10th April 2010, Uxbridge 80 – 0 Mill Hill - (League)
14 try victory- superb end to the season

 Uxbridge finished their season in sensational form scoring seven tries in each half to win by their largest margin of the season.

Uxbridge were ruthless in their play from the first whistle with their forwards stamping their authority on the game in the set piece. A powerful drive from the first line out, which should have been rewarded with a try, demonstrated the dominance of the Uxbridge pack.

Uxbridge did not have to wait very long for their first score as full back James Hillard, returning from injury, finished off a lovely move involving all the backs to score the first try. Michael Weymouth added the conversion. 

From this Uxbridge never looked back and kept possession of the ball for the majority of the half with the visitors rarely threatening the home sides twenty two. Uxbridge’s mix between the forwards and backs was cutting into the away side’s defence, who were struggling to tackle on the game line and surrendering to Uxbridge’s quick ball which resulted in a second try, scored by scrum half Mark Wilson. Weymouth again added the extras. Uxbridge quickly added a third try as confusion in the Mill Hill line out allowed back row Owen Donnelley to have a simple 5 metre run from an over thrown line out.

Uxbridge did not hold back and from the resulting kick off attacked again with lovely inter play between forwards and backs. Prop Lewis Edwards found himself running free into Mill Hill’s twenty two before finally being stopped.  Before Edwards was tackled he offloaded to second row Richard Mulligan, who again offloaded to number 8 Gareth Nicholls, who in turn passed to Weymouth to have a simple run to score the fourth try.

Uxbridge scored three more tries in the first half turning their dominance into points which was their down fall in previous league games. The tries came from centres Steve Reid and Simon Batts, with the last try of the half coming through winger Tony Bailey with Weymouth adding one conversion taking the half time score to 41 – 0.

Uxbridge wanted to continue their success into the second half but knew that Mill Hill would come out after the break determined to perform better. However, Uxbridge did not allow Mill Hill to do this, taking the game straight to the away side again which saw them attacking the try line. Uxbridge thought they had scored the first try of the second half but Captain Mark Mason’s try was ruled out as he knocked on just a yard from the line.

From the resulting scrum Uxbridge won the ball against the head and drove close to the line which gave the opportunity for second row Richard Mulligan to dive over the line to score the first try of the half. Owen Donnelley then scored his second try of the game after the Uxbridge players dominated the possession and broke the game line on multiple phases.

With Uxbridge in complete control it was only a drop in discipline and concentration for five minutes that saw Mill Hill attack for the first time in the half and came close to scoring for the first time. However Uxbridge re-grouped and held off the pressure and cleared their line with a superb clearance from Weymouth. With the ball now out of the home side’s half Uxbridge scored two quick tries both by second row Dan Pitkin. Whose first came from a series of well driven phases by the Uxbridge forwards, and with a few metres from Mill Hill’s line he crashed over to score. Then his second came from a line out which saw him capitalise on an over throw. Weymouth added the conversions.

With the game well and truly won, Uxbridge still were not finished and wanted more tries and match their high scoring performance of the first half, and they were not disappointed with two further tries from Simon Batts and Tony Bailey.

The last try of the game came from Darren Curle, who came on as substitute in the front row for the last 15 minutes, his experience was rewarded with a try when he found himself at the back of the another of Uxbridge’s well driven line outs to drop over the line. With this try the second half score was 39-0 taking the final score to 80-0.

27th March 2010, Old Priorians 39 - 5 Uxbridge - (League)
Suburb first half performance could not be sustained

Uxbridge knew that they had to play at their best and put in the performance of the season to compete with top of the table Old Priorians. Uxbridge did exactly that starting the game strongly putting the home side on the back foot with dominance from the forwards causing the home side to give away early penalties. Uxbridge were able to control the ball and keep possession and frustrate the home side. Unfortunately Uxbridge could not capitalise on their good start and it was the home side that scored the first try. Uxbridge for the first time in the half failed to make the tackles on the game line allowing Old Priorians to open the game up by taking a 7 point lead.

Nevertheless this did not dampen Uxbridge’s spirit and belief in their ability. This was demonstrated again with sustained pressure in the home side’s twenty-two, with the Uxbridge pack edging close to the line with a number of well driven line outs. All the home side could do to prevent the try was to concede a series of penalties. With confidence now high Uxbridge kicked for the corner, the home side couldn’t stop the drive and Lewis Edwards was the lucky player at the back of drive to score the try. With the game at 7-5 neither side could score again in the first half.

It was crucial for Uxbridge to maintain their performance in the second half and with this in mind they started very strongly. The Uxbridge forwards dominated the first scrum of the half, turning over the ball and from that point kept possession with a number of well executed close drives. However, credit has to go to the home side as they contained the pressure and stopped Uxbridge from scoring.

Uxbridge unfortunately then lost two influential players to injury, fly half Michael Weymouth and second row Darren Curl, which meant that Uxbridge had to re-think. The home side then showed why they were top of the league and began to break Uxbridge’s possession of the ball, and as the game opened up they began to exploit the open space and showed their dominance by scoring two quick tries. Uxbridge in the first half were able to able to maintain possession however the longer the game went on Old Priorians were able to turn the ball over quickly and be on the attack, and unfortunately Uxbridge could not stop them extending the lead by scoring three more tries.

The score line may show that the winning margin was healthy however, Uxbridge can take huge credit from probably their best performance in the first half and the start of the second half. Notable performances came from man of the match scrum half Mark Wilson, and forwards Owen Donnelley and Dan Pitkin, also Simon Batts continued his good form with another strong performance. 

20th March 2010, Uxbridge 28 - 7 Old Isleworthians - (League)
Weymouth scores 18 points to secure a vital league win

The home side had to contain a very motivated Isleworthian side that started off fiercely. However Uxbridge withheld the early pressure and turned the tide of possession putting together a lovely set of moves. Both backs and forwards were involved and were breaking the game line. One of these line breaking runs came from prop Tom Redrup who made a superb offload to Michael Weymouth who scored the first try under the posts. Weymouth also added the two extra points with the conversion.

This period of play gave Uxbridge the confidence to increase their attack and begin to play more rugby in the opposition’s half which lead to Uxbridge kicking for touch from a penalty rather than taking the three points. From the resulting line out Uxbridge’s powerful pack drove for the line giving Ed Baildon the opportunity to score the second try of the game. With this Uxbridge took a well deserved 12 point lead going into the break. 

Uxbridge needed to start the second half strongly to ensure the score board kept in their favour. With this in mind Uxbridge took no time at all to make it 15 - 0 with a calmly slotted penalty from Weymouth, who then a few minutes later added another three points kicking a penalty right at the limit of his range.

With this healthy margin now built up, Uxbridge really began to control the set piece, especially the scrum. This dominance allowed them to put together multiple phases resulting in Simon Batts scoring Uxbridge’s third try, Weymouth again added the conversion. Uxbridge then put the game out of sight with Weymouth successfully kicking his third penalty giving the home side a 28 point lead.  

Unfortunately Uxbridge let their concentration slip for the first time in the game allowing the Isleworthian team to score a consolation try late in the second half. Even with conceding the late try, this was one of Uxbridge’s best team performance’s of the season and they can take a lot of positives into the last two league matches.

13th March 2010, Uxbridge 29 - 18 Phoenix - (Friendly)
Uxbridge make it three wins in three

Third win in three will give Uxbridge the confidence they need heading into a crucial league game next week. 

The home side could not have started any better as they created an opportunity with the first play of the game, resulting in Tony Bailey running 30 meters to score the first try. Uxbridge continued to control the game dominating the set piece, and even stealing the opposition’s line outs. Uxbridge took camp in Phoenix’s twenty two resulting in a line out which Uxbridge drove towards the try line.  The only way Phoenix could stop the drive was to conceive a penalty. This was taken quickly by second row Richard Mulligan who dived over the line to score.  Uxbridge scored their third try of the half through centre Steve Reid, this came from a great move that saw both backs and forwards interlinking from a four man line out. Michael Weymouth then added a further two points with the conversion giving Uxbridge a healthy 18 point lead. 

However, Uxbridge failed to extend their lead and allowed Phoenix back into the game through mistakes and penalties. Phoenix took the advantage and finished the first half with sustained pressure on the Uxbridge line. Even with great defending from all the Uxbridge players the away side crashed over to score their first try. 

In the second half Uxbridge wanted to ensure a win and reclaim control of the game, however the away side exploited an early penalty and took their points to 8. Uxbridge reacted to this and started to keep possession of the ball and breaking the game line. This should have lead to further tries yet Uxbridge could not find the final pass. 

Nevertheless Uxbridge were patient and waited until Tony Bailey scored his second try of the game to extend their lead, Weymouth then kicked the conversion. Uxbridge now playing to their strengths kept the ball for multiple phases giving them the platform to attack the try line. Like the first half Uxbridge drove from the line out ten metres from Phoenix’s try line. Again the away side could not handle the drive leaving space for Ed Baildon to spin off and dive over the line to score Uxbridge’s fifth and final try.

Uxbridge could not maintain their control of the game for the last ten minutes, failing to stop Phoenix scoring two late tries reducing the winning margin. Even with conceding late tries, Uxbridge can take lots of positives into next week’s league game, in particular great individual performance from Darren Curle, Simon Batts and man of the match Owen Donnelley.

6th March 2010, Quintin 18 - 27 Uxbridge - (League)
Second half performance earned a vital win

Uxbridge played to their pack’s strengths to earn a well deserved victory.
 
Another vital win for Uxbridge, making it three wins from the last four, started well with an early try through the hard running from Steve Reid. However Uxbridge failed to extend their early lead and allowed Quintin back in the game through mistakes and penalties. Quintin took the advantage and finished the first half on top by scoring two penalties.

Uxbridge were loosing by a point and had to come out in the second half and play to their strengths and dominate the set piece. The Uxbridge pack did this and began to control the game for the first time. With the forwards securing and keeping the possession of the ball, Uxbridge were able to play rugby in Quintin’s half. With maintained pressure on the home side’s defence Uxbridge were rewarded with a well taken try from Tony Bailey. The Uxbridge pack then proved their dominance again with a powerful and well constructed driving maul, which gave the ideal opportunity for Sean Kearns  to run in Uxbridge’s 3rd try. Any of the Uxbridge pack’s performance in the second half would have deserved the man of the match award, especially the second row pairing of Richard Mulligan and Darren Curle. However winger Simon Batts did his best to compete for the man of the match award with a superb run to score Uxbridge’s fourth try. The Uxbridge pack again applied the pressure on the home side and forced a penalty which Michael Weymouth calmly slotted over to add to his earlier two conversions giving Uxbridge a healthy lead of 21 points.

Uxbridge could not maintain their strong defence and control of the game for the last ten minutes failing to stop the home side scoring two late tries to make the game closer.  However, even with Quintin’s two late tries, Uxbridge showed in the second half the ability to turn their dominance into the points sufficient to win vital games. 

27th February 2010 - Uxbridge 41 – Royston 3 - (League)
Uxbridge 7 Try Win

Uxbridge dominated the game from the first to last whistle with seven well deserved tries.

 A vital win for Uxbridge started from the first whistle. A great chase from the first kick off led to an early turnover which gave the platform for the Uxbridge backs to score their first try through Tony Bailey. After this Royston for the first time in the game visited Uxbridge’s twenty-two but could not find a way through the strong home defence and had to settle for three points through a penalty.

The Uxbridge pack then started to really dominate the set piece turning over the away sides’ lineout and striking against the head in the scrums, with this dominance the Uxbridge backs had the opportunity to dictate the game which they did not waste. Ian Hambly playing at 10 scored two tries and controlled the back line superbly. In addition with strong performances from both centres Steve Reid and Joel Brasher-Jones Uxbridge scored a further try through Bailey. Then the forwards capped their strong first half performance off with prop Lewis Edwards driving over to complete the first half with Uxbridge having a healthy half time lead of 27-3.

The second half was not as free flowing as the first for the home side however with the dominance of the pack and the back line in control the victory was never in doubt.  Hambly completed his hat-trick scoring under the post after the Uxbridge pack drove the ball from a line out into Royston’s twenty two which lead to the backs once again having quick ball. The last try came with the final whistle and saw Brasher-Jones having a simple run in to score under the post and with the conversion taking his own points score to 16.

13th February 2010 - Uxbridge 15 – Belsize Park 13 - (League)
Victory clinched during final play
Uxbridge left it very late to win their first game of 2010; however with great attitude and playing to last whistle Uxbridge fully deserved the victory.

