Old Millhillians RFC

Once again OMRFC fielded two full teams at Headstone Lane, as well as contributing to the diehards team we share with HAC. That we are able to do this is due to a ton of work from the people involved, Gideon Felton in particular must take credit for mobilising and motivating a large and disparate group of people, and we are lucky to be well supported by enthusiastic individuals from the school itself, parents, pupils, and teachers.

The willingness to contribute to the club was what made yesterday special; we had Lea Hedges and Dan Aukland playing with injuries, schoolboy Max Cooper-King impressed with his composure on his first team debut, as did his dad (David). Not only did the Cooper- Kings finish for the 1sts, as soon as the whistle went for the end of the game, they both ran over to the seconds, were immediately subbed on to the pitch and finished that game too. Brilliant!

A good seconds team is the heart and soul of a club, and we are lucky to have so many great blokes pulled into the one team. From the school Jamie Monahan at fly- half pulled the strings, he brought with him Will Wright, who scored a sumptuous second half try. In total we had four current MHS pupils playing; I hope they all enjoyed the experience and understand how welcome they are. Although they did not beat Hampstead 5ths, they played great rugby and both teams thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Ben Wallice put in some terrific hits, Phil Smith put himself about, and Fran Morris kept things moving forward. Although we have no seconds match next week, I hope many of these players will make themselves available for the Diehards, or in some cases the firsts.

The firsts dominated the first half against Old Abbotstonians, our forwards were stronger and technically more proficient than the opposition, and we turned around 12-0 up at half time. There were some standout performances in the backs, Tyrone MacDonald lending us some much needed stability at fly half and man of the match Jamie Adler making breaks from nowhere, catching impossible balls, and tackling with guts and determination.

Ultimately it was our fitness that let us down, with 60 minutes to go we were in with a shout at 12 all, but several tries were conceded in the final quarter and the final scoreline rather flattered the opposition. If you can’t train with the team, you must do your own fitness; we are handing the opposition a massive advantage by absenting ourselves from the final quarter. Training, as always is on at HAC 6.45 tomorrow night, and 7.30 at HSL on Thursday.

In the firsts we take on St Nicks Old Boys away, in the floodlit cup, and there will be a diehards fixture as well. Please get back to me ASAP with your availability, we want to progress in this completion, I hope I will have our best players to choose from. I know many first team players have found the circumstances of this season difficult, and it is hard to go so long without a win. But this is our club, it is special, and it is worth fighting for. We have many positive things on the horizon, and this club is about much more than just our league results. Finally congratulations to Mark and Ange on the birth of their little boy Rocco David Christopher Freer, all the best from everyone at O.M.R.F.C.

Ben.