Wells 2. Roberto 3. Andy Richards 4. Lurch 5. James Salter-Duke 6. Matt Harris 7. Hamish Adamson 8 John Bradford. 9. Jim O’Keefe 10. Clancy 11. Wayne Meek 12. Rich Burgess 13. Morne. 14 John Sykes 15. Chris Cockle 16. Pat George 17. Alex Hargreaves

Man of the Match: Lurch

Tries: Chris Cockle

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19 April 2008 v Roxeth Manor OB (vets) The Roxeth report 

It started about 2 months ago when I met Francis Dillon (Dill) in The Black Horse Pub.  It ended last night in The Black Horse pub.  On that first night myself and Dill discussed having a one off vets game for Roxeth Manor Old Boys.  Yesterday that dream became a reality.  Okay I know it’s not exactly like walking to the North Pole backwards in your underpants but it was still an achievement.  Everyone managed to get to the ground on time and by half past 2 we were all well into the warm up (most of us were into our second pint).  At ten to three we decided to get changed.  Now this was a true vets side.  I didn’t count but I would guess our average age must have been  about 45.  So it was never going to be fast.  

However the team had a different idea and from the kick off we were running everywhere at a fierce pace (it may not have looked like that from the touch line but it certainly felt like it).  In fact for the first 15 minutes we were all over SODAM.   They hardly touched the ball but their defence was fantastic.  When they are tackling big lumps like Moose and knocking him back you know you are going to have to work hard to get anywhere.    We got close a few times in the first ten minutes but failed to go over.  It didn’t help that Ben Axford pulled his hamstring and had to go off followed by Paul Duncan who had to go to hospital after snapping something shortly after a collapsed scrum (I’ll let you know what happened to him as soon as I have news).  At this point I was considering calling the game off rather than each of us getting picked off one by one.  However this was the last of the serious injuries and we continued on. 

Completely against the run of play SODAM managed to score from a long kick.  Although we had a 10 yard start they managed to overtake our winger and fallback to score (they did have 20 years on them).  This typified the game really, they were much younger and fitter than us, if only it had been 20 years earlier.  Shortly after their try we managed to score.  From a good take at the lineout the ball was moved out, rucked and re-cycled.  Taff Philips ran it blind, got tackled and popped it over his head to Pat Joyce who scored in the corner.  The first half ended 7-7.  

The second half continued in much the same vane with Roxeth attacking at every opportunity and SODAM tackling well.  SODAM created a few chances of their own and managed to score in a duplicate of their first try.  Roxeth had a good few many chances; we scored when they fumbled under the post but it was disallowed (not sure why).  Harry scored but unfortunately it was on the 5 yard line instead of the try line.  We got very close a few times but SODAM’s defence was superb and it ended 14-7 to them.  Towards the end, like old men everywhere when they get tired, we started to get grumpy and took it out on the ref, Phil Noot.  Phil took no notice, perhaps he is deaf as well as blind!!  Only kidding Phil you did a good job.  Thanks to everyone who turned up to play and support.  In the evening we adjourned to the Black Horse in Ruislip where we took over the pub and sang rugby songs (thanks to Colin and sorry if you have lost your regular customers).  Thanks to Ian Wells for changing his fixtures to play us. 
 
Team- Tony Lawer, Paul Duncan, Peter Lashley, Dave Jennings, Dave Armory, Paul Cowan, Mick Brannagan, Pat Joyce, Harry Hainsworth, Andy Miller, Jeff Strickler, Trevor Weatherall, Taff Philips, Stuart Spence, Stuart McKenzie, Nick Kennedy, Taff Evans, Francis Dillon, Ben Axford, Tommy Hymes, Dave Williams, Mark Page, Steve Vincent, Mark Wright.

Jim O’Keeeeffffffffffe, Andy Richards and Paul Clancy played for SODAM.

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12 April 2008 v Uxbridge                                  Result 14-91 (L)

Once again players dropping out on the day destroyed all game plans. Loosing 5 backs would be difficult for any team but loosing Raph (too drunk) and Rob was a really big blow for us and we also lost Quidna, Nick whose dislocated finger was playing him up and Wayne who just couldn’t get away. This still left us with 14 players but as I wasn’t keen on playing on the wing and James was running late due to public transport we borrowed 3 players to get the game going.

By the time James joined us 7 mins into the game we were already 19-00 down with several tackles being missed and the very unusual sight of seeing Sachin bumped aside in the tackle (he did some great tackling after that particularly after a small altercation raised his heckles). Five mins later we were a further two tries down and it looked like we may as well retire there and then but we somehow managed to start making the tackles and only some good play from Uxbridge brought them the further reward of two more tries in the next 28 mins but it was SODAM who ended on a high with James Keary running in a solo try.  It should be mentioned that halfway through the half Matt suffered the embarrassment of having his shorts ripped off leaving him to swing free as he reluctantly trudged off to Marks’ wife’s amusement. He then spent several comical minutes trying several borrowed pairs on before he found one to fit and even tried returning to play in track suit bottoms only to be told it wasn’t safe to do so by the ref.  

The second half started in much the same vain with Uxbridge still with the majority of possession but SODAM holding out well against a vastly bigger pack and backs all made up from Brunel University but after 15 or so mins the floodgates opened again and 5 tries followed in quick succession.  During this period we saw two players Mark Jackson and Ralph Allen from Uxbridge yellow carded for fighting (Mark why fight the biggest player on the pitch) and towards the end of that period we then saw Joe Townsend dislocate his finger (he has to be one of the most unlucky rugby players) to be replaced by Ian Wells at openside.  SODAM were rewarded for their perseverance when and for not letting their heads go down when ‘Leaping Salmon Wells’ was tossed high in the lineout to win a perfect ball off the top from Bob.  The ball was then successfully transferred quickly down the line from Liam and Roberto to James to drift across their defence and score his second try with his fourth touch of the ball (by my reckoning if he had touched it 28 times we would have won)!?!  With 10 mins still to go the Uxbridge team still had time to run in one more try and after some solid resistance opted for a drop goal which turned out to be the final kick.
 