The away side started as the better of the two teams, edging ahead with an early penalty. Uxbridge then got into the game with sustained pressure on the Belsize try line just for the away side to score a try against the run of play to take them to ten points. However this did not affect the spirit of the Uxbridge players who returned with a try of their own with superb backs play from I.Hambly, J.Hillard and G.Curtin which lead to M.Weymouth going under the post for a great try. Curtin added the two points and ended the half with another penalty to bring the sides level at half time.

The second half started like the first with Belsize capitalising on a penalty to take a three point lead. Belsize had two opportunities to extend their lead however great defence from the home side especially from S.Batts & S.Reid kept the away side at bay.

 Uxbridge never lost their belief and pressured Belsize through the last 20 minutes with Weymouth & Hillard nearly breaking the line and then Hambly was superbly tapped tackled to stop Uxbridge scoring. However with the last play of the game E.Baldin caught the line out ten yards from Belsize’s try line, Uxbridge then passed the ball from one side of the pitch to the other, with great ball caries from D.Pickin and T.Redrup to tie in the Belsize defenders. This finally gave Uxbridge the space for G.Curtin to break one tackle and dive over to bring the victory home just before the final whistle.

03/01/09

Friendly
Harrow 0 (nil) - Uxbridge 52
Tries: Tony Bailey, Glen Curtin, Steve "Sat.Nav" Goodman, Es Brown, Paul Radford, Ryan Coubrough and James Hilliard x2
Cons: Glen Curtin x6 (12 pts)

The pick of the 8 try haul was from Uxbridge winger Tony Bailey who managed to side step and sprint in a glorious try from out of his own half.

The man of the match Ryan Coubrough made a welcome return to the fold this Saturday.

James Hilliard scored a well earned brace and Glen Curtin expertly kicked 80% of his kicks to walk off the field with 17 points tally on the day.

Harrow have struggled of late. It's sad to see a side that only two seasons ago knocked Uxbridge out of the North West Middx floodlit cup with some ease, to now face a similar Uxbridge lineup and fail to even score.

The wins against Roysten, Thamesians and now Harrow over the last few matches is encouraging for the New Year.

Next week Uxbridge travel away to Roysten in the league hopeful of a repeat of their 30 - 13 win over Roysten in November.

After a slow start and being close to the bottom of the table, every game is a must win for Uxbridge heading into the New Year. With Roysten also struggling to shine this season both sides will especially determined to grab some points this Saturday.

20.12.08

Herts & Middx Division 2
Uxbridge 38 - Thamesians 18
Tries: Michael Weymouth x3, James Hilliard x2
Cons: Glen Curtin x5 (10pts)
Pens: Glen Curtin x1 (3pts)

Uxbridge take much needed points in style.

Uxbridge flyhalf Michael ran in an impressive hat trick of tries, emphasising the dominance of the Uxbridge backs on the day.

The Uxbridge pack consistently out played their opposite numbers, providing a great platform for their backs to launch from.

James Hilliard helped compound Thamesians misery by scoring a fine brace of tries on the day.

From a forward’s perspective, it's always demoralising to see your efforts cut short by missed conversion or missed penalties, so imagine Uxbridge's delighted pack as Glen Curtin slotted a 100% kicking performance.

Thamesians failed to generate much in the way of an offence, effectively living off scraps in an effort to stay in the game.

Uxbridge need to continue to beat fellow strugglers like Thamesians, Roysten, Belsize Park and the like in order to guarantee an escape from relegation this year, but this could be a turning point at just the right time, heading into the New Year.

06.12.2008

Herts & Middlesex Division 2
Belsize 3 – Uxbridge 0 (nil)
HT Score: nil - nil

Uxbridge lose in hard fought relegation battle.

Both sides observed a minutes silence before kick off due to the death of a Belsize "Old Boy" Gavin MacDonald.

Uxbridge started well, but gave away silly penalties to allow Belsize to clear their lines.

Belsize used some great tactical kicking to make Uxbridge work hard for territory for much of the first half.

Belsize used a blitz defence to great effect, making it hard for Uxbridge to move the ball the wide.

When Belsize did use the ball the Uxbridge defense was solid and Belsize rarely looked like scoring a try throughout the whole game.

Poor skills from both sides meant that all half chances to score tries were missed.

Uxbridge gave Belsize 4 kick-able penalties in the first half. After missing the first 3 attempts they elected to kick for the corner, but the resulting lineout and possession came to nothing and Uxbridge cleared their lines again.

At the start of the second half, Belsize started the better side.

Uxbridge bungled the catch from the kick off as the players had a low winter’s sun glaring in their eyes. A minute later Uxbridge conceded the penalty that would turn out to be the solitary and winning score of the match.

Uxbridge fought back hard, but never seemed to make the last pass count.

Uxbridge had roughly 80% of possession and and territory in the second half but seemed to lack the energy and the ideas to break down the Belsize defense.

Dan Pitkin and the majority of the pack deserved note for their efforts, though they lost a vital scrum against the head towards the end of the game and the referee adjudged several lineout throws as not straight.

Uxbridge did have a penalty attempt at goal that would have leveled the game in the 73rd minute, but at 40 meters out this was slightly beyond the range of fullback Glen Curtin.

29.11.08

Friendly
Uxbridge 38 vs Bulldog 10
Tries: Weymouth, Batts, Curtin x2, Hilliard x2
Cons: Glen Curtin x4 (8pts)

Kilburn blew out on the forecast North West Middlesex Floodlit cup tie, giving Uxbridge a free ride to the next round.

Uxbridge took a strong clubside away to Bulldog (Richmond area).

Uxbridge managed to claw back from 10 - nil down to win the game.

Uxbridge players Simon Batts, Michael Weymouth scored great tries and Glen Curtin and James "Dave" Hilliard scored a fine brace of tries each.

The match saw Uxbridge No.8 Dan Pitkin return to the pitch after a serious knee injury earlier this season. 

The Uxbridge pack retained the ball well at the breakdown area and disrupted Bulldog's set piece especially the lineouts.

The Uxbridge backs showed great hands all day and used the abundance of ball given to them well.

This win should boost morale heading into their league match away against fellow strugglers Belsize Park this Saturday.

22.11.08

Friendly
Harrow I 32 vs Uxbridge II 17
Tries: Batts, Weisinger, Partridge

Uxbridge managed to score 3 tries against higher league opposition, before losing the game in the second half.

The side had to be re-jigged after a warm-up injury to veteran second row Gerry James, but the 2's fielded a strong side none the less.

Uxbridge players Simon Batts, Grant Weisinger and Steven Partridge helped give Uxbridge a 17 - 15 half time lead.

Harrow made 4 or 5 substitutions, bringing on their big guns, to turn the game in their favour, running in their 6th try of the day in the 80th minute.

Uxbridge could feel slightly aggrieved at the Harrow first team substitutions ruining the game as a contest, especially as in the spirit of fair play Uxbridge hadn’t sent a first team littered side when their own first team match was cancelled.

Herts & Middlesex Division 2
15.11.2008
Uxbridge 30 – Royston 13
HT Score: 23 - 03
Tries: Michael Weymouth x2 (10pts), Steve Partridge, Esmond Brown, Simon Batts
Pens: Glen Curtin
Cons: Glen Curtin

Royston Routed at Park Road.

The Uxbridge coaches and 1st Team Captain Mark Mason made it clear to the players before kick off that this game was a must win encounter. Uxbridge needed to take the game to Royston from the outset, and the players did just that.
Early Uxbridge pressure and territory was rewarded with 3 points from the boot of Uxbridge back Glen Curtin.
Royston replied with a penalty of their own, but Uxbridge dominated the breakdown and set piece to make life hard for the visitors.

Uxbridge scored the opening try after a good break and a nice off-load from Mickey Weymouth saw Steve Partridge crash over from 10 yards out.
The Uxbridge backs, especially Joel Brasher-Jones, were breaking the gain line time and time again. One such break, down an exposed blind side, gave Esmond Brown just enough space to thunder in under the posts.
The Uxbridge pack disrupted Royston ball at the tackle area, Flanker Sam Cater punishing poor Royston rucking and mauling drill by stealing ball on numerous occasions.
On the brink of halftime Uxbridge were awarded a penalty, Captain Mark Mason opting to kick for the corner rather than take the kickable 3 points on offer. After good phases of rugby by the Uxbridge forwards the ball found its way to Mickey Weymouth who touched down for a try.
In the second half Uxbridge kept the pressure on Royston, keeping them penned in their own half for long periods.

From a lineout inside the Royston 22, Weymouth found Mark Mason on the angle; the ball was clinically recycled and spun out to Uxbridge wing Simon Batts for Uxbridge’s forth try. Glen Curtin slotted the conversion to make it 30 - 3.
Sadly one of Uxbridge’s cleanest, law-abiding players, Eoin Donnelly, was surprisingly sin binned allowing Royston to enjoy a 10 minute one man advantage. Uxbridge let in 2 breakaway tries with 15 minutes left to play. That was as close as Royston came to a comeback as Uxbridge proficiently closed the game out.

Captain Mark Mason gave the Uxbridge man of the match award to Ed Baildon for his tireless efforts.

Uxbridge will be hoping that this 1st league win of the season will be the turning point in the clubs fortunes after a trying start to the season.

Next week Uxbridge 1st team and 2nd team face Harrow in a friendly. 
 

Friendly
15.11.2008
UCS Old Boys II –Uxbridge II

The Uxbridge 2nd team suffered a crushing defeat away at UCS Old Boys. Both sides went out shorthanded. UCS not fielding a full front row forced the referee to opt for the dreaded uncontested scrums rule. This played into the home side’s hands, who were fielding a backs and back row dominated side, determined to keep the game open and free flowing. Uxbridge II’s had a side packed with forwards who rarely got to play to their strengths, spending most the game running after fitter, younger players rather than scrumaging, rucking and mauling.
The scale of the loss can be summed up by the fact that no one on the Uxbridge side had kept a track of the score.

Herts & Middlesex Division 2
08.11.2008
Old Grammarians 43 – Uxbridge 0 (nil)

Uxbridge still bottom.

In the lead up to this Saturday Uxbridge had lost 5 league matches and were expecting to play Old Grammarians in the Middlesex Federation Vase First Round, but on Wednesday the status of the match was changed to a league match.

Uxbridge will be disappointed that they couldn’t maintain their improvement in the set piece from last week, sadly finding things very hard going against a dominant Old Grammarians pack.

Uxbridge back Glen Curtin was by far the Uxbridge man of the match this Saturday, but with the side failing to score twice in two weeks, questions will be asked of the side’s regular finishers and those that would usually provide the creative attacking options.

Old Grammarians battered the Uxbridge pack in the set scrums and gave their backs clean ball; their backs finishing the chances regularly given to them.

The Uxbridge first team captain Mark Mason wasn’t available this week and he’ll come back to the unenviable task of leading a side that has received yet another dent to their confidence.

As December approaches, Uxbridge need to get off of the foot of the table to avoid the psychological disadvantage of being bottom at Christmas.

Uxbridge face Hertfordshire based side Royston in a tough home Herts & Middlesex Division 2 league match next Saturday.

The Uxbridge 2nd team game was cancelled by their opponents at the last minute. The Uxbridge 2nd team face Old Actonians away in a friendly next Saturday.

Herts & Middlesex Division 2
01.11.2008
Wasps Amateurs 22 – Uxbridge 0 (nil)

League points elude Uxbridge yet again.
Heading into the match Uxbridge had lost 4 matches and Wasps had won 3 and lost two.
The only saving grace for Uxbridge this Saturday was an impressive outing for the pack in the set piece, especially the scrumage.
Despite the possession provided from the solid scrum, the Uxbridge backs never looked like scoring out wide.
A lack of creativity and finishing cost Uxbridge dearly and being beaten without even scoring is always a concern and a dent to confidence.
Wasps looked sharper and finished the chances given to them.
The Wasps flyhalf and inside centre bossed the game; dictating the pace of the game and being creative when it mattered.
Uxbridge are rooted to the bottom of the table.
As December looms Uxbridge will be eager to get off of the foot of the table to avoid the philological disadvantage of being bottom at Christmas.
Uxbridge face local rivals St Nick’s Old Boys in a home friendly next Saturday.

