Match Report Sunday 30th November 2008 by Hettie Harris
HOME v SILHILLIANS (overall result Cheltenham 15 : Silhllians 20)
As usual we played mixed teams in a 4 quarter format rolling the teams for each quarter so that everyone had game time
1st ¼ - Silhillians fought hard in the first quarter of the game but superior rucking and back play lead to an early try for Cheltenham. After getting points on the board our defence dropped, our tackling was poor and we struggled to keep Silhillians from crossing our line. We showed elements of our “slow start syndrome” throughout this period but did well to end the first quarter 5-0 ahead.
2nd ¼ - During the 2nd period our tackling was very weak and we allowed Silhillians to run in three unanswered tries. If we do not get big guys around the legs then they will run straight through. Towards the end of this period Cheltenham started to ruck better and move the ball wide. Towards the end of the quarter Cheltenham managed to put some real pressure on Silhillians, with good possession, some good passing out to the wing and some good strong play from our forwards against their big, strong forwards. Some good tackles from Leo and Hugo.
3rd ¼ - The 3rd period of the game was Cheltenham’s best period. We saw great control at the rucks against a big and strong team. Chalkers scored after a long period of pressure. The try was created by great ball retention from the forwards and crisp handling from the backs. Cheltenham maintained continuous pressure on the opposition line and were unlucky not to score again.
4th ¼ - The final quarter proved to be very exciting. Silhillians scored early with a run down the touchline and a score confirmed by their touchjudge (no 4th official for the ref to go to!). There was then a long period of sustained pressure from Cheltenham with forwards just coming up short on a number of occasions. However, virtually the last play of the morning saw a stroming run from Jonty Wilikinson which createed space for the backs and an eventual touchdown in the corner. No need for the 4th official on this one!
Old Silhillians proved to be stern opposition and a very good test for our sides.
