Christmas came and went and the season has re-started.

The pitch, although heavy underfoot, looked good, the new away kit was being worn for the very first time and the warm-up looked quite sharp and the players were focused. What’s not to love…?

There’s always a but, or a however….
For the first 20-25 minutes things from an 1871 perspective looked lethargic and hard work, with passes not being sharp enough, tackles missed and slow to get up and around the park. Old Millhillians looked similar, but there was a bit more determination and hunger from them, particularly as they were able to score in the first 3 minutes from a penalty lineout and a very simple crash ball, that had little resistance. The score was converted and Old Millhillians started to get excited. Give 1871 their due though the defence held out well against some sustained attacking from Old Millhillians and 1871 were served at least 3 get out of jail cards and went down to 14 players when at 26 minutes Devis Acellam (4) committed a high tackle and was shown a yellow card. At 29 minutes Harry Vidler (10) pulled back a 3-pointer penalty kick, to make the score 7-3 to Old Millhillians. 3 minutes later though, Old Millhillians grabbed their 3 points back with their own penalty kick and the game went into the half-time at 10-3 to Old Millhillians.

A few stern words and a rallying cry focused the 1871 players’ minds and they left the dressing room ready to go again.

The second half started differently for 1871, as took the game on and after a series of short hard phases, gained a penalty in the Old Millhillians 22, at 7 minutes, which was quick tapped and Will Day (8) crashed over to make the score 10-8.

2 minutes later Devis Acellam went over, after a clever kick ahead by Harry Vidler, a great chase by Harrison Slater (14), who recovered the ball, popped to Kavan Fitzpatrick (7), who in turn popped it to Devis.

This was my try of the day, which started just outside the 1871, 22 metre line. The score was converted by Harry Vidler.

At 13 minutes, Old Millhillians took advantage of some more slow 1871 play, gaining a penalty after players were offside at the breakdown and they kicked to touch. They won their lineout and took on the 1871 defensive structure with repeated pick and go phases, tying up the 1871 players, before popping out for a crash ball and going over. A well worked try. No conversion, so the scores were even at 15-15.

At 23 minutes Harry Vidler again put in a long cross field kick, which was again chased up. Lewis Steadman ((C)12) burgled the ball out of the last defenders’ hands and ran the ball in.

Not seen at all this season and possibly since 1871 formed, a yellow card was given to a prop for poor scrummaging. The Old Millhillians Tight-Head was put out, by this, but it could have gone to any of their front row, as the 1871 front row and pack in general, completely destroyed the hosts in this set piece.

The last play of the game went on for some minutes, as Old Millhillians, again unable to cope with the very, strong 1871 scrum gave away penalty after penalty. At the final penalty, Harry Vidler split the posts with his boot, denying Old Millhillians a bonus point.

Praise must go to the 1871 forward pack for some of the most destructive scrummaging seen by 1871, certainly this season.