Middlesex Merit Table Division 5
01.11.2008
Uxbridge II 14 – Old Isleworthians II 10
Tries: Tom Hall-Jones
Pens: Tom Hall-Jones x3 (9 points)

The Uxbridge 2nd team faired better than the first team, gaining their first win in the Middlesex Merit table this season.
The win takes them off the foot of the table.
Tom Hall-Jones scored all the points for the home side. An impressive haul of one try and 3 penalties gave the second team a win and the whole club a much needed morale boost.
Uxbridge had lost to Old Isleworthians recently and were ecstatic with the win.
Uxbridge II’s face fellow Merit table strugglers Quintin II’s away next Saturday in their Middlesex Merit Table Division 5 fixture.

Herts & Middlesex Division 2
25.10.2008 Old Haberdashers 28 – Uxbridge 07
Uxbridge: 7
Tries: Ian Hambley
Cons: Glen Curtin

Uxbridge failed to play to the conditions and left themselves too much to do to make a meaningful second half comeback.

Uxbridge did manage to fight their own corner for much of the first half, but tried to spin their possession wide, playing uphill, into the wind and rain instead of playing a tighter game.

Uxbridge defended poorly and the home side scored all their 28 points without reply in the first 40 minutes.

Uxbridge had the wind and hill in the second half and finally scored through centre Ian Hambley. In the second half the Uxbridge forwards took the game to the opposition pack and made good head way but Old Haberdashers defended well and had the confidence and buffer of over 20 points to kill off the game and send Uxbridge home dejected and defeated again.

Uxbridge face Wasps Amateurs away next week in the league. Wasps will be favorites on current form, but Uxbridge are desperate to get their first league points and will no doubt give them a run for their money. 

Due to unavoidable last minute cry offs in the 1st team squad, the Uxbridge 2nd team sadly couldn’t field a full 15 and had to cancel their Merit Table match. Not honoring fixtures is obviously an embarrassment for the club as a whole and something they won’t want to repeat anytime soon if they can help it.

The Uxbridge II are due to face Old Isleworthians II at home in Middlesex Merit Table Division 5 next Saturday.

EDF Junior Vase 3rd Round
18.10.2008 Uxbridge 31 – Mitcham 56
Uxbridge: 31
Tries: Michael Weymouth x2 (10 points), Tony Bailey x2 (10 points), Tom Hall-Jones
Cons: Michael Weymouth x3 (6 points)

Despite losing again the Uxbridge 1st team left the field this week feeling much better about their performance; knowing that they'd played probably the best side they'll play all year and still scored 5 great tries.
Mitcham have had a great start to their season, currently top of the table in their Surrey based league after two games.
Not long after kickoff Uxbridge began conceding points; down by 21 points and forced onto the back foot for most of the first half.
Uxbridge remained in contention at half time, but the predominantly antipodean born visitors racked up their winning score line without Uxbridge ever looking as though they would overcome their poor start to the match.

Winger Tony Bailey has come back from his broken thumb and hamstring injuries well and scored a fine brace of tries.

Michael Weymouth cemented his place as Uxbridge’s top try scorer this season with a fine brace of his own.
Captain Mark Mason said that he couldn't fault any of his team mates, was impressed by the attitude shown and is hoping to take the positives into their next league game away at Old Haberdashers next weekend.


Friendly
18.10.2008 Old Abbotstonians 7 – Uxbridge II 48
Uxbridge II: 47
Tries: Jamie Flindall, Phil Carsen, Daniel Oliver

The Uxbridge 2nd team finally got their first win of the season.

Traditionally considered the club’s biggest derby match, despite perhaps St Nick’s Old Boys being the closer club geographically, this win over Old Abbot’s has boosted morale across the whole club.

Jamie Flindall, Phil Carsen and Daniel Oliver scored all of tries between them, but it was the over all team performance that gave Uxbridge their emphatic win.

Herts/Middlesex Division 2
11.10.2008 Uxbridge 33 – Mill Hill 34
Uxbridge: 33
Tries: Michael Weymouth x2 (10 points), Glen Curtin x3 (15 points), Tony Bailey
Pen: Michael Weymouth x1

After a roller coaster of emotions, sadly Uxbridge fail to beat Mill Hill at home this Saturday.
Uxbridge started well, but quick tapped a penalty in the opening minute rather than kick for goal and 10 minutes later missed a penalty kick.
On the 18 minute mark, against the run of play, Mill Hill showed great legs and support work to score in the corner to go 5 – nil up.
5 minutes later Mill Hill cemented their lead with a cheeky tap penalty behind the referees back for the Mill Hill tight head prop to score under the posts unopposed.
The Mill Hill pack were often found lacking and resorted to illegal play to try to slow down any good Uxbridge ball. Mill Hill paid for these indiscretions on the 28 minute mark as Uxbridge slotted a penalty and two minutes later scored their first try of the game; a lineout ball was cleanly won and driven deep into the Mill Hill 22, before being spun wide to full back Glen Curtin to score near the corner.

Only 8 – 12 down at halftime, Uxbridge needed to take the game by the scruff and score first after the break, but failed to do so.
Mill Hill scored a softly conceded try in the 41st minute and enjoyed a ten minute spell of dominance. Mill Hill scored again, running the ball down the blind side of the field; Uxbridge running out of defenders as the Mill Hill scrum half ferreted over for the try.
The referee was refereeing for his first senior league match and his inexperience showed at times. On the 58th minute mark the Mill Hill forwards blatantly stole the ball with their hands in a ruck, unseen by the referee, drove on through the middle of the park, showing great continuity and support play again to score in the corner.
At 29 – 8 down the game should’ve been over but Uxbridge were handed a lifeline by the continuing illegal play from the Mill Hill pack. After killing the ball at three break downs in a row finally a yellow card was produced by the referee, giving a 10 minute sin binning to the Mill Hill scrum half.
Uxbridge made the extra man advantage tell less than a minute later. Winning the ball from a Mill Hill lineout throw the Uxbridge pack took the ball forward and the ball was spun out to Glen Curtin who scored in the corner.
With their tails up and Mill Hill still a man short Uxbridge began to dominate. Substitute Sam Carter carried the ball well; the pack in close support gave the scrum half quick ball, before again simple hands gave Uxbridge the numbers outside, winger Tony Bailey showing great finishing for his try in the corner.
Just a minute later Michael Weymouth saw a huge gap open up in the Mill Hill defense, backed himself and outstripped the badly positioned defenders to score under the posts.
Despite the proximity to the posts the conversion kick was missed, but Michael Weymouth made good in the 76th minute. Showing great soccer skills to dribble the ball into the try area, he pounced on the ball before the desperate lunge of the last defender, to take Uxbridge to just one point behind the visitors.
Mill Hill were back up to 15 men again and in the lead, but they looked fatigued and Uxbridge continued to press hard for the win.
Uxbridge got the put in to a scrum in the Mill Hill 22, spun the ball blind instead of open allowing Glen Curtin to smash down in the corner to finish an excellent hat trick and take Uxbridge into a 33 – 29 deserved lead with only a minute left to play.
Mill Hill were gifted possession by two dubious penalty calls, giving Mill Hill field position, which after what many spectators and players were confident was a forward pass, Mill Hill limped over to score the winning try to dash Uxbridge’s hopes of a first league win this season.
Indecisive and inconsistent, both sides had comments on the standard of refereeing after the game and on the final whistle neither side were sure who had won. Both sides trudged off frustrated and a little confused, Mill Hill the happier beneficiaries of a dubiously earned 2 points.

Uxbridge face Mitcham at home in the EDF Junior Vase Round 3 next week.

 Middlesex Merit Table Division 5
11.10.2008 Uxbridge II 0 – Staines IV 36

Staunch rear guard defending kept the contest from developing into a cricket score rout. Lacking their regular captain to the first team this week, the 2nd XV turned to its experienced players, of which there were many, to keep up the fight against an onslaught of attacking play. Despite being a 4th XV Staines are a much larger and more successful club and probably expected to have beaten Uxbridge by more.

Next week Uxbridge II will face Old Abbotstonians II away in the local derby.

Friendly
04.10.2008 Old Grammarians 31 – Uxbridge 17
Uxbridge: 17
Tries: Michael Weymouth, Tom Hall-Jones, Ollie Hopkins
Cons: Michael Weymouth x1 (2pts)

What should’ve been a league match against Old Grammarians in Herts/Middx Division 2, became a friendly due to the last minute cancelling of a league referee.
Uxbridge lost the friendly but can take a lot of positives out of the game.
The forwards performance has slowly improved through their last three matches and Uxbridge scored more points this week than in their last three matches combined.
The fact that this wasn’t a league match will come as something of a relief to the Uxbridge players. The Uxbridge coaches have also now had an opportunity to see what strengths Old Grammarians will be playing to when they face each other in the re-arranged fixture with the league points on the line.

Improvements will need to be made if Uxbridge expect to beat Mill Hill at home in the league next week.

Friendly
27.09.2008 Uxbridge 03 – Reading II 58
Uxbridge: 03
Cons: Michael Weymouth

Uxbridge fail to gain their first home win of the season against Reading’s 2nd XV.
Uxbridge were expecting to play in the EDF Vase against Old Economicals RFC early last week, but ended up honouring their prearranged friendly with Reading’s 2nd XV.
The frustration at not being able to cement a win at this stage of the season showed on the faces of the defeated Uxbridge players as they left the field. Reading is a good side competing in South West Division One, so a loss to their second team was no disgrace. The manner of the defeat is concerning everyone at the club and very little optimism could be grasped from such a poor string of resounding defeats.
Uxbridge continue to train hard; hoping that their luck will change away next week against Old Grammarians in Herts/Middx Division 2

Middlesex Merit Table Division 5
27.09.2008 Uxbridge 29 – Hampstead V 38
Uxbridge: 29
Tries: Ralph Allen

Uxbridge came close to getting their Merit table campaign off to a flying start, but wretchedly came unstuck in the last 10 minutes of the game.
Uxbridge had only been 29-31 behind and were given a penalty to kick to take the lead, but sadly missed it. In the following few phases of play Uxbridge coughed up possession to give Hampstead an easy try to kill the game off.
The pick of the crop of the Uxbridge tries was scored by 1st team prop Ralph Allen. Sprinting off the side of a rolling maul, a mixture of experience, momentum and gravity helped Allen crash through the last despairing defenders to score.
Next week Uxbridge play away at Old Streetonians in the Merit table hopeful of a win.

Herts/Middlesex Division 2
20.09.2008 Uxbridge 05 – HAC 29
Uxbridge: 05
Tries: Ian Hambley

Uxbridge fail to gain their first home win of the season against a dominant HAC side this Saturday.
Uxbridge suffered the loss of key player Dan Pitkin in the first 10 minutes of the match. At first impressions it looks as though he’ll be out for months rather than weeks; a recurrence of a knee injury that almost brought short his career a few years ago.
Uxbridge were much improved in the set piece and at the tackle area, but failed to show any improvement in their defensive organisation, gifting the HAC backs a handful of overlap opportunities.
Uxbridge gave the game away with a couple of interception passes that HAC gratefully sprinted in to score from and Uxbridge were sadly just second best on the day.
The glorious sunshine was nice for the spectators but not much fun for the players who wilted in the heat late on.
Uxbridge hope for better luck away in the EDF Vase next week against Old Economicals RFC.

Friendly
20.09.2008 Old Actonians 72 – Uxbridge 19
Uxbridge: 19
Tries: Tom Hall-Jones, Fergus Percivall, Rob Ellingham

The Uxbridge 2nd team lost to Old Actonian 2nd team this Saturday. The 2nd team is at home to Hampstead in their first Middlesex Division 5 Merit table game of the season next Saturday.

Uxbridge are on the verge of fielding a 3rd team so if anyone wants a run out, of any standard from first timer to newcomer, please check out our website and get in touch. www.uxbridgerfc.co.uk

Herts & Middx Division 2
13.08.2008 Hendon 50 – Uxbridge 08
Uxbridge: 8
Tries: Lewis Edwards
Pen: Michael Weymouth

Uxbridge will look back on this fixture and cringe, because of the manner of the defeat.

Within the first 20 minutes they conceded 17 points, through terrible missed tackles, poorly executed tactical kicking and giving away kickable penalties.

Uxbridge rarely managed phases of dominance, but occasionally an over eager Hendon side gave them penalties, allowing Uxbridge to claw back a penalty on the 26th minute mark.

Hendon used the slope of their home pitch to good advantage.
Uxbridge were unable to generate any structure to their attack because the ball was rarely guaranteed to come back from the contact area; Hendon managing to steal almost 50% of Uxbridge ball at rucks and mauls throughout the 1st half.

Uxbridge conceded a pushover try followed by another messy miss tackle try to go in at halftime 29 – 3 down.

The last thing Uxbridge needed at the start of the second half was to concede first, but sadly they did. It was ugly watching as a Hendon winger danced through 4 missed tackles to score under the posts.

