A cold and crisp late November evening at Vallis Way provided another set of perfect conditions for a key top of the table clash between these two stalwart West London Vets teams, more used to playing one another on the hallowed turf of Twickenham in recent months. A competitive start from both sides left the first 10 minutes scoreless, but in the 13^th minutes several breaks up the pitch allowed Lee to pass to Rory Damant on the left flank who produced a magnificent side step putting Owen Brynseels over with Wardy converting. Soon after Rory ran a tight line off Wardy to slice open Hammer’s defence and set up the forwards for a set of dog balls leading to a second converted try at the 20 minute mark. Quickly it became 19-0 as Faz scored his first try for several years; wide on the left after recycling of the ball in open play. But H&F were not to be cowed and retaliated with a converted try of their own. Fortunately, the forwards continued their scrummaging dominance giving a great forward platform that Ash continued with a strong carry setting up Sunny Kuwana to rewind the years by going over just before halftime. Once again Wardy slotted the conversion, so we went in 26-7 ahead for a positive halftime talk.

Footballers claim theirs is a game of two halves but so was this. Steenie scored another converted try in minute 38 but then H&F picked themselves up and got back into the game with a try. Evergreens were then down to 14 men with Jimmy Lowes in the bin, promising to complete any unfinished business after the game in the bar should the opposition want to do so. After his earlier try Sunny then demonstrated why he is missed at Vallis with two spleen-splitting tackles and some fierce ruck clearing. A final try from H&F led to a nervy final 10 minutes but Evergreens saw them out to take the points and sit proud on top of MVMT table after 3 rounds of matches, but equal on points with Chiswick. Big thanks to Ash for not only the post-match sausage rolls (with black pudding in mmmm) but also the mince pies.

Three dates for the diary - next Friday games on 20^th December (vs Ruislip) & January 4^th. Note our first Vets Cup game will be in mid-January on a Saturday afternoon so dig into the turkey but ensure the visas are filled out in triplicate for these dates so we can continue our pursuit of the double with a good squad.