Team: 1. Mark Jackson 2. Bob Coutts 3. James Salter-Duke 4. Karan Chadda, 5. Gareth (Guest)  6. Matt Harris 7. Joe Townsend 8. Sachin Amin 9. Liam Roberts 10. Roberto 11. Peter (Guest ) 12. James Keary, 13. Alex Hargreaves 14. Chris Moore 15. Chris Cockle 16. Ian Wells 17. Nick (Guest) 
 
Man of the Match: Joe Townsend (kept making his tackles time after time) 

Joes dislocated finger

05 April 2008 v Northolt                                          Result 14-20 (L)

All week Northolt were struggling for numbers but after dragging a few across from the Springboks and getting Craig to turn out along with a couple of late confirmations Northolt had 17 come the day whereas I thought I had 19 players which really should have been enough to start a game with 15 but on this occasion I had 7 withdrawals or no shows. Northolt agreed for John Carpenter (JC) to come across along with one of the Boks and we played one short.

Up against a vastly bigger pack SODAM took the game to Northolt and were rewarded with two tries from Raph showing power and individualism and James Salter-Duke who took a pass 5 yards out from Karan when Karan was possibly on for his first ever try (luckily he made the right decision drawing both defenders to him). 

Northolt didn’t make their extra numbers count but did use the extra weight in their pack to good effect and the two Bok centres played very well in attack and defence and gradually Northolt pulled themselves back with 3 unconverted tries (the third totally illegal as Ian was held in the scrum then blocked to making a tackle on Simon) and with the game tantalisingly balanced on 14-15 with 5 mins to go Raph tried a slip pass to Duncan 5 yards out which was easily read and intercepted for Northolt to scor te deciive score.  

Overall the game was a pretty even affair. 

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29 March 2008 v Bank of England                          Result 19-19 (D)
  
The heavens opened, 3 players withdrew on the morning, two, who were 50/50 failed to show and one simply failed to show up but despite this, SODAM played one of its best games of the season against a strong Bank side selected from its IIs and IIIs.  

With only 12 players we went cap in hand to the opo and asked for and got two props in Charlie, the Banks 3rd team vice captain and our old mate Lurch ex of London Media and a winger and actually received two in Jonathan and Ed who played a half each.  

The game was very even from the start and we were very unlucky to go 12 points down to having had better territorial advantage but first a kick ahead and lucky bounce deceived our wing for theirs to go over from short range and then after some great defence they managed to bulldoze over.  SODAM hit back with a similar try when Lurch himself bulldozed over from short range (I don’t care what you say Lurch it wasn’t from the 22 or halfway) and an excellent conversion from wide out then followed from Chris Moore. We then had some good possession before an error saw them breakaway at speed forcing Rob Robinson to track back at speed to win the race to the kick ahead and clear the danger and then another handling error lead to a similar speedy break where Chris Cockle was outnumbered and exposed at the back and they scored another converted try to extend their lead to 19-7.  With the last move of the half the Bank deserved a fourth but were denied a try as the ref was luckily for SODAM unsighted.  The Bank deserved their halftime lead although we should have had a few more points ourselves.

In bad weather conditions we kept trying to release the backs but it was the openside Joe Townsend who scored next for SODAM to take us a little closer 12 -19 before the backs got on the scoreboard with a well executed try from Raph but not before Rob should really have put in one of his colleagues from 5 yards out when three players chased a long kick but chose to take it on alone, Chris converted from in front of the posts but only just to make the score level.  SODAM were much the better side in the 2nd half and dominated the scrums and lineouts and had several other chances to score more with even Ian finding himself in possession 5 yards on the wing after breaking out with Rob and Steve Barham but 3 yellow shirts put pay to that.  The Bank themselves also had chances and a Ian’s ‘tackle of the day’ (Ian says it was anyway) stopped a probable try when the player greedily decided not to use the overlap and was unceremoniously upended and driven back before being dumped.  Lurch’s comment was it was like Ian was rolling back the years.

A well contested game and probably the correct result overall?

1. Charlie (guest) 2. Ian 3. Alistair Lurch Parkes (guest) 4. Steve Barham 5. Karan Chadda 6. Matt Harris 7. Joe Townsend 8. John Bradford 9. Chris Moore 10. Raphael Diguesto 11. John Sykes 12. Rob Robinson 13. James Keary 14. Ed/Jonathan (guest) 15 Chris Cockle

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22 March 2008 v Northolt (away)                           Result 29-15 (W)

After cancelling our game against Ealing Exiles due to lack of players, Northolt then had Pinner cancel on them so late Friday afternoon a team from SODAM and Ealing was hastily assembled which turned out to be a very useful side.

15 March 2008 v Sudbury Springboks                   Result 12-39 (L)

This was a bit of an odd game!  For large parts of the match SODAM were the better team, stronger in both the ruck and maul. Unfortunately with uncontested scrums we shall never know what might have happened in the scrums but we would love to have tested the Boks there as well.  However with the Boks getting the luck of the bounce with a kick and hope early on for the first try, things seemed to just go their way and we eventually succumbed 39-12.  At halftime and only 12-07 down we felt totally in the game and expected to win but we rammed the restart straight down the throat of one of the Boks most enterprising runners who ran it back with interest to put them 17-7 up and another breakaway score put them 22-7 up 15 mins later before Jason pulled one back and three very late tries in a quite entertaining but niggling affair, gave the Boks an eventual very flattering scoreline.  

08 March 2008 v Grasshoppers III (Friendly)        Result 05-48 (L)

This Saturday was rather a dissappointment.  Following a good win the week before, we had a lot of late drop outs and and went down 48-5 to Grasshoppers.  We had offered to cancel the game but Grasshoppers insisted they had plenty of spares and would even things up so with only 9 players, we went ahead and played and got spanked for our troubles. We played the match at various times with 13, 14 or 15 on the pitch with James Salter Duke going off injured and then coming back and hobbling around until forced off again, but apart from one of the players we inherited the rest looked rather disinterested and contributed little. 

If the SODAM players, Ian made several good tackles and should have scored, Chris Cockle made the tackle of the day, Mark got round the pitch well, Jim was as industrious as ever and Raph always looked the most likely to make a breakthrough.