Uxbridge finally began to assert themselves and Hendon resorted to foul play to hamper their fight back. A Hendon prop was sin binned for 10 minutes for his actions, giving Uxbridge the man advantage. Uxbridge managed their only try of the game through birthday boy Lewis Edwards on the 48 minute mark.

Once Hendon were back up to full strength normal service was resumed and 3 tries later Hendon were the out and out victors.

The last try summed up the match. Uxbridge made an excellent break, but no one was supporting an exhausted Ian Hambley when he got caught on his way to the try line, possession was turned over, allowing Hendon to show great hands and support play to score at the other end of the pitch.

Uxbridge will have to dig deep to get their season back on track against HAC at home next Saturday, in what on paper is an even tougher fixture.

13.08.2008 Stevenage III 48 – Uxbridge II 10

The Uxbridge 2nd team faired little better than the first team this week. After one or two injuries force Uxbridge to rely on substitutes graciously offered by Stevenage, Uxbridge struggle to get a foothold in the match. With several players playing out of position it was always going to be a tough encounter.

Uxbridge 2nd team face Old Actonians away next week.

Friendly - 06.09.2008 - Uxbridge 13 – 22 Old Abbotstonians
HT: 13 - 7
Uxbridge: 13
Tries: Simon Batts x2
Pen: Michael Weymouth x1 (3pts)

In gusting wind and rain this Saturday, Uxbridge lost this derby fixture to higher league Old Abbotstonians.

Both sides fielded players not likely to make into the first team in a league match. Old Abbots fielded several youngsters in need of first team experience. Uxbridge suffered from the odd injury and a lack of availability from some first teamers.

Uxbridge had a shaky start and gave up an early kickable penalty in the 8th minute. The kick was missed, the ball was allowed to bounce and an Old Abbots player was there to score the try. The dead ball area on the new Uxbridge pitch is very short and the Uxbridge players swore that the ball hit the line, out of play, and bounced back into play for the try. No one can blame the referee for letting it stand without any reliable assistants to call on to make such a contentious call.

Uxbridge responded well and began to use the wind to their advantage, keeping Old Abbots stuck deep in their own half.

One poor clearance kick was picked up by Uxbridge No.8 Dan Pitkin and after an impressive run the ball was quickly recycled. The Uxbridge backs exploited a lack of numbers on the Old Abbots blind side to put winger Simon Batts clattering through the last defenders to score in the corner.

Uxbridge continued to keep the pressure up and it was only a matter of time before Old Abbots conceded a penalty. Uxbridge flyhalf Michael Weymouth kicked the 3 points to make it 08 – 07 on the 20 minute mark.

Another poor Old Abbots clearance kick was picked up by Uxbridge fullback Phil Orrell who was hit by his third high tackle of the game, which the referee finally gave a penalty kick for. After some great forward play the backs were unleashed and Simon Batts showed great finishing, scoring the second of a well earned brace in the far corner.

Uxbridge continued their dominance right up until half time, but wasted chance after chance to kill the game off due to poor passing and silly errors.

In the second half Old Abbots had the wind with them and took full advantage. Uxbridge seemed just as poor at clearance kicking as Old Abbots had been in the first half, but twinned with a host of small errors creeping into their game it was a destructive mix.

Neither hooker was able to keep the lineout ball straight in the strong wind. The resulting scrums further sapped the strength from the Uxbridge pack.

On the 70th minute mark, after some good work from the Abbots forwards, the lack of fitness told and Old Abbots crossed the line for their second try.

At 13 – 14 up Old Abbots began to make the odd mistake of their own, but sadly Uxbridge were too tired to capitalize.

Old Abbotts killed the game off with a great kick for the corner, the Abbots winger out stripping his opposite number for pace to score in the corner.

To add insult to injury Old Abbots found time to kick over a penalty in the last minute to make it 13 – 22.

The Uxbridge 1st team hopes for a turn around in their fortunes before heading away to face Hendon in the league next week.

Friendly - 06.09.2008 - Old Priorians 34 – 0 Uxbridge II
HT: 5 – 0

Uxbridge couldn’t field a full 2nd XV and thank Old Priorians for lending them players to play the fixture. The game was played in a great spirit and Uxbridge were able to keep Old Priorians 1st XV to just a 5 point lead at half time.
Injuries forced Uxbridge players out of position in the 2nd half and sadly the floodgates opened.

The Uxbridge 2nd team face Stevenage III’s in a friendly next week.

Friendly - 30.08.2008 - Uxbridge 34 – 19 Harlequins Amateurs

Uxbridge: 34
Tries: Dan Pitkin, Simon Batts, Ian Hambley, Michael Weymouth, James Smith, Grant Weingser
Con: Michael Weymouth x2 (4pts)

In scorching conditions this Saturday, Uxbridge enjoyed a convincing friendly win over higher league Harlequins Amateurs.

Both sides treated the game as a trial game, but for new Uxbridge head coaches Alan Isichei and Dave Farmer, this was the first opportunity for the coaches to see their players in a competitive match.

The game was cut down into 20 minute periods in order to use more substitutes and to reflect on the law changes that have come into force this season.

James Smith and Grant Weingser scored on their debuts for the senior side, no doubt giving them a huge confidence boost as they step from age group rugby into the adult game.

Fly-half Michael Weymouth put in a great performance, scoring a try and picking some excellent running lines throughout the game.

Glen Curtin looked certain to score twice but was judged to have stepped into touch on both occasions.

With the win being followed by a BBQ after the game the playing and social sides of the club enjoyed a dream start to the season.

Next week the 1st team play Old Abbotstonians at home and the 2nd team play Old Priorians away.

26.04.2008

The second team played Hayes and despite being one short and losing one player to injury still beat them 41 - 14. James Hilliard scored 5 tries, Pete Hewstone & Simon Batts scored one each.  

05.04.2008
North West Middlesex Floodlit Cup – Semi Final

Ruislip II 32 – Uxbridge 8
HT Score : 03 - 08
Uxbridge: 08
Try: Simon Batts
Pen: Michael Weymouth

Uxbridge conceded 3 points in the opening 15 minutes, but managed to dominate in both possession and territory for almost the entire first half.
Uxbridge missed a tough penalty to make it 3 all, but kept up the pressure on the Ruislip line for long spells.

There was not a lot of rhythm to the play during much of the first half, neither side managing to put too many phases together before mistakes crept in.

When Ruislip did gain position they’re tactical kicking was loose and their execution poor.

The referee was given little option but to show the Ruislip number 13 a yellow card after a host of borderline high tackles were topped off by two blatantly high tackles in succession, resulting in some blows being exchanged.

Uxbridge maintained their territory advantage and finally scored in the 38th minute through winger Simon Batts. Uxbridge shipped the ball out to centre Joel Brasher-Jones who took one of the last defenders wide to the touchline and gave the ball inside to Simon Batts, who spun his way out of a last ditch tackle to score near the corner.

Two minutes later, on the stroke of halftime, Michael Weymouth slotted a penalty to make it 3 – 8 heading into the break.

Ruislip made some telling substitutions, making use of some first team players on the bench, to turn the tide.

Ruislip made a great start to the second half. In the ensuing chaos when an Uxbridge 22 drop out kick was charged down, Ruislip took their chance; scoring through Ruislip prop Hattingh, crashing through the last defenders to touchdown near the posts.

Uxbridge began to win the territory game for a short spell and Ruislip ill discipline gave Uxbridge two kickable penalties. Sadly in the worsening wind and rain Uxbridge failed to take those chances and Ruislip quickly scored against the run of play to extend their lead.

At 17 – 8 down Uxbridge had a hill to climb, which sadly turned into a mountain as legs began to tire and the Ruislip backs were finally given some good ball by their forwards.

Ruislip scored again on the 75 minute mark after some good hands put a pacey Ruislip winger in the corner after brushing off two half tackles.

Ruislip began to attack at the fringes of the tackle area with some success and with less than ten minutes left, the Ruislip number 9 broke down the blindside and crossed the line, in some considerable pain, as his hamstring gave out on him as he sprinted in.

To top off a great game Hattingh crossed the line to rap things up with a great handoff and try to score a well earned brace.

Uxbridge will have little complaint at the result against on form, higher league opposition, but will be sad that they couldn’t have put some gloss on an otherwise mediocre season

29.03.2008 Uxbridge 31 – 13 St Nick’s Old Boys
HT Score: 13 - 7
Uxbridge: 31
Tries: James Hilliard x2, Dan Pitkin, Jason Clay
Pens: Michael Weymouth x1(3pts)
Con: Michael Weymouth x4(8pts)

Excellent comeback sees Uxbridge beat SNOBS.
The nerves of it being the last league game of the season and that SNOBS had beaten Uxbridge by one point on the away fixture between the sides this season, seemed to have effected Uxbridge early on. The first half saw Uxbridge concede 13 points after a hurried and technically poor start.
Despite having slightly less possession at times SNOBS managed to keep Uxbridge at bay whilst notching up their two unconverted tries and a penalty kick. SNOBS could’ve made better use of the wind advantage, but the rainy conditions made ball handling difficult for both sides. Had it not been for an excellent converted try from centre James Hilliard Uxbridge would’ve gone in at half time 13 – nil down.
From the second half restart Uxbridge looked the better side, continuing their pressure from the end of the first half. Uxbridge took the lead as James Hilliard out paced his opposite number to dive over for the try.
A few minutes later Uxbridge Captain Dan Pitkin got the vital downward pressure as the Uxbridge pack drove off the SNOBS scrum from just under 10 meters out for an excellently executed push over try.
At this point discipline became an after thought as both sides began to dish out high tackles, dangerous leg tackles, punches and some off the ball pushing and shoving that looked like spoiling the match. SNOBS missed a penalty in front of the posts, but Uxbridge flyhalf Michael Weymouth was able to convert the chance presented to him to punish SNOBS lack of discipline.
James Hilliard was knocked cold in a crunching tackle but was helped from the field and despite a touch of short term memory loss recovered quickly after the game.
Uxbridge made it 31 – 13 after some great running and offloading in the tackle from both the backs and forwards. Jason Clay was on the spot to crash over for the game clinching try.
Uxbridge playing better to the conditions in the rainy second half proved to be the difference between the sides and they’ll be pleased with the win and the team performance as a whole.
Uxbridge will be playing Ruislip in the North West Middlesex Floodlit Cup next Saturday.

30.03.2008 Old Abbotstonians Colts  – Uxbridge Colts

Uxbridge Colts played their second game as a team and sadly lost again to a stronger, older well established Old Abbotstonians side.
The team showed character in asking for a rematch after lossing badly to the same side earlier in the month and will learn from the experience. The Uxbridge Colts coaching staff praised their young players’ efforts again and things look good for next season.

Middlesex Vase
15.03.2008 Hendon 22 – Uxbridge 12
Uxbridge: 22
Tries: Glen Curtin, Mugabe
Con: Henry Williams

Uxbridge crash out of cup.
Uxbridge did well in the first half against Hendon; generating several scoring chances and only going in 8 to 7 down, but sadly they let themselves down in the 2nd half.
Hendon came out the stronger as of the second half whistle and quickly built up their winning lead. All credit to Uxbridge for clawing back a consolation try on the final whistle, but the result will hurt many of the players who felt that this was a competition that they could’ve gone on to win had a bit of luck been with them.

16.03.2008 Old Abbotstonians Colts  – Uxbridge Colts

Uxbridge Colts played their first game as a team and sadly lost to a stronger well established Old Abbotstonians side.
Despite not scoring, the team showed character and will learn from the match. The Uxbridge Colts coaching staff praised their young players’ efforts. 

08.03.2008 Old Isleworthians 27 – Uxbridge 24
Uxbridge: 24
Tries: Mason, Goodman, A. Thomas
Pens: Weymouth x3 (9pts)

Poor defending cost Uxbridge at vital stages as they suffer surprise away loss to Old Isleworthians.
Isleworthians’ poor discipline allowed Uxbridge to kick 3 penalties during the game and Uxbridge created 3 great tries, but the defiant hosts did enough for the win.
First up tackles were missed too often and the Uxbridge forwards ascendancy in last twenty minutes proved to be too little too late.
Uxbridge face Hendon in the cup next week and will be fighting for pride and a 4th place finish in their last home league match of the season against SNOBS the week after.

08.03.2008 Old Merchant Tailors ?  – Uxbridge II ?

Uxbridge second team beat Old Merchant Tailors away.

