By Hillary Carr
December 16 2003

A keen performance was anticipated on the strength of the previous week’s gritty win against Old Actonians and the fact that our opposition for this game had been given a technical ‘walkover’ in the previous round despite losing their game by 40 points! The team was also inspired to give departing coach Steve Melbourne a send-off that reflected all his hard work and input throughout the first half of the season.

With a discernible wind blowing across the park, The Amateurs set off at a gallop to put the visitors under pressure immediately. Quins had all the possession and territory but were continually penalised for needless errors from the outset, conceding 5 in the first few minutes. Quins soon settled into a rhythm of commanding the lineout, excellent driving and rucking by the forwards to provide an excellent platform for the backs.

The first try was swift in coming. The ball was won from an opposition lineout, Dewar broke through the defence and linked well with Richards in support; his pass found Nel, who had a good game at hooker on the inside pass who slipped the ball to Fretwell to score under the posts. Eaton converted for Quins to lead 7-0 after 7 minutes.

On 20 minutes Old Tott’s scored their only points of the game when their fly half scored an excellent drop goal from 42 metres to cut the lead to 7-3.

Despite strong pressure, Quins second try didn’t come until the 25th minute, mostly due to handling errors or a lack of pace and penetration in attack. Evans at scrum half picked up a loose ball 10 metres out, set up a ruck and from the ensuing melee Richards dived over for the try, converted by Eaton for Quins to lead 14-3 at half time.

In the second half, Quins used the wind tactically to keep the opposition constantly pressurised deep within their own half. 5 minutes after the interval, Quins won a ball against the head and from the set piece Sterck crossed the line. The try was unconverted. (19-3).

On 10 minutes, Quins’ 4th try came from a succession of ruck and maul phases close to the opposition line, as Dewar sold a blind-side dummy pass to score. (24-3).

Quins were growing in confidence in all departments, as Old Tott’s confidence ebbed. Quins mastered the lineout all day with Richards particularly strong in that department. Following a penalty kick to the corner, Sterck took clean ball in the lineout and drove forward slipping the ball to Thompson who crashed over for Quins’ 5th try. (29-3).

The final try was scored as the light was fading and drizzle settled in. Eaton, at fly half, injured a rib and was replaced by Wootton who slotted in at full back. This allowed Shaw to move into the line and his try at the end, converted by Fretwell, set the seal on a strong Amateurs’ victory by 36-3, which should see them grow in confidence as the season progresses.

Coach Steve Melbourne received a presentation after the game in recognition of his sterling efforts in raising the standards of the Amateurs’ training and skills to new heights. He has been posted to Iraq next May, via Taunton and training in Norway! With Saddam’s capture, we hope that his tour with the Marines in the Middle East will be swift he’ll be back with us before too long. We wish both Steve and his partner Paula ‘bon voyage’.