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01 March 2008 v Old Abbotstonians II (Friendly)      Result 48-10 (W)

Won 48-10, yes boys we actually won a game, not only did we have the lions share of possession we actually created space to cut our backs loose with some lightning pace but created enough havoc in the forwards as well. Highlights were Pat George's first try for SODAM a nice worked move which saw Raph attacking, then when he was almost out of space passed the ball to Pat to dive over in the corner whilst Abbots were trying in vain to hold him up. Steve Barham 3 tries like a charging bull for all Abbots bravado didn't want to tackle Big Steve or any of our other charging forwards, Jim Maun, Sachin, Karan and John Bradford.

Mustn't forget my quick break when seeing Mark Jackson outside me instead of Sachin or Karan, and the offload in the tackle which lead to one of our first half tries (sorry to blow my own trumpet). Oh and the crunching tackle by Raph although it was a late call by me as Raph was retreating and turn to see the Abbots No 8 charging towards him. 

Wayne's kicking kept the scoreboard ticking over nicely with conversion after conversion and a penalty, from close in and out wide with a wind that would have caused many other kickers to have an off day.
 
Dick Of the Day went to John Sykes for being only the second SODAM player to be sent off and in the same way Gary Winstanley was shown the red card NOT EVEN ON THE PITCH !!!!!!!!!! (giving the ref verbal from the touchline) Although John's defence was that the ref misheard what he said he claimed he said hands in the ruck the ref, well you work it out.
 
A big thanks to Karan, Steve, Gaogin, Tony & Elliott who came up from West London
 
Trys: Scorers Steve Barham (3), John Bradford, Pat George, Jim Maun, Raph Diguesto                                                                                         Cons: Wayne (5) Pens Wayne (1)
 
                                                                                 Report by Chris Moore

p.s 3 Boots were bought for Pat for 1st try, Steve Barham 3 tries (down in one) & John Sykes for his red card (down in 3 or 4)

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17 November 2007 v Feltham II   Won 22-17

Having lost all the players that were meant to be spare from Northolt and West London, SODAM had a 7's side, having lost James SD (to a family crisis in Wales), Quinda's shoulder kept him out and was a no show, thankfully Feltham turned up mob handed with 22 players plus some others who had borught their kit with them on the offchance.
 
The game itself was played in great, spirit (the way I like it) Feltham drew first blood, with an unconverted try. SODAM bounced back with a well worked try by Feltham's loaned No 8 unfortunately the conversion under the post from the loaned fly half went wide, then low and behold another try this time yours truly stepped up to take over the kicking at goal. Dan Lindsey succumbed to a back injury just before half-time, after some powerful forward play from Feltham which saw us go in at half time 12-10 up.  

The second half was evenly matched but with no lineout specialist jumper all sorts of moves were called including the adventurous move which saw Eoin Reddan score in the corner in the Heineken cup final last year, unfortunately SODAM's version didn't travel the required 5 yards. Nevertheless SODAM still managed to concoct a converted try again for the third time the borrowed No 8 (jug and plenty of stick time). SODAM then managed to undo all the hard work at the scrum with only 7 men and proceed to start going backwards at a rate of knots some brave tackling prevented Feltham from scoring more than one other unconverted try and they also managed to miss a golden opportunity to score a penalty from just to the left of the posts, and we were a little lucky the TMO wasn't present as some sloppy play saw Feltham almost score from a bouncing ball in the dead ball area. As the clock wound down SODAM found themselves in Feltham's 22 going forward a call from the fly half wanting the ball from the base of a ruck saw Chris Pass perfectly into his waiting hands and with a Jonny like metronomic kick straight between the posts, from the kick off Feltham desperately sought a Converted try only to infringe at the breakdown (not for the first time) and the ref  blew for full time with the final score SODAM & Feltham 22 Feltham 17, although this score was reversed for league purposes. A thoroughly sporting contest (I think they are going a bit soft, 2 games vs them this year and no fisticuffs) with the man of the match was Greg the borrowed No 8 for his 3 try contribution and all the hard yards he made.

Team: 1 Mark Jackson 2 Rob Langham 3 Phil (frfc) 4 Dan Lindsey 5 Guest (sorry) 6 John Sykes 7 John Bradford 8 Greg (frfc) 9 Chris Moore 10 Glen (frfc) 11 &12 Guests (again sorry) 13 Marcus 14 nobody  15 Guest

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03 November 2007 v West London II/Vets (Friendly) Result 26-57 (L)

27 October 2007 v Old Abbotstonians II (League) Result 34-12 (W)

SODAM for once had a large squad of players available for the game with our old adversaries Old Abbotstonians.  Unfortunately the rules of the league only allow for just three subs or 5 if agreed between the two captains so it was necessary for several players to be rested but SODAM being SODAM then had 3 cry-offs reducing a squad which started the day with 25 to a suddenly became thin 17.

It was clear from the first scrum that SODAM were going to completely rule the scrum and SODAM were just as commanding in the lineout.  So commanding was their performance in set play that in the second half not a single scrum was lost and most opposition line out was also won.  The forwards were also winning all the breakdown and loose ball but the game was not all about forward play however as the team looked to get all the backs involved and move the ball around which was reflected in the share of three tries each to the backs and forwards.

SODAM had a legitimate try by David ruled out with the ref unsighted before scoring two early tries.  We then had the misfortune to lose Nick who was carrying a knee injury bringing Justin off the bench to play Hooker, forcing David to move to the backs and then loosing Jim who went off when he landed awkwardly 2 yards short of the line and popped a couple of ribs to be replaced by Ian, the third hooker in the first 20 mins.  We regrouped and continued to play well and at halftime with the pack always on the front foot and the halfbacks playing well, Alex had the perfect platform to run amok at centre with the help of some excellent back row support from John and a 22 nil lead at halftimes was no less than we deserved.  Carlos was put into space by Alex a few times and should have bagged a couple of tries before going off at halftime.  Abbotts sportingly lent us a wing but he only lasted 15 mins and Carlos returned to finish the game with a bad back.

The second half was all SODAM pressure but an ill advised pass let them in for a penalty try when they hacked ahead and Gee decided to take out the chasing player when it was by no means a certainty the foot race to the ball had been lost.  SODAM went back on the attack and executed a perfectly executed pushover try from a scrum and Taff, Ian and several others went close before the we scored our sixth try.  Then with the final move of the game Abbotts scored there second try to make the final score a little closer than it really should have been.        