01.03.2008 Uxbridge 33 – Belsize 29
Uxbridge: 33
Tries: Brasher-Jones, Pitkin, Hambley x2, Batts
Cons: Brasher-Jones 4 (8pts)

With Belsize above them in the league and with a game in hand this was a must win game for Uxbridge. With the league being restructured at the start of next season Uxbridge are desperate to try and give themselves the best shot of a playoff spot, so that any reshuffle won’t see them relegated.

In a high octane first half Uxbridge took the lead and maintained it. Uxbridge back Joel Brasher-Jones opened the scoring with a great try but Belsize responded quickly with a try of their own, making it 7 – 5. Uxbridge centre Ian Hambley struck back for Uxbridge to extend the lead to 14-05. Captain Dan Pitkin crashed over for his try on the 18 minute mark and, after some great passing and a wonderful final offload, Ian Hambley finished his first half brace in emphatic style just minutes later.
Uxbridge took full benefit of the high wind at their back all half, but it was excellent team-work rather than the conditions that gave Simon Batts the time and space to finish his try to make it 33 – 5.
Alongside the efforts of the Uxbridge try scorers, the bullocking runs from prop Lewis Edwards and the work rate of Michael Brewer and Aden Thomas were worthy of praise.
Uxbridge were given a taste of things to come, as Belsize managed to claw a try back at the death of the first half to make it 33 – 10.
Belsize scored within 2 minutes of the kick off as an Uxbridge defender slipped, allowing the Belsize scorer to accelerate through the breached defence untouched for the 5 points.
Belsize went on to score a further 2 tries after well worked spells of dominance inevitably lead to points.
Uxbridge failed to alter their playing style to the elements as they tried to play expansive rugby into a strong wind rather than allowing the pack to grind down the clock, and the opposition pack, to keep possession from the impressive Belsize backline.
Had Belsize kicked all of their conversions they would’ve won the game but
Uxbridge defended well for the last 15 minutes and on reflection deserved the win despite a poor second half performance. Uxbridge are still in two cup competitions and, should they continue to do well in the league, they should be in a good position come the reshuffle at the close of the season.
Uxbridge face Old Isleworthians away in the league next week. 

01.03.2008 Ruislip Vets 36 – Uxbridge 31
Uxbridge II: 31
Tries: Jason Clay x2 (Unsure of the rest of the scorers.)
Cons: Unsure

The Uxbridge second team staged an unsuccessful second half revival after being 29 – 0 down at half time. Just as it had in the 1st team game the high winds heavily influenced the score line. Michael Weymouth and Jason Clay had impressive games, Jason Clay scoring a second half brace of tries.

Middlesex Vase Round 1
23.02.2008 Uxbridge 26 – Old Streetonians 10

Uxbridge: 26
Tries: Batts, Hilliard, Clay, Edwards
Cons: Williams x3 (6pts)

Old Streetonians: 10
Tries: Adam Lloyds, Matt Boland

For match pics visit http://www.pbase.com/gbaker/uxbridge_rfc

With the league looking to be restructured again at the start of next season it was interesting to see how we would fair if the geographical boundaries were altered; Uxbridge playing in Herts/Middx South Division 2 and Old Streetonians currently in top spot in the Herts/Middx North Division 2.

Uxbridge fielded a much changed side from their midweek encounter, but the energy was there from the off and after 15 minutes they took the lead. Captain for the day Craig Monaghan, sadly injured in the build up, took the ball close to the opposition line, the ball was spun out from Jason Clay to Simon Batts, who crashed over for the try.
With Craig Monaghan off the field getting treatment and the replacement warming up, the kick off after the try was made with Uxbridge down to 14. Old Streetonians took full advantage and within seconds scored in the corner through back Adam Lloyds.
Back to 15 men Uxbridge were soon back in the ascendancy and on the 25 minute mark scored again. With some great ball carrying from Stevie Partridge in the phases leading to the break through, Uxbridge finally spun the ball quickly through the hands for winger James Hilliard to beat the defence in a sprint finish for the corner flag.
Old Streetonians managed to play a good territory game with the boot, making it hard for Uxbridge to extend their lead, but flyhalf Henry Williams was able to relieve any pressure with excellent long touch finder clearance kicks.
Uxbridge made it 19 – 5 on the 32 minute mark thanks to some wonderful dummying, off the ball running and a surprisingly open defence as Jason Clay ran almost 20 meters without a finger laid on him as a dived over to score.
To top off the half Henry Williams dropped a probing kick deep into the Streetonians 22 meter area, Uxbridge winger Mogabi tidied the bouncing ball and set the ball up well, the Uxbridge pack were on hand to cleanout the defenders, the ball was spun wide where prop Lewis Edwards was in support to score under the posts.
With a half time score of 26 – 5 it looked all set to be a whitewash, but Uxbridge failed to score a single point in the second half. Uxbridge gave away several penalties, struggled with one or two injuries, struggled to clear their lines against the wind and those that played midweek began to show fatigue. Old Streetonians showed flashes of why their top of their league, but often squandered their possession and territory advantage. With only 10 minutes left Old Streetonians finally got a try back to make the score line more respectable. While some of the Uxbridge players argued about a penalty decision, Old Streetonians took a quick tap, put the ball through the hands to score in the corner through Matt Boland.
Uxbridge defended well for the last 10 and deserved the win dispite an indifferent second half. Uxbridge winning two cup matches in a week can’t be sniffed at and look forward to hosting Belsize Park in the league next week. With the “Old Sod’s” luncheon being held next week 01/03/08 and the match being laid on as dessert it should be a great day.

Quarter-finals North West Middlesex Floodlit Cup
20.02.2008 Uxbridge 25 – Black BaaBaas 8

Uxbridge: 25
Tries: Mason, Harper, Williams
Cons: Brasher-Jones x2 (4pts)
Pens: Brasher-Jones x2 (6pts)

Black BaaBaas: 8
Try: Mark Wilkinson
Pen: Mark Wilkinson

Uxbridge hosted the Black BaaBaas at the ground of their local rivals Ruislip so that the match could be played on a Wednesday night, 20:00 kick off under floodlights. (Official Attendance: 69)

It was a cold February night and Uxbridge must’ve come out the colder, because within 10 minutes they were down by 5 points. Black BaaBaas back Mark Wilkinson (No relation) crashed through 3 missed tackles to score in the corner.
After this wake up call Uxbridge began to fight their way back into the game. They proved better in the set piece, especially in the scrums and showed better discipline and execution at the tackle area early on.
Sadly Uxbridge winger Tony Bailey suffered a grizzly thumb fracture that will keep him off the park for the rest of the season.
On the 20 minute mark the Black BaaBaas pushed a speculative kick deep into the Uxbridge 22 to test Aden Thomas the Uxbridge fullback. Rather than kick it off the field for safety’s sake, the fullback danced through the surprised Black BaaBaas defenders for nearly 40 meters before off loading in the tackle to his team mates. After some great offloading the move petered out, but this was to be a pivotal moment as Uxbridge gained confidence and dominated in possession and territory for the rest of the half.
The Black BaaBaas lack of discipline cost them dearly, twice allowing Uxbridge back Joel Brasher-Jones to kick penalties, giving Uxbridge a slender 6-5 lead in the last ten minutes of the half. Uxbridge extended their lead after some great lead up play from Steve Reid and Captain Dan Pitkin took Uxbridge to within 10 meters of the Black BaaBaas try line. The ball was spun out to Henry Williams who committed his opposite number before offloading to Mark Mason on his inside shoulder, running a beautifully angled run, to clatter through the last defenders to score a try.
To crown off the half The Black BaaBaas closed the gap with a 40th minute penalty to keep their hopes alive of a come back in the second half. (HT score 13 – 08)
Uxbridge were slow to regain dominance in the second half and after two failed penalty kicks, one hitting the post, the feeling was that the game could still go either way. Finally after 65 minutes Uxbridge extended their lead. The pack drove a rolling maul for just over 15 meters, dragged down by a desperate BaaBaas defence; the ball was quickly spun out to Henry Williams who darted over the line to score.
The Black BaaBaas were running everything to try and get a try back, as time ran out, but with Uxbridge pinning them back in their own half the BaaBaas struggled to find a way out. Running the ball cost the BaaBaas dearly as on the 78 minute mark a turn over at ruck gave Uxbridge possession in the BaaBaas 22, which was spun out and turned into a driving maul that looked certain to make the try line. Just as the maul looked to be collapsing Mark Mason broke of the back of the maul and put the ball one handed around a defenders back to send scrumhalf Tim Harper scampering in for a well deserved try.
The Black BaaBaas will be disappointed after such a good start and the obvious quality of their back line, but they were up against one of the best team performances I’ve seen come from an Uxbridge side this season and Uxbridge certainly deserved the win, looking at the full 80 minutes as a whole.

16.02.08 Uxbridge 31 UCS II's 14

Uxbridge: 31
Tries: Pitkin, Harper, Brasher-Jones (Unsure if that was all the tries or not)
Cons: ?
Pens: ?

16.02.2008 Uxbridge II's 10 Harrow III's 14

Uxbridge: 10
Tries: Jerry James, Roger Brentnall

Uxbridge felt they should've won, but sadly luck didn't smile on them in this hard fought close encounter.

09.02.2008 Hammersmith & Fulham II 26 – Uxbridge 27

Uxbridge: 27
Tries: Redrup, Harper, Pitkin 2 (10pts)
Cons: Weymouth x2 (4 pts)
Pen: Weymouth x1 (3 pts)

Wasps cried off of the Herts & Middx Division 2 South leage match with Uxbridge late on Friday. Wasps couldn’t field a team due to New Zealand day celebrations denting their playing roster severely.

Uxbridge beat higher league opposition, Hammersmith 2nd team, in a close fought friendly.
Uxbridge had to give the home side two players in order to give the exchange match the go ahead and I’m sure everyone involved was grateful that they did.
It was end to end stuff for much of the game, with great spells of play from both sides, with the Uxbridge pack dominating at the set piece and the tackle area.
Captain Dan Pitkin led the way with his 2 tries and Redrup and Harper followed in his example. The eventual Uxbridge victory was well deserved.
Next week Uxbridge have a friendly against London Irish.

09.02.2008 Old Isleworthians II 18 - Uxbridge II 14
Uxbridge: 14
Tries: Mike ? , Henry Williams
Cons: Henry Williams

The second team went to Old Isleworthians and narrowly lost, this their 1st loss in some time.

02.02.2008 Old Abbotstonians II  0 (nil) – Uxbridge II 24

Uxbridge: 24
Tries: Paul Radford x2 (10pts), Lewis Edwards, Roger Brentnall
Cons: Henry Williams x2 (4pts)

The Uxbridge 2nd team enjoyed a great derby win.

The half-time score was 0-0 which is probably a first for this derby fixture, but Uxbridge were in control for most of the game. The pressure finally told, Uxbridge blasting on to the park in the second half and scoring early.

On Paul Radford’s last game before being deployed in Iraq he scored two great tries. Lewis Edwards and Roger Brentnall scored a try each and Henry Williams converted them both.

Uxbridge’s first team cup match with Black Baabaas was called off due to some confusion over the referee’s confirmation for the game. The referee later turned up, but the sides had already agreed to rearrange the fixture.

26.01.2008 Thamesians 24 – Uxbridge 28

Uxbridge: 28                                                                                    (Though for some reason the RFU have got us down for 29 pts?)
Tries: Mark Mason, Ian Pullen, Tony Bailey x2(10pts)
Cons: Michael Weymouth x4(8pts)

After seeing the dangers of a slow start away at HAC last weekend Uxbridge blasted onto the park this Saturday, dominating play from the outset.
Esmond Brown made an excellent brake through the Thamesians back line and was brought down by last ditch tackling from Thamesians; but Mark Mason was on hand to scoop up the ball, crash through the last defenders to score Uxbridge’s first try.
Some missed tackles allowed Thamesians back into the game, a try drawing the game level at 07 – 07. Uxbridge kept up the pressure on the Thamesians line throughout the half and the pressure told as seasoned Uxbridge prop Ian Pullen battered his way over, to take Uxbridge back in front at 07 – 14.
Despite the Uxbridge forwards having a great half and the better of the play Uxbridge saw their lead wiped out as Thamesians showed great finishing to draw the score level heading into the break.
In the second half Uxbridge went behind for the first time in the match as a lack of discipline gave Thamesians a kickable penalty to make it 17 - 14. Uxbridge still ran things up front, but in the second half the backs began to shine. Uxbridge winger Tony Bailey scored an excellent try with a 60 meter sprint to the try line to regain the lead, 17 – 21.
Thamesians proved that they’re hard to beat at home, refusing to cave in, taking the lead again after some poor tackling saw them score making it      24 – 21.
Uxbridge had been due a league win for some time. After coming out on the losing side in close games lately it didn’t look good to be behind late in the second half, but finally Uxbridge got the result that their performance deserved. Tony Bailey scored another excellent try, side stepping the fullback to sprint in for his brace and Uxbridge’s 4th win of the season.
Uxbridge lost Es Brown, Ian Hambley and Mickey Weymouth to injury by the end, but how long they’ll be out for won’t be clear until training at 19:00 on Tuesday and Thursday this week.
Uxbridge are cemented into 5th place in the table, but would’ve had more points had it not been for Feltham withdrawing from the competition last month and all points, gained or lost from their involvement, being stripped from the league table.
The Uxbridge first team are due to play Old Actonians on Saturday in a friendly.

The Uxbridge 2nd team game with High Wycombe 4’s was sadly abandoned as an Uxbridge player suffered a neck injury and was taken to Stoke Mandeville Hospital. On Sunday it was confirmed that he was OK.
Uxbridge are on the brink of fielding a 3rd team so if anyone of any age, standard or experience fancies a game please check out our website and get in touch. www.uxbridgerfc.co.uk

19.01.2008 HAC 27 – Uxbridge 19

Uxbridge: 19
Tries: Brian Ranns, Tony Bailey
Pens: Michael Weymouth x3(9pts)

Uxbridge travel sickness.
After losing 32 – 10 to HAC at home it was always going to be a big ask to beat them on the road. Uxbridge haven’t got a great record at City Road in the past and that trend sadly continues.
Uxbridge struggled to dominate for much of the first half, conceding 15 points without reply.
In the second half Uxbridge showed courage and battled back into contention. Brian Ranns and Tony Bailey both scored great tries and Lewis Edwards made an impact when he came on in the last 20 minutes, but it was all too little too late.
HAC are enjoying a good season and put in the better performance on the day.
The defeat was a huge disappointment to Uxbridge after a good win against West London and a spirited loss against Harlequins Amateurs recently, buoyed hopes of a resurgence.
Uxbridge slip to 5th in the table and they play 6th place Thamesians next week to try and salvage something from their season.

The Uxbridge 2nd team was denied the chance to extend their winning streak when their opposition cried off late on Friday night. Uxbridge are on the verge of fielding a 3rd team so if anyone wants a run out, of any standard from first timer to veteran, please check out our website and get in touch. www.uxbridgerfc.co.uk

12.01.2008 Uxbridge 21 – West London 12

Uxbridge: 21
Tries: Ian Hambley x2 (10pts), Aden Thomas
Con: Michael Weymouth x3(6pts)

Uxbridge beat West London in a home friendly to saver.

Ian Hambley scored 2 great tries and Aden Thomas notched up 5 points of his own, promoted to the 1st team after an excellent game last week for the 2nd team.

Michael Weymouth kicked all his conversion attempts, keeping Uxbridge that little bit further in front at vital points in the game.

West London scored two tries of their own and Uxbridge had to work hard in defence especially in the 2nd half.

The result was rarely in doubt and Uxbridge will be happy of the win after 2 recent close score line loses.

Next week the first team are back into league action away at HAC.

12.01.2008 Uxbridge II 44 – Civil Service BaaBaas 07

Uxbridge: 44
Tries: (Unsure how many. Only one try confirmed. Justin Vrakettas.)

Uxbridge 2nd team go from strength to strength.

After an excellent win last week over Old Isleworthians the Uxbridge 2’s destroy Civil Service BaaBaas in a try fest. Amongst many notable performances Justin Vrakettas notched up his first try since returning after a lengthily timeout due to surgery.

05.01.2008 Uxbridge 20 – Harlequins Amateurs 25

Uxbridge: 20
Tries: Paul Radford, Ian Hambley
Pens: Michael Weymouth x2(6pts)
Con: Michael Weymouth x2(4pts)

For more match pics visit http://www.pbase.com/gbaker/uxbridge_rfc

After a thrilling encounter, Harlequins gain a vital win in their efforts to clinching the top spot this season. Uxbridge struggled to dominate for much of the first half despite scoring the first points with a penalty. Harlequins showed a lack of discipline at times and Uxbridge used the resulting penalties to gain field position for their first try. From a lineout just 5 meters out from the Quins line Uxbridge set up a rolling maul, with towering lock Paul Radford crashing through the last defender to score the try. Quins squandered a couple of overlap situations that they should’ve put away for a try. A more costly mistake from Uxbridge, at the death of the first half, gave Quins a much needed lifeline. The Uxbridge pack struggled to hold the shove of the opposition pack at a 5 meter scrum; a mix up and dropped ball resulting in a Quins try as one of their forwards fell on the ball before Uxbridge could gather and clear it.
At 10 – 5 up Uxbridge must’ve been happy at half time, but probably knew that they’d need to raise their game for the rest of the match to claim the win.
To that end Uxbridge came out all guns blazing and pressured Quins into giving away a penalty to make it 13 – 5.
Sadly for Uxbridge, Quins were far from beaten and replied in kind when given a penalty opportunity of their own. With 20 minutes to go Quins scored their second try to take the lead. After sustained pressure the Quins flyhalf topped a good half with a try to make it 13 - 15.
Uxbridge looked tired in the last 20 but fortune smiled on them briefly when consistent offending and a professional foul saw the referee award a yellow card to one of the Quins wingers.
With the one man advantage Uxbridge finally gave their backs some clean ball and exposed a lack of pace in the centers, some quick hands and neat footwork sending Ian Hambley in under the posts for an excellent try, from over 40 meters out.
Unfortunately for Uxbridge in the last 10 minutes the referee gave Quins a man advantage, showing Mark Wilson a red card, by mistake, and then a yellow card. The decision was made for coming offside in the Uxbridge 22 during a Quins attack, but after the game it seems it may have been a case of mistaken identity for the carding and a harsh decision on reflection.
Quins took full advantage of the extra man and some simple hands through the backs saw them cross the line shortly after the yellow carding, making it 20 – 22.
To add some undeserved gloss on the score Quins slotted a penalty on the final whistle to make it 20 – 25.
Uxbridge will take heart at the improved commitment from their players and a worthy performance after their season low of losing to SNOB’s last year.

 
05.01.2008 Uxbridge II 48 – Old Isleworthians II 0 (nil)

Uxbridge: 48
Tries: Craig Monaghan, Joel Brasher-Jones, Fergus Percivall, Aden Thomas x4 (20pts)
Pens: Joel Brasher-Jones x1(3pts)
Con: Joel Brasher-Jones x5(10pts)

Never has such a hard fought match seen such a landslide score line for one side. Old Isleworthians will take a lot from the game despite losing. The Uxbridge second team earned an excellent start to the New Year scoring 7 tries on the way.
Even though Aden Thomas’s 4 tries earned him the man-of-the-match award, it would be unfair to say that his brilliant performance was the only reason that Uxbridge won the match, or that he was the only difference between the sides. All of the tries were well worked against a determined Old I’s side that refused to give up. Uxbridge forwards Fergus Percivall and Captain Craig Monaghan finished off good work from the pack for their scores and Joel Brasher-Jones managed to notch up 18 points through his trusty boot and a try of his own. Uxbridge will look forward with high moral heading into their January fixtures.

22.12.2007 Old Hamptonians 32 - Uxbridge 10

Uxbridge: 10
Tries: Sam Carter, Mark Mason

Uxbridge took a club side to Old Hamptonians and lost 32-10. The score line didn’t tell the full story and no one could consider it too terrible a result, as Old Hamptonians are two leagues above them. Uxbridge only had 14 men for most of the game after prop Thomas Redrup had to leave the field, laid low by illness. Sam Cater got his first try for the club and Mark Wilson showed great pace to score Uxbridge’s 2nd try.

15.12.2007 SNOBs 16 - Uxbridge 15

Uxbridge: 15
Tries: Esmond Brown, Gareth Nichols
Pens: Michael Weymouth x1(3pts)
Con: Michael Weymouth x1(2pts)

SNOBs registered their first league win of the season against local rivals Uxbridge. Uxbridge fielded a weaker side due to injuries, but SNOBs were also missing one or two key players.
SNOBs started well, but were not able to break through the committed Uxbridge defence, having to settle for a penalty to give them a 3-0 lead. The lead was lost but quickly regained after an exchange of penalties made it 6-3.
Uxbridge came back strongly and posted a converted score through Esmond Brown just before the half-time break, to give the away side a deceptive 10-6 lead at half time.
The SNOB’s fly half scored a fantastic individual effort, touching down under the posts, giving SNOB’s the lead again early in the second half. At 13-10 Uxbridge managed to force themselves back into contention with a pushover try from a 5-metre scrum, Gareth Nichols getting the vital touch to score. A period of pressure from SNOBs saw the visitors concede several penalties and when SNOBs eventually won a penalty in a kickable position they snatched the chance to clinch the victory in the closing minutes of the game. 
The Uxbridge head coach Andy Smales looked disappointed and infuriated by his team’s lack of effort and execution in a game they desperately needed to win to keep them in any kind of title race.
There were some poor refereeing decisions and this wasn’t the best team that Uxbridge have ever fielded, but had Uxbridge sneaked the win, the result wouldn’t have reflected their performance on the day or have followed recent form.
SNOB’s will saver this win but face a big ask in their next league match against title contenders Wasps Amateurs. Uxbridge will face the league leaders Harlequin Amateurs at home in the new year, hoping that the season’s indulgence disrupts Amateurs’ winning form.

15.12.2007 Civil Service Baa Baas 15 – Uxbridge II 70

Tries: Simon Batts x3 (15pts)
Pens:?
Con:?

The Uxbridge 2nd team crushed their opposition, 70-15, Simon Batts scoring an impressive hat-trick of tries in the process. Going away with less than 15 men must’ve looked like a daunting prospect, but the second team have notched up an excellent win to cheer the whole club as we head into Christmas.

08.12.2007 Mill Hill 5 - Uxbridge 11

Uxbridge: 11
Try: Jamie Flindall
Con: Alex King
Drop goal: Alex King

The second team played Mill Hill seconds away and beat them 10-5. 
Due to the conditions it was a pretty scrappy game with the only try coming from Jamie Flindall, who broke from the back of a maul and went over from 5 yards out.  Alex King converted the try and then scored an unlikely drop goal, given the conditions, to take the game beyond Mill Hill. Captain Craig Monaghan was delighted with his team’s efforts and the win.

01.12.2007 Sodam 10 - Uxbridge 39

Uxbridge: 39
Tries: Hambley x2 (10pts), Goodman, Brentnall, Thomas, Curtin, Williams
Con: Curtin 2 (4pts)

Feltham failed to get a front row together for this weekends league encounter and had to forfeit, giving Uxbridge a much needed 2 pts. Denied the chance to improve their points difference and potentially beating Feltham well, Uxbridge took a club side across to Sodam.
Uxbridge lent Sodam several players so that the game could go ahead so it was little wonder that they were able to enjoy dominance throughout. The Uxbridge forwards managed to provide clean ball for the backs in key areas of the pitch and an impressive 7 try haul was tallied.
Ian Hambley, Steve Goodman and Roger Brentnall scored great tries in the first half, taking Uxbridge comfortably into the break at 17-5 up. Roger Brentnall's try looked particularly impressive as he picked a perfect line of attack and smashed over the try line with the last defenders draped over him unable to prevent the score. 
Sodam came out and caught Uxbridge napping to score a try, but didn't have long to enjoy their repost. Nick Thomas, Glen Curtin, Henry Williams and Ian Hambley ran in the second half tries to cement and extend Uxbridge’s lead.
Jason Clay was awarded the man-of-the-match award after a crunching, gritty performance that fully deserved, but sadly wasn’t crowned with, a try of his own.
Despite scoring 9 points on the day, Uxbridge back Glen Curtin was given the rarely coveted donkey of the match award for the 5 conversions he missed in spectacular fashion.

24.11.2007 Harlequin Amateurs 35 – Uxbridge 7

Uxbridge: 7
Try: Dan Pitkin
Con: Glen Curtin

Uxbridge injuries and lack of cohesion in the backline cost them dearly as they were routed 33-7 by Harlequins.

There was commitment in abundance, but injuries in key areas meant that Uxbridge had to field inexperienced players against a hardened Harlequins side.

Quick thinking from Captain Dan Pitkin saw him score Uxbridge’s solitary try from a tap penalty 10 yards from the opposition line.