Man of the Match: Alex Lee

Team: 1. Scotty, 2. Rob, 3. James, 4. Karan, 5. Pat (1), 6. John B (2), 7. David 8. Jim, 9. Liam, 10. Taff (1), 11. Nick, 12. Alex (2), 13. Gee, 14. Carlos, 15. Chris M, 16. Ian, 17. Justin.

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20 October v Belsize Park III League (League) Result 00-39 (L)

13th October 2007 away to Old Isleworthians II (League) Result 10-50 (L)

Jonny Wilkinson landed two late kicks as the champions fought back to reach their second World Cup final in a row with a dramatic win over hosts France. England took a second-minute lead through Josh Lewsey but two Lionel Beauxis penalties put France 6-5 up. A penalty apiece from Beauxis and Jonny Wilkinson saw France lead 9-8. Wilkinson hit a post with a drop-goal attempt, but landed a penalty and drop-goal in the last five minutes to stun France and send England through. The match started in explosive fashion as England took the lead after just 78 seconds. Andy Gomarsall clipped a box-kick down the line and Damien Traille, usually a centre but playing out of position at full-back, dithered as the ball skittered along near the touchline. When it popped up Traille momentarily slipped and Lewsey latched onto the ball before blasting over and through the Frenchman to score. England's heroic forward performance was said to be inspired by the SODAM RFC pack who battled against the Old Isleworthians, earlier in the day. Tough tackling and hard work at the break down led by the days draft: Eugene & Co. ensured the forwards won good ball allowing flying backs Alex Lee & Brian Green, to score two stunning tries. Alex crashed over from the centre, with good support from the forwards, in the first half; whilst Brian left with a lot of work to do jinked between the Old Isleworthians drift defence to score in the corner, in the second half. The tricky fixture was epitomized by SODAM's resilience and never-say-die attitude.* (Final score: Sodam 10-50 Old Isleworthians)

*The author is not responsible for any inaccuracies in the above match report as activities on Saturday night mean that his memory of the day is probably to be found somewhere at the bottom of a jug of snakebite in Shepherd’s Bush Walkabout. He apologises to all those missed out and ignored in the report.

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06 October 2007 (home) v Old Actonians Vets (Friendly)       Result 07-35 (L)

SODAM had to beg steal and borrow to keep this game on and with the help of 5 Northolt, 2 West London and two Old Actonians the game went ahead but it was of little surprise that the team didn't gel too well.  Despite this SODAM took an early lead from a chip and chase and a couple of hack ons from Chris Cockle who was then pipped for the touchdown by one of the Old Actonian guests. Both teams tried to play the ball through the hands but Old Actonians eventually got success from their larger pack mauling to the try line for the teams to go in level at halftime but realising this was their most likely route to success they repeated it three more times with all four tries being scored under the post before they finished with a good try from open play to give them a deserved 07-35 success albeit with a wider margin than they should have gained.  Man of the match Tony (Old Actonians).

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29 September 2007 v Feltham II (Friendly)            Result 15-10 (W)

Why does it always rain when we come to Feltham?  Was only spitting this year unlike last year when the heavens opened and it was freezing.
 
Both sides had a few late withdrawals and with Dan a no show for SODAM (his first) the sides still kicked managed to kick off with 13 aside.  This lasted all of 2 minutes when Ian made a clean tackle but tore a muscle in his stomach before he hit the deck and had to leave the match in great pain. 
 
The game was full of handling errors from both sides but both teams tried to attack and the game provided plenty of entertaining end to end stuff and the game could have gone either way.  The refereeing was dreadful but equally bad for both teams  overall although one incorrect call in the 2nd half lost SODAM the length of the pitch and almost one of their players who stormed off the pitch but was coaxed to return by Ian.
 
SODAM took the lead halfway through the 1st half when Mark Efange after some good passing put him away on a long run down the wing (he still has the pace to beat most players and Mark had a good rest after his exertion, the first of many rests that game (Chris on the touchline tried to keep count but couldn’t). ) The conversion attempt although over the bar was called under? Feltham came straight back at SODAM and equalised within minutes for once using their man advantage.  Up until then and for much of the rest of the match they seemed intent on going through the middle where Alex’s tackling was spot on and Sachin was always on hand leading to plenty of turnover ball and powerful surges from Alex and Sach.  The 2nd half saw a change to the SODAM pack formation within a few mins  of the restart (a move which should have happened sooner) moving Sachin to no 8 as the ref was allowing 8 man to pick up in an unopposed scrums.  This led to immediate success with Sachin powering over from 10 yards to take a 10-5 lead.  The game continued to seesaw and Feltham again equalised with 10/15 mins to go but SODAM were not to be denied and it was only justice that John Sykes should ground the ball with just a few mins left in what proved to be the winning score.    
 
There were a lot of good performances but Sachin and Alex were probably the pick although some of the passing from Alex to Marcus gave Marcus a lot to do.

Man of the Match: Alex (Sachin got it last week)
 
Team:  Mark J, Ian, Sachin, John S, Mick S, Hammish, Matt, Chris M, Chris C, Mark E, Alex, Marcus, Rich  

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22 September 2007 (home) v Bank of England (Friendly)       Result 49-12 (W)

Man of the Match: Sachin Amin

18 August 2007 away to Northolt (Friendly) won 15-05

Man of the Match - Chris Cockle (two good tries)

A totally different match featured here but it helps break up the reports doesn't it.

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                         Match Reports 2006-07.

12 May 2007 Ashley Critchfield Memorial 7’s

SODAM arrived in the true spirit of 7's with 6 players with one en-route (Fergie get an A-Z and throw the satnav away) 3 got lost and never made it and one dropped out!

Never mind the game plan was to keep possession and play with pace when the gaps appeared, well no one said it was going to be easy, we started the same way as normal slowly, got some kind of rhythm and saw us screech away and score a try unfortunately it was our one and only try and was scored by the guest player whilst our late arrival was getting changed. I personally think we were put into the wrong group because I was the oldest player in our group at 21!!!!!!! We persevered but to no avail, the weather just didn't suit our style of play. John will claim the brand new ball had no grip on it as he spilled a kick off straight down his throat and in his defence I can say without hesitation it was like a bar of soap even with mitts on.

Both Hayes 1st team and their Fat Booy 7’s team along with Both Old Abbotstonians teams and in the final Hayes 1s beat Old Abbotsonians 2s in a very good final with the aid of 3 Barnes players (does this sound unkind? bringing in ringers to win a tournament I ask whatever next!)

Dom and I entered the place kicking competition, it was decided to kick at the goal with no trees behind it as the other end backs onto a forest, unfortunately the wind was blowing the other way and Dom's second kick went off line when a gust of wind caught it, me on the other hand nailed both of mine allowing me to progress to the final, daunting as this was as the first kick was from the 10 metre line with the wind in our faces only one player succeeded at this distance, the second kick was from nearer but out wide and my chance of glory had gone, the competition did go to sudden death though as the long range kicker missed his second effort.

All in all a good cause was supported well.

Report by Chris Moore

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28 April 2007 Northolt/SODAM Charity Challange Trophy

We won, we won we won - OK a more considered report will follow

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21 April 2007 v Ealing Exiles (FRiendly)                                    Result 22-20 (W)

SODAM were expecting a squad of  between 21 and 24 players so when the dreaded call from the opo came to say they may only have 10-12 turn up, it did not feel as bad as it might have done on another day and I was confident we could still get a 15 aside game played.  But as I made my way to the game I received calls reducing my squad to 17 and when I arrived we managed to gain another back to boost our side to 18.  The opo were now expecting 13 but were expecting to be short on forwards so we agreed on two front row players Bob and Pete going across to keep the scrums competitive.  Strange thing was Ealing had now found 2 more players so had a full 15 plus our two guys but to take our guys back would have messed up the scrums. So Bo and Pete stayed with Ealing.  

The game itself was very good once the transfer deals had been completed and produced 7 tries in all with Ealing first to strike and take a 5 nil lead.  SODAM struck back quickly when Frank with Ian climbing on his back and driving him on went over from close range following a period of pressure. The try was converted by Jan and SODAM began taking control of the game with some very solid scrummaging until Ealing started deliberately wheeling every scrum which the ref failed to call up even once.  All three front row and don’t forget two were our players admitted after the game they weren’t even being subtle in doing it.  We generally won it back from the reset scrum however and were still in control until a pass from Jan was intercepted inside the Ealing half and run in for an easy try.  Again Ealing failed to convert and were made to pay when Jan opted to take a drop goal after another period of pressure to make the scores level at 10 a piece at half time.    
 
Rob went off at half time which brought Steve into the pack and Mark on the Wing.  This was worked well as Steve had been coming off the wing for every lineout and this was confusing him as to where he should be playing.  SODAM again looked the more assured side in the second period with Jan switching to stand-off but another careless pass was intercepted by the same player and another try resulted but again Ealing failed with their conversion.  SODAM then went further behind when some sloppy tackling allowed them in on our own line but another failed conversion meant the lead was just 10 points and as the game went on SODAM got their just deserts as both Scotty and Bruce went over from close range after some solid mauling and scrummaging and with one converted we had done enough to win 22-20 but although we really should have won by a bigger margin we had scored one try less and a side with a kicker against us would probably have won   

Team:  Frank, Ian, Scotty, Eugene, Simon, Matt, Rob, Bruce, Chris, Nick, Ben G, Jan, Morne, Steve, Craig sub: Mark E
 
Man of the Match: Jan (even though he struggled big time with the boot)

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14 April 2007 v Old Isleworth II                                     Result 66-05 (W)

It was unfortunate that the two players West London had hoped to lend us were required by our friends and neighbours and that Mark Efange got bogged down with work reducing SODAMs ranks to just 13.  Luckily the Old Isleworth team had three subs and were quite happy to lend us a couple of guys. 

The game turned out to be a little one sided however as SODAM put in their best performance of what has been a poor year.  The backs played with great style, speed and power and simply tore into the Old Is back line with some terrific running lines and when required made all their tackles.  The pack were never troubled in the set pieces doing pretty much as they pleased in the scrums and were solid in the rucks and mauls allowing the backs the freedom of the pitch to express themselves as the Old Is were continually put on the backfoot.

Two early tries by Hugh simply set the scene for an emphatic win and a feast of running rugby which brought 10 tries and 8 drop kick conversions.  In fact it could and should have been more had players not decided occasionally to over egg it to put others in.  Man of the match, Bobby starting at inside centre and moving to stand off was the instigator of much of the good play but Raphael, Hugh and Mark all played big parts and the Hugh and Mark are just 17.  Duncan who would have been in the backs had the West London lads played also had a fine game at no 8. 

The Old Is swapped their two players over at half time but two injuries in the Old Is ranks meant one was taken back for SODAM to end the game with 14 but it made little difference as 5 first half tries had seen the Old Is heads go down a little and although they did get a try courtesy of a pass from Chris 5 yards out never really threatened again.  Chris swears the opo called for it.  That as it may be it was surprising for Chris to actually give it.  Sorry Chris. 

If I have got it right the try scorers were Hugh (2), Raphael (2) Mark (2) Bobby (1) Jim (1) Chris (1) and Rob (1). Too many tries to report on but the last should get a mention as with two of the backs already having crossed the line they patiently waited while Rob sprinted 40 yards to receive a pass to touch down.  Both backs had already scored two each so could easily have been charged with jug avoidance but the smile on Robs face at getting his second try of the season and only third for SODAM was enough for me to think it was a good decision although it did upset the opo who saw it as taking the mick. Final result 66-5
 
Team: Rob, Ian Scotty, Jim, Duncan T, Matt, guest, Duncan R, Chris, Hugh, Craig, Bobby, Raphael, guest, Mark 

Man of the Match: John (Bobby) Goulding.    