The result puts a big dent in Uxbridge’s ambitions for promotion. A return to form and the return of their key first team players will be high up on Uxbridge’s Christmas list this year.

Sodam RFC 40 – Uxbridge II 3

Uxbridge II: 3
Pen: Roger Seabourne

Late cry offs and 1st team injuries decimated the Uxbridge 2nd team this week.
A weakened team faced a determined Sodam side and an embarrassing score line ensued.
There was no lack of effort, but sadly with so many players playing out of position Uxbridge came off a sorry second.

17.11.2007 Northolt 12 – Uxbridge 33

North West Middlesex Floodlit Cup
Uxbridge: 33
Tries:  Brown, Partridge, Seward, Hillard, Tilby
Cons: Curtin x4

Uxbridge beat Northolt in the cup after a slow start away at Northolt.
Uxbridge have done well in this cup competition in the past and have showed their determination to push for any and all silverware on offer to them this season.
Northolt fielded a strong pack and Uxbridge looked out gunned up front for a short spell at the start of the first half. There was a lot of possession being turned over at the breakdown but a change of strategy on Uxbridge’s part saw the game swing in their favour. Despite giving up a few stone at the scrumage Uxbridge kept their own ball at the set piece and began to pass the ball around and stretch Northolt across the park. Man-of-the-match Uxbridge centre Esmond Brown ran some great lines and helped Uxbridge consistently break the gain line. Great tries from Brown, Partridge, Seward, Hillard and Tilby and the trusty boot of Glen Curtin took the game far from Northolt.
Uxbridge face a sterner test away at Harlequins Amateurs next week and will be hoping to keep their promotion dreams alive.

10.11.2007 Uxbridge 10 – HAC 32

Uxbridge:
10
Tries:
Steven Reid, Brian Ranns

Uxbridge fail to impress as their run of being undefeated at home in the league comes to a sorry end.
HAC started well and within 20 minutes had a 10 nil lead. Uxbridge came back into the game and could’ve gone in at halftime with 6 points but sadly the wind dragged Ian Hambley’s penalty kick attempts wide of the mark.
In the second half Uxbridge knew that they had to score first to stay in the game but sadly, due to a dubious penalty call against them, they failed to do so.
On the 55 minute mark Brian Ranns managed to wrestle his was over for the try from the side of a penetrating rolling maul. This glimmer of hope was ruthlessly snuffed out, just 2 minutes later, as a mix up in defense left a gaping hole for the HAC flyhalf to sprint through for an all too easy try.
At 20 points to 5 down there was still a game to be won, but an atrocious call from the referee gave HAC another try that killed the game as a contest. 2 Uxbridge players dived on a ball bobbling in their try area before a HAC hand finally got near it and yet the referee gave the try.
Dejected and running out of time and ideas Uxbridge failed to find touch with a clearance, HAC showed some good passing and offloading to send one of the HAC back row players in under the posts for a well earned try.
About 5 minutes from the end Uxbridge got a deserved consolation try. The Uxbridge pack took the ball close to the opposition line with some hard yard short gains before Hambley decided to run down the blindside, putting the telling pass in to Stevie Reid to score in the corner.
Uxbridge face an even sterner test away at Harlequins Amateurs on the 24th November and will be hoping for a return to form to keep their promotion dream alive.
 
10.11.2007 Uxbridge II 12 – Hayes 24

Uxbridge II: 12
Tries: Ralph Allen, Colin Seward
Cons: Colin Seward x1

With several players playing out of position and losing some players to the first team bench, the match was always going to be tough. Uxbridge failed to exploit the terrain on the slightly sloping Vyners School pitch and Hayes looked like the better side for most of the game. With the half time substitutes failing to make a positive impact on the game the 2nd team never looked like beating their local rivals.

03.11.2007 Uxbridge 31 - Thamesians 5

For more match pics visit http://www.pbase.com/gbaker/uxbridge_rfc

Uxbridge: 31
Tries:
Hambley x3(15 pts)Ranns x2 (10 pts)
Cons:
Weymouth x1(2 pts) Brasher-Jones x2 (4pts)

Uxbridge continue with their unbeaten home league form with a crushing defeat of Thamesians. Uxbridge sadly paid a high price with injuries to gain the win, with first team regulars Ritchie Gunning, Michael Weymouth, Paul Radford and captain Dan Pitkin all needing treatment.
Ian Hambley continues to score at will this season with an excellent hat-trick of tries. Not to be out shone by the backs, the forwards produced two great tries through prop Brian Ranns.
The stand out try of the game came from a bizarre piece of decision making from Ryan Coubrough. When playing the percentages and finding yourself only ten yards from your own try line the best option would usually be to make some ground with a huge touch-finder kick. In a moment of madness, or genius, the Uxbridge flanker tried a cross field kick inside his own 22 meter area which thankfully was gathered by centre Esmond Brown. Had the move not ended in a fantastic breakaway, Brian Ranns touching down for a great try, I think that Ryan may have faced some difficult questions from his team mates.
Joel Basher-Jones and Michael Weymouth managed to slot over 3 out of the 5 conversions between them to make the score line even more respectable. Hopefully the injuries can be shrugged off for next week’s home match against HAC. Uxbridge may head into the game as favorites, but daren’t be complacent in securing the win if they’re to keep pressure on Wasps and Harlequins Amateurs at the top of the league. 

03.11.2007 Old Abbotstonians II 33 – Uxbridge II 34

The Uxbridge 2nd team won a thrilling victory over local rivals Old Abbotstonians though the score line doesn’t really reflect their dominance. Old Abbots managed to punish Uxbridge mistakes to keep themselves in the game, but were it not for those errors Abbots looked like creating very little offensively. Apart from the interception tries given away, 2nd team Captain Colin Seward was pleased with his side’s showing, with new faces having great games and scoring tries. Scrumhalf Tim Harper put in a man of the match performance, all the subs that came on in the second half had a positive impact and Uxbridge players Sam, Partridge, Marriot and Batts all graced the try line in an enthralling 80 minutes of rugby. Both captains’s agreed after the game that the referee was the best that they’d had all season, allowing the classic encounter to flow fairly and with minimal foul play for such a hard fought derby fixture. Next week Uxbridge face Hayes at home.

27.10.2007 Wasps Amateurs 44 - Uxbridge 19

Uxbridge: 19
Tries: Hambley, Weymouth, Mason
Cons: Weymouth x2 (4 pts)

The antipodean avalanche continues at Wasps amateurs, with even some of the home supporters admitting to not knowing half of the team that took the field. 
Uxbridge kept within striking distance for much of the game and at half time there were only a few points in it.  The Uxbridge forwards managed periods of dominance scoring through hooker Mark Mason from a driving maul. Two great tries were scored through Ian Hambley and Michael Weymouth highlighting frailties in the Wasps defense. Two breakaway tries late in the game made the score more flattering than Wasps deserved. Hambley (man of the match) and Weymouth both played well throughout, but the forwards’ lack of fitness showed by the end and this played into the Wasp hands as they played the ball quick and wide. Uxbridge next face Old Thamesians in the league on Saturday.

27.10.2007 Bulldog 10 – Uxbridge II 10

Uxbridge II: 10
Tries: A. West, F. Percival

The Uxbridge second team had a great forwards performance against Farnham but due to some poor refereeing away at Bulldog the opposition could seemingly lie over the ball and come in from the side at rucks with impunity. Despite these problems at the breakdown, it was the forwards that scored the tries through man of match Fergy Percival and Al West.

Captain Colin Seward moved to fly half for the game after the Henry Williams recent injury and had to take on the kicking duties. By his own admission, the Uxbridge captain should’ve kicked at least one of the conversions, but luck and the referee failed to smile on the second team this week. With the right application in training the second team’s over all consistency should improve and go on to enjoy a great year.

20.10.2007 Mill Hill 28 - Uxbridge 21

Uxbridge: 21
Tries: I. Hambley x2 (10 pts), T. Bailey
Con: I. Hambley x 3 (6 pts)

On weekends with huge internationals being played, a lot of local sides struggle to get their best teams out, which is why the league fixtures begin in earnest next Saturday. Uxbridge could only field 14 men and Mill Hill were kind enough to lend them a full back in the first half and a second row in the second half.
 
Ian Hambley played well, out of position, at fly half and scored two great tries and kicked all three conversions. After missing games early on, Tony Bailey has continued on his road back to recovery with his second try in two appearances this season. 

Captain Dan Pitkin was initially shown a red card in the first half after retaliating to a kick in the head. After some debate and some confusion over the rules, the decision was reversed to a yellow card so that the game wasn’t ruined completely as a contest.
Strong tackling from Ryan Coubrough at blindside flanker and Steve Goodman on the wing kept Uxbridge in the match, but eventually the game slipped away from them.
Uxbridge face Wasps Amateurs away this coming Saturday in the League.

20.10.2007 Farnham Royal 17 - Uxbridge II’s 20 

An excellent forwards performance saw Uxbridge run out winners in an enthrallingly close game. Second team captain Colin Seward was delighted with the win, especially after last weeks 60 to nil drubbing in a mismatch against Drifters.

13.10.2007 Phoenix 5 - Uxbridge 32

Uxbridge: 32
Tries: Weymouth, Wiley, Bailey, Hillard, Wiggins x 2 (10pts)
Con: Weymouth x1 (2pts)

Uxbridge were glad that Phoenix could offer them a game on the fixture exchange, but Phoenix paid dearly for not fielding a full bench of substitutes, two injuries leaving them with only 13 men by the end of the match. 

A Phoenix front row player was injured, bringing the dreaded uncontested scrums ruling into effect for the rest of the match.
Uxbridge were pleased to go in 2 tries up at half time, but knew they should’ve scored more. In the second half Uxbridge took full advantage of the extra 2 man advantage gifted them, due to Phoenix injuries, by running in a further 4 tries. Uxbridge back Tony Bailey proved that he was fit for the fray after an injury hampered start to the season. James Hillard was finally rewarded for the excellent performances he’s put in thus far this season by scoring his first try for the club.
A late try by Phoenix was a deserved consolation for their tireless efforts.

The Man of the match, Howard Wiley, carried the ball excellently and tackled well throughout. (The Phoenix flyhalf, hell-bent on picking the biggest man on field to run at every time he got ball, saw a lot of Mr. Wiley.)
Rather than thanking Gareth Wiggins for his efforts with a pat on the back he was held to account for not grounding his first try opportunity, leaving him 1 short of a hat-trick on the day. Historically when you score three tries you buy a jug of beer for the team, therefore he was awarded the highly coveted “Dick of the day” award for “Jug Avoidance”.
The 1st team plays Mill Hill in a friendly next week.

06.10.2007 Old Actonians 29 - Uxbridge 20

Uxbridge: 20
Tries: Hambley, Goodman
Con: Weymouth x2 (4 pts)
Pens: Weymouth x2 (6 pts)

It’s been some time since Uxbridge have beaten Old Actonians and sadly the trend continues. Old Actonians play in the league above Uxbridge and after a win over Old Abbotstonians in the league, look to be having a good season. Recent games between the sides have been closely fought affairs and this game was no different. Uxbridge players Steve Goodman and Ian Hambley scored a try each and Michael Weymouth’s boot kept Uxbridge in touching distance with two conversions and two penalties. Luck wasn’t with Uxbridge and as the final whistle blew, Uxbridge were left to regret their missed scoring opportunities. Uxbridge will be glad that centre Ian Hambley has continued an impressive run of form as their top try scorer this year. Hopefully the friendlies between now and Uxbridge’s showdown with Wasps Amateurs at the end of the month will help build moral and a run of winning form.

29.09.2007 Belsize Park 13 - Uxbridge 20

Uxbridge: 20

Tries: Hambley (x2 10pts)

Cons: Brasher-Jones x2 (4 pts)

Pens: Brasher-Jones x2 (6pts)

Uxbridge punished Belsize Park’s mistakes and lack of discipline to notch up an excellent away win.       

There was some trepidation on the Uxbridge touchline about the outcome of this week’s match, as Uxbridge had failed to beat Belsize Park in their previous two matches. Losing narrowly 27-20 and 10 – nil in last season’s encounters it was always going to be a close game and Uxbridge showed great character and determination to beat the trend.
Ian Hambley punished Belsize handling errors with two great tries. Uxbridge put intense pressure on Belsize in defence throughout the game and in the second half Belize gave away silly penalties. Joel Brasher-Jones slotted over two penalty kicks to put the game beyond the home team.
The friendlies leading up to the next league match will be vital practice for Uxbridge’s showdown with Wasps Amateurs at the end of October.