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31 March 2007 v Grasshoppers IV                         Result 21 -38 (L)

It was a pretty good game on Saturday between two evenly matched sides.  With the wind in their favour Grasshoppers capitalised on three errors (2 badly judged sliced kicks which held up in the wind and were run in from 10 yards and some sloppy tackling) in SODAMs own 22 to take a 21-00 lead after just 25 mins.  SODAM rallied and upped their game (one day we shall start playing from the kick off) and scored a well deserved try just before halftime after some good rucking and mauling which saw SODAM continually threaten and pressure the Grasshoppers line who defended well if not always legally, before Jon Os eventually forced  his way over from a strong maul.  Chris neatly converted into a strong wind by keeping the kick very low and we were back in the game.  With the wind in their favour, SODAM set about the second half confident the game was there for the taking and a second well worked try saw Rahael reduce the deficit to 12-21 and with another fine conversion the deficit was down to 7pts before another defensive error let the Grasshoppers extend their lead to 14-26. The game was still there to be won and an intercept and long run for home from Rahael got SODAM right back in the hunt again after Chris converted his third from three.  But at 21-26 with 10 mins to go and with SODAM pressing for victory Grasshoppers pulled away with two tries from long range.  SODAM had played quite well in patches but failed to clear up in the line or to get really quick ball to our fitter and faster backs. The rucking was good and the mauling was as usual good throughout. 
 
Team: Rob Langham, Simon Fry, Ian Wells, Jon Os (1), guest, Matt Harris, guest, Jim Maun (Capt), Chris Moore (1 con), Hugh, Craig Carroll, Mark, Taff, Ben Gates, Raphael (2) 

Man of the Match: – Raphael (man of the match boot went to the ref Slap as Raphael slipped out early)

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24 March 2007 v Grasshoppers IV                         Result 14-12 (W)

Joined forces with Northolt v Grasshoppers IV won 14-12

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17 March v Bank Of England III - Middlesex Merit League 5     Result 22-32 (L)

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10 March v Hammersmith & Fulham - Friendly

It was a strange game on Saturday against the Hammers!  We struggled all week to get a team together then had 12 from Northolt pitch up swelling the SODAM ranks to 26.  We were 6 tries down in the first half due to some untidy defensive kicks not making touch and run straight back at us, some sloppy tackling and some careless passing!  Chris sends you all his apologies for having his worst game but this wasn't all down to him!  In the second half everything came together despite all the changes we had to make at half time and the second half score was two tries a piece! 

Man of the Match: Ash - despite the charged down kick which presented them with the final try!

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03 March 2007 v Fetham II - Middx Merit League 5              Result 03-53

SODAM struggled all week to pull a 15 together and in the end expected just 13 but by ko there were just 11 of us and 17 of the opo.  The opo offered us just one player and we started with 12 which swelled to 13 after 10 mins when Mark Efange joined us when we were already two tries down but there was no sign of Neil.O’Driscoll. 
 
Playing 2 or three short was always going to be too much for us and although there were some great tackles being made, two try saving tackles from Ian and an even better tackle from Craig were the pick of the tackles but the extra men was always going to be too much for us to cope with.  We tried to keep the game tight and not commit too many to the breakdowns but the Feltham team were generally bigger and their no 8 Albe caused us a lot of problems!  In the end we got far more change from mauling than rucking which was the exact opposite to what we had expected.
 
We shipped 5 tries in the first half and 4 in the second and only had a solitary penalty from Chris to thank for not suffering out first pointless game of the season.  All in all not a good day at the Office. Final Score 03-53. 

Team: Scotty, Rob, Ian, Jim, Slaphead, Duncan, Matt, Craig, Chris, Stuart, Mark E, John 

Man of the Match - Stuart Frost

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24 February 2007 v London French II - Middx Merit League 5   Result 31-17 (L)

It was very disappointing on arrival (but seems to happen a lot with the London French) to be told by the referee that the scrums would be uncontested.  Games just aren’t as interesting without scrummaging!
 
SODAM didn’t really get into gear in the first half!  The forwards were working hard but were making too many mistakes in the mauls, loosing good attacking ball and too many were committing themselves to the rucks and mauls instead of plugging gaps in the backs and looking for crash ball.  The backs were very flat and static when attacking and there was some poor tackling which allowed the French to take advantage of our disjointed performance to notch up a penalty and run in three tries without reply not helped by the 10 min sin bin handed out to Craig for retaliation!  It was disappointing to see Alex go off still feeling the effects of the illegal challenge on him against SNOB the previous Saturday which turned out had broken three ribs and torn the pec muscle.

The second half saw the SODAM team play with much greater purpose!  The team learnt from their poor show in the first half and mauled well and looked like they could do it all day!  The big guys were taking it in turns to take the crash ball and set up more phase ball and Joe was everywhere and proving very difficult for the French to stop.   Nevertheless the French battled hard and again indiscipline saw Steve sin binned for retaliation which could easily have seen Pete and Chris go as well.  SODAM won the second half three tries to two with two tries resulting from some mauling scored by Jim and Sam and sandwiched between was a neat pick up at the ruck from close in for Joe to score after an illegal French hand had been happily stamped on by Ian but the margin would have been much closer I expect had we had contested scrums! SODAM were far from their strongest but should have run a poor L French side much closer!
 
The ref made the final score 31-17 but it could only have been 30 or 32-17 but no matter!  

Team: Matthew, Ian, Pete, Jim, Duncan, Rob, Joe, Sam
Craig, Nick, Chris, Alex, Steve, Mark, Nick
Subs: Alistair, Karan

Man of the Match:  Joe Townsend

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17 February 2007 v St Nicks Old Boys - Middlesex Merit League 5

It was a good day again for rugby again but as usual SODAM arrived late and come the time for kick there were just 11 of us at the ground but with a 10 min postponement we managed to start with just the one borrowed player and with 5 mins gone we had another 4 arrive to give us 3 subs!  This may well have cost us the game as there was no opportunity to get all the players together or to play the team in the positions which would more likely suited us!  

Nevertheless SODAM started the game as if they had played together for years and the first 20 mins was played almost entirely inside the SNOB 22 metre line and it was disappointing we failed to capitalise with more than a solitary try from inside centre and man of the match Seamus converted by Chris.  It was a mixture of stout defending and SNOB killing the ball that kept SODAM who tried both the up the jumper and running back tactics that kept SODAM at bay.  Refereeing was bad throughout but early decisions seemed to favour SODAM although time and time again we were denied quick penalties which could have easily resulted in scores and a few deliberately collapsed mauls must have been close to penalty tries!  But this was a strong SNOB side who in their flyhalf possessed a real attacking threat who with almost their first serious attack found a gap in the defence and sailed right through!

SODAM went straight back at them and after another period of pressure chose for Chris to take the three points on offer which he duly did.  SNOB again hit back after soaking up more pressure and took a 12-10 halftime lead with a well taken 5m crash-over try. 

The second half was more even and saw both sides miss try scoring chances and a couple of penalties but Robs long penalty kick for SODAM restored a 13-12 lead but a further unconverted try (which the scorer admitted in the bar afterwards he was well off side when he collected an excellent cross field kick and lucky bounce to score) plus two a penalties from SNOB put them 25-13 up with time running out!  From the kick off Alex was completely taken out but went unseen by the ref as he chased the high ball.  Several other incidents led to frayed tempers and yellow cards presented to both teams but most could have been prevented by good refereeing.  Bobbys’ threatened retaliation to foul play was very understandable! But unfinished, SODAM got their mauling back together and pushed hard again at the SNOB line and were rewarded when a collapsed maul presented Chris with a ball which popped out at the back of the heap to run in at the corner from 5 yards for his first but well deserved try of the season!  He actually hadn’t realised how close he was and was looking to offload when he suddenly thought what is this strange white line beneath my feet.  The try went unconverted by Rob but there was still a few mins left to snatch a draw but try as they did the draw was beyond them!  A good game! Final score 25-18 ref made it 25-17and SNOB made it 28-19

Team: 1. Tony Lawler   2. Ian Wells   3. Scotty  4. Mick Schwoerke  5. Jim Maun 6. Bobby  7. Rob Langham   8. Alex Lee   9. Chris Moore 10. Rob Long  11. Simon Fry  12. Seamus Galvin 13. Andy Towers  14. Joe Townsend  15. Nick

Subs: John Sykes, Matt Harris, Dave Williams

Man of the Match: - Seamus Galvin

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10 February 2007

No game

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03 February 2007

No game

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27 January 2007 v Hammersmith & Fulham IV 

The large squad I was expecting for this game dissipated as the week progressed as player after player withdrew but the team sheet Saturday am still read 17 and a couple of possibles. However by ko the 17 became 13 of which 3 were from West London and 2 were from the Bank.  I was therefore grateful to H&F for lending us a winger for the game to at least start the game with 14 a side.  

Within minutes of the game starting we conceded a try with some sloppy defending and the writing perhaps looked on the wall but the forwards had other ideas and the small front row of Mark, Rob & Ian with some good push from the locks Dan and Karan more than held their own with some solid scrummaging. Joe & Jim covered every inch of the pitch from openside and no 8 to get to the breakdowns, with Jerry and the rest of the pack doing their fair share as well and in the rucks and mauls the forwards excelled with long periods of pressure being placed on the Hammersmith side. The players we had lost were good solid backs who we could ill afford to lose so the game plan was simple to try and keep it tight.  However too often we tried to throw it around in the backs against a drilled slicker Hammersmith backline and it was from one of our attempted moves where the opo capitalised to go two tries up. We still felt we could win the game if we could only keep it tight and it was no surprise when after another period of sustained pressure and a strong maul that Jim went over for a well deserved try (his 5th for the season). 

With the pack dominating loose play the big lads Jim, Dan and Karan were taking it turn to stand off the rucks and mauls and run the ball at them to great effect with Jim in particular causing plenty of panic in their ranks.     

James arrived shortly before halftime and H&F took their player back but with 14 now against 15 SODAM pressed on and were camped inside their 5 metre line for the last few mins of the half and were upset to hear the halftime whistle.
 
The extra man began to tell in the second half as Hammersmith began to spin wide and exploit their numerical advantage against our backs and scored three more tries from somewhat limited ball.  Then with less than 10 mins to play another push from the SODAM forwards saw first Jim then Ian take the ball on before Ian was upended as he laid the ball back to Jim.  The game continued as Ian laid prone on the ground with a neck injury and Alistair went over to score (not seen by Ian).  
 
The last 10 mins playing with two short saw three easy tries run in as the Hammers played the ball along the line to finish with a flattering 12-52 scoreline!
 
Team – Mark, Ian, Rob, Dan, Karan, Jerry, Jim, Joe   Chris, Brendan, James  Nick,  John S, Alistair
 
Man of the match: Jim Maun

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20 January 2007 v West London                                  Result 10-29

A good day for rugby!

Unfortunately Terry and Neil withdrew on the morning of the match reducing SODAM to 14 and with James running late we needed to borrow Pete and Clancy to get the game started.
 
With two scrum halves in the side Craig was asked to start at stand-off and there was some early confusion as both Huw and Craig raced to the breakdowns getting in each others way and leaving a hole at flyhalf but with Clancy encouraging and organising the backs we slowly but surely sorted ourselves out.  Unfortunately we conceded two tries inside the first 5 mins as we struggled to organise ourselves and a third inside 20 mins leaving us trailing 19 -00.  The portents looked bad but we were quietly confident we could pull something back!  So it was a great disappointment to concede a fourth try before halftime.  All four tries conceded were as much down to poor tackling and positioning as they were to the oppositions attacking prowess.   

The second half saw Nick who was struggling from the start with a hamstring problem picked up last week and Rob (neck injury) both going off and Pete retiring (knackered).  James came on with fresh legs and Karan swapped sides along with another Dave to keep numbers even.   

SODAM began to claw themselves back into the game with Dave organising things at fly-half and it was no surprise after spending a long period of time camped in the opo 22 to see Clancy (ignoring a two man overlap) bustling his way over.  SODAM continued to press, retaining the ball better and better and setting up many several phase plays but one loose ball saw one of the West London speedsters run the length of the pitch tracked back by Steve and Mark who made a terrific tackle to prevent the breakaway try. Sadly as we had done the week before we failed to protect our line from a five metre pen a few moments later.  Unbowed we went straight back on the attack and it was sad to see Karan twist his ankle and whilst play continued Pete catch a stray boot a few yards from the line forcing both to leave the field with 25 mins still to go forcing more reorganisation with Bobby coming across as cover for Pete who had moved to prop and Steve moving off the wing to lock and yet another WL lad coming across to play on the wing. 
                                                                                                            With West London’s fly on our side we looked far more organised and them less so and with 10-15 mins play to go SODAM forced another try after several failed attempts to cross the line from Bobby, Ian, Clancy et al.  This time there was more control to the move as Dave set up a maul 7-8 yards out and called and received immediate support either side and a good drive for Jim to roll round and plant the ball on the line!   Winning the 2nd half was no less than we deserved but end result 10-29 was a disappointment.
 
Team: 1. Mark Jackson  2. Ian Wells  3. Pete Lashley  4. Pete Nolan  5. Jim Maun  6. Matt Harris  7. Mark Ramsdale 8. Rob Langham 9. Huw 10. Craig Carroll
11. Mark Efange 12. Clancy 13. Chris Moore 14.Steve Nolan 15.Nick

Halftime replacements:  James Keary, for Rob (inj neck) Karen Chada for Pete and Dave for Nick (inj hamstring)
Later changes: 15 mins into 2nd half Pete N (inj cut face) & Karan (inj ankle) replaced by Bobby and another

Man of the Match: - Jim Maun

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13 January 2007 v London French IIs                              Result 29-19 (W)

With kick off approaching SODAM had just 6 players and a few texts to say others were on their way, whereas the French had 21 players changed and ready to go.  So a fairly typical start to a SODAM game. 
 
Then just as numbers swelled to 8-9 Nick the fullback pulled his hamstring whilst warming up. Negotiations started in earnest with the ref and opo to delay ko and if necessary to borrow players.  Thankfully the late arrivals made it shortly after and we started the game with one just one borrowed player covering for Mark who didn’t make it till the second half! We were fortunate that two players, Karan and Matt, who we were not expecting pitched up particularly as we needed a lock and a replacement fullback for Nick which just happened to be their positions!  

We kicked off in good spirits despite our lack of preparation and having had to watch the French go through countless moves which looked good without opo!  We looked organised right from the start, the tackles were being made in the backs, the forwards were mobile particularly man of the match Joe who seemed to get to every breakdown and proved a constant thorn in their side, and we showed we could be very dangerous with ball in hand or tucked up our jumpers.  Strangely after last weeks performance the main thing which let us down was at the rucks where we failed to clear them out and perhaps we didn’t always support the runner as well as we might particularly on the chip and chase!  
 
With the scrum looking reasonably comfortable we had the platform to do well and do well we did.  Tries from Andrew, Neil and Jim were enough to give us a 19-00 lead but the French hit back with two converted tries early in the 2nd half, the first from a short tap penalty where we failed to knock the player back and the second from a hopeful chip and chase which resulted in a sin bin for Andrew who slid in with the boot in an effort to get under the player as he was about to touch down and was adjudged to be late and dangerous.  We steeled ourselves for a torrid 10 mins but thankfully we held our game together and the scrum continued to assert itself even with Joe moving into the centres and the score remained 19-14 until Andrew returned.  Almost as soon as Andrew was back Mark scored a typical wingers try, sprinting down the line having taken a pass from James and touching down in the corner with his first touch well second really as he collected the ball earlier for a throw in.  Andrew then rushed over for his second which aptly vented his displeasure at being sin binned. But then with 8 mins to go the opo got a third try which was converted bringing them back to 29-19.  Words from the captain warning about the consequences of giving a penalty away to a good kicker went unheeded within 30 secs but luckily the long kick went wide and saved us a nervous final few mins where we always looked the more likely of the two sides to score!  

Team: 1. Duncan Rutherford 2. Ian Wells  3. Rob Langham 4. Jim Maun 5. Karan Chada 6. Matt Harris 7. Joe Townsend 8. Ian Parker (Nosey)  9. James Keary
10. Andy Towers  11. Mark Efange 12. Neil O’Driscoll 13. Andrew McKenzie 14. Chris Moore 15. Matt                                                                                             
 
Man of the Match: Joe Townsend

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6 January 2007 v Feltham II - Middx Merit League 5         Result 17-00 (W)

SODAM rashly promised they would get a team out to face Feltham and then struggled all week to pull a full 15 together to fulfil that promise.  In fact SODAM were expecting only 14 for their game with Feltham so it was a big fillip to the team to get a call from Andy Towers to say he was on his way! He did e-mail the captain Friday but Ian was already in the bar.

So on a gloomy day on a rain soaked slippery pitch the two teams took to the field with SODAM surprisingly leading the way.  The pitch wasn’t exactly waterlogged but it was very heavy underfoot and within minutes of the start the heavens opened so it was pleasing to see SODAM trying to run the ball, (which was like a bar of soap) right from the off!  The pack were rucking well and were making huge yardage when asked to put in a rolling maul although the ball wasn’t always as well secured as it might have been which led to a loss of control the wheel and instead of releasing the backs or walking it over the line we thwarted ourselves.
 
After the opening couple of mins it was nearly all SODAM pressure so it was a little surprising that at halftime we were only 10 nil up with scores from first Duncan and then Rob.  Rob was over the moon to have scored his first try since his debut when he weighed in with a try in an 88-00 drubbing against Imperial College III.  The first try was a typical forwards try from 5 metres out but finished well, the second resulted from a long kick downfield which Feltham tried to keep in play (even though the ball and the player were both 2 metres over the line!  The ball went forward but the ref played advantage as he received no flag that the ball was out SODAM were bearing down quickly on the Feltham player who was immediately put under pressure and the ball robbed and shipped smartly along the back line where Neil ran it into the far corner where he was tackled a few metres short.  Ian surprisingly up with play for once drove the tackling player who was trying to kill play off the ball and Rob was there to pick up and carry over from all of two yards.  

The first 15 mins of the second half saw the Feltham team throw everything at SODAM who they had pinned on their own line. But SODAM kept their composure and shape and tackled like dervishers until they managed to work themselves clear  afterwhich they were not troubled again. 

Feltham suffered a few injuries but luckily had spares but when the prop went off and the game became unopposed for the last 20 mins the game lost a bit of shape and sharpness but nonetheless it was pleasing to see Ben muscle his way over from about 10 yards out and Chris convert to seal a 17-00 victory with 12 mins to go.

Team : 1. Rob Langham (1) 2. Damian Hahoff   3. Ian Wells  4. Jim Maun  5.  Duncan Thoroughgood (1)  6. Matt Harris 7. Jerry Wright 8. Ben Storey (1)      9. Liam Roberts 10. Andy Towers 11. Mark Efange 12. Neil O’Driscoll 13. Will King
14. Chris Moore (1 Con) 15. Nick             

Man of the Match: Ben Storey (carried the ball and made good yardage and linked well with the backs)