29.09.2007 Harrow III 13 – Uxbridge II 19

Uxbridge II: 19
Tries: A. King, H. Williams x2 (10 pts)
Cons: H. Williams x2 (4 pts)

The Uxbridge 2nd team shrugged off their loss at Hammersmith & Fulham last time out, to beat Harrow away at Warren Lane. 2nd team captain Colin Seward was pleased with his side’s efforts, generating 3 tries and 2 conversions as they battled to victory.

15.09.2007 Uxbridge RFC 48 Old Isleworthians 07

Uxbridge: (29) 48
Tries: Ian Hambley, Ritchie Gunning, Glen Curtin x3 (15 pts), Aden Thomas x2 (10 pts), Gareth Nicholls
Con: Brasher-Jones x3 (6 pts), Curtin x1 (2 pts)
Injuries: Brian Ranns, Aden Thomas, Paul Radford. 

Uxbridge players Hambley, Gunning and Curtin scored the opening three tries, leaving Old Isleworthians shell shocked with only 15 minutes gone. The Uxbridge pack dominated from the outset. The Uxbridge backline took full advantage of the clean, quick ball provided by their forwards throughout the game. On the 30 minute mark Aden Thomas extended the home side’s lead on his league debut to make it 24 – 0. Old Isleworthians conceded their 5th try from a fumbled tap down from a lineout, Gareth Nichols the quickest to react to get the try.

Uxbridge kicked off the second half and despite the scorching heat kept the work rate high well into the latter stages. Uxbridge flyhalf Joel Brasher-Jones bossed the game and showed great decision making and execution with the boot. Epitomizing his foresight, Brasher-Jones attacked the blindside at a scrumage, Old Isleworthians were too slow to react as Aden Thomas was sent sprinting in at the corner.

Probably the best try of the match started with a crunching tackle from Gareth Wiggins, resulting in a turnover. The ball was gathered; Basher-Jones slipped a beautifully timed pass out of a tackle to send the forwards ploughing into the Isleworthians 22, the ball was recycled, spun out to the backs for Glen Curtin to score his second try of the game.

Sadly for Uxbridge, Isleworthians, on one of their few jaunts into the Uxbridge half managed to get a rather soft try by simply running through some half tackles to score under the posts.

The hard pitch surface was blamed for some of the injuries, with the most serious sadly befalling Man-of-the-match contender Aden Thomas who had to leave in an ambulance with a fractured wrist.

Uxbridge had the final word as Gareth Wiggins rounded off an excellent game with a barn storming run down the left touch line, drawing the attentions of the last defender, before passing inside to Glen Curtin to jog in for his hat-trick. Glen drop kicked his own conversion to end the match and start the celebrations. Perhaps Uxbridge were favourites to win this encounter after beating Isleworthians twice last season, but few were expecting such a resounding win before kickoff. Prop forward Lewis Edwards was awarded the Man-of-the-match award after putting in a striking, rock-solid performance.

15.09.2007 Hammersmith & Fulham II 22 Uxbridge II 17

Uxbridge II: 17
Tries: Brentnall, Adide
Con: Seward x2 (4 pts)
Pen: Seward

After going 3 points ahead, sadly Uxbridge went down 22-17 to Hammersmith & Fulham. The Uxbridge 2nd team seemed unable to impose any structure on the game and failed to build on last week’s victory over Old Abbotstonians. Even with several players playing out of position Uxbridge still managed to generate two tries through Roger Brentnall and Alex Adide to take some pride from the game. Hammersmith & Fulham probably deserved the win, showing good hands at times and dominating the set piece.
Next week Uxbridge 2’s are at home to host West London 2’s.

08.09.07 Old Abbotstonians 24 Uxbridge RFC 10

Steve Partridge and Ian Hambley score tries against Old Abbot’s, a side a league above them, in this the last of Uxbridge’s pre-season friendlies.
Uxbridge were missing one or two first team regulars, but will look to a lack of structure and a lack of aggression at the break down for the loss. The Uxbridge pack managed to win 100% of their own lineout ball, improved their performance in the scrum in the 2nd half and looked better in spells than against OMT’s, but compared to the strong backline behind them the forwards look the slower department to hit form this year. Newcomers Chris Shaw, Joel Basher-Jones III, Aden Thomas, James Hilliard and man-of-the-match Mark Wilson all put in solid displays. Uxbridge play Old Isleworthians next week.

08.09.07 Old Abbotstonians II 03 Uxbridge II 24

Second team skipper Colin Seward had nothing but all round praise for his team-mates emphatic win over a lacklustre Old Abbots side. Tries were scored through Alex King, Howard Wiley and 2 from Martin O’Hara. Good rucking from man-of-the-match Craig Monaghan and good running lines from Harvey Bagha and the back line as a whole, proved to be the difference between the sides. Dominant in the scrum and commitment high from every player, there’ll be some serious decisions to be made at selection for the first team’s league game next week.

01.09.07 Old Merchant Tailors 17 Uxbridge RFC 05

OMT take a deserved win over Uxbridge but the promising performances of some of the players, in this disjointed opening pre-season game, will prove more important than the result to both coaches.
Both teams fielded club sides with a liberal sprinkling of 1st team players and treated the game as an opportunity to look at new recruits. The game was split into 4 quarters in order to aid the substitutions and to get water on board during a hot day’s rugby.

Uxbridge scored first through Steven Partridge and dominated the first 20 minute spell.
OMTs scored their 3 tries over the next two periods and Uxbridge rued their mistakes and two especially soft tries. The OMT number 8 was probably the man of the match, bossing the tackle area and showing great ball presentation in contact. For the last 20 minutes Uxbridge began to show some passion and character but sadly failed to transfer that into points. Mickey Weymouth, Ian Hambley and the Uxbridge back line in general impressed Coach Andy Smales, and Uxbridge can take a lot of positives from the game.

With a player from the opposition standing in as referee it’s almost inevitable that there was going to be disapproval from the Uxbridge supporters at any 50:50 decisions. Ignoring the dummying at the lineout from the OMT hooker, the OMT forwards living offside at the breakdown and killing the ball at the tackle area was frustrating to watch, but was far from being the only reason Uxbridge lost the match.

14.04.07 Uxbridge 31 Kilburn Cosmos 7

Top of the league Kilburn Cosmos were already promoted and Uxbridge were going to finish in 5th place regardless of the result before kick off at Uxbridge this Saturday. Despite these facts you could tell that both teams were hell-bent on finishing their seasons with a victory.
Uxbridge started well, but the Kilburn defence proved to be difficult to break down and after ten minutes of hard work in the baking sun they only had a penalty kick to show for their efforts. For the next 20 minute spell the game was very evenly fought. The Kilburn forwards were often the first to any breakdown and spoilt or stole Uxbridge ball at vital stages to keep the score uncomfortably close at just 3-0. It was a simple piece of play topped off by some determined powerful running that finally gave Uxbridge the lead they deserved. The Uxbridge forwards drew in the Kilburn pack and the ball was flicked out to centre Gareth Wiggins, who miss-footed his opposite number 30 meters out and powered past the opposition fullback, to score under the posts.
Despite going in at half time only 10 nil up, Uxbridge knew that they were good for more points and came out in positive mood. Though the start of the second half was probably shared 50/50 possession and territory wise Uxbridge seemed to be the more likely to score; their breaks seeming to stretch the Cosmos defence thinner and their ferocious tackling in defence knocking Kilburn out of any attacking stride.
It was an excellently executed chip and chase kick on the 52nd minute mark that extended the score for Uxbridge. Gareth Wiggins put in an expertly weighted kick into the try area, sprinted after it himself and got the all important controlled downward pressure on the ball as he dived and rolled over the ball under the posts for the try.
A mix up in an Uxbridge attack minutes later gifted Kilburn their only try of the game. Some halfhearted challenges and a spirited but unsuccessful last ditch effort from Wiggins saw a Kilburn back scamper in under the sticks from 30 meters out.
The glimmer of hope of a come back brought a better spell of play out of the Kilburn players. Many of Kilburn’s try scoring opportunities were squandered by clumsy work at the breakdown, resulting in several penalties in Uxbridge’s favour.
In the sticky heat it was a wonder that both sides kept up such a commendably high work rate and some great Uxbridge attacking play resulted in a penalty try that both surprised and delighted the home crowd. No.8 Steven Partridge and hooker Mark Mason carried the ball into the phases leading up the infringement; a Kilburn player dragging Uxbridge scrum half Ritchie Gunning into a ruck without the ball just feet from the Kilburn line, leaving the referee with little option but to award the try.
Great tackling and dogged defending, from almost every Uxbridge player, frustrated the Kilburn side into outbursts of foul play. The discipline of the Uxbridge side was exemplary for a second week running despite provocation from some Kilburn players.
To finish the game off in style Uxbridge edged over the 30 point mark with their 4th and final try in the 88th minute. Fly half Michael Weymouth put in one of his best performances of the season and his great take from a poor pass at full sprint, was spun through the hands to send winger Tony Bailey sprinting through two half tackles to score. 

Friendly Uxbridge II’s 14 Staines III’s 24

The Uxbridge second team forwards were robbed of an enjoyable afternoon’s rugby when Staines turned up without sufficient front row cover and for safety’s sake had to suffer uncontested scrums throughout. Coubrough and Marriott scored tries for Uxbridge and at 17 – 14 down with 10 minutes to go the match was on a knife edge. Staines generated something from nothing in the last two minutes, pouncing on a bobbling ball after a kick into the try area, to finish Uxbridge off. 

31.03.07 St Nicholas Old Boys 08 Uxbridge 25

Uxbridge beat their local rivals for a third time this season and for a second time away at the home of St Nicholas Old Boys.
The first half was a scrappy affair and apart from a try for flanker Rhys Higgins and a penalty slotted by flyhalf Michael Weymouth there was little to shout about for either side.
The Uxbridge pack dominated in the set piece and at the tackle area, but the Uxbridge centers squandered a lot of possession. Some great breaks from winger Tony Bailey and fullback Glen Curtin failed to improve the score line, heading into the break only 8-0 up.
At the start of the second half the continuing pattern of hard earned turn over ball by the forwards ending in spilt ball by the Uxbridge backs was infuriating to watch. SNOBs soon slotted over a penalty kick and the home side looked hopeful of a comeback.
Their hopes were dashed when another show of strength from the Uxbridge forwards saw them take a scrum against the head and scrumhalf Ritchie Gunning sniped past the opposition open side flanker and the last defender to score under the posts.
With a couple of players needing regular running repairs from the Uxbridge physio, the tactical and injury dictated substitutions of Lewis Edwards on for Darren Curle, Eoin Donnelly for Rhys Higgins and Richard Bailey for Glen Curtin brought some life back into the flagging side.
Despite the extra energy in attack, crash ball runs from Edwards and Pitkin and some better play from the Uxbridge backline it was SNOBs who scored next. Some great support running and passing out of the tackle saw the home side generate just enough space out wide, the winger using every last inch of his height to stretch over the line for the try in the 70th minute. Uxbridge responded well and within just 2 minutes had scored a try under the posts through Captain Dan Pitkin to make it 22-8.
The man of the match for me, who did everything but score, had to be winger Tony Bailey, whose determined gain-line-breaking runs and tackling and kick chasing throughout, encouraged those around him to be just as committed.
All of those Uxbridge players that had had a poor first half raised their game or redeemed themselves in one fashion or another by the time that Weymouth kicked over the final points to make it 25-8.
This hard fought derby match could have descended into violence, but barring the odd scuffle the discipline of the Uxbridge side was exemplary and the win was well deserved.

Watford 17 Uxbridge 31

The Uxbridge second team bounced back from last weekʼs defeat at Ruislip with an emphatic win away at Watford. Amongst the scorers were Rob Borwick, Steven Reid and Stewart King, with Colin Seward kicking the extra conversion points. The only dampener on a successful afternoons rugby was the hamstring injury to Uxbridge debutant Howard Wiley after a hopeful start at the club. 

17.03.07 Uxbridge 42 Old Isleworthians 6

Uxbridge had beaten Old Isleworthians at the start of the season, but a win was far from guaranteed after being beaten convincingly by Lochside just last week. Disregarding such pessimism, it was Uxbridge that first got points on the board. Uxbridge hooker Mark Mason miss-footed the would-be Isleworthians tacklers and with several players hanging off of him managed to power his way over the line to ground the ball for a try. Old Isleworthians responded well and put a lot of pressure on the home side. The visitors turned pressure into points by forcing Uxbridge into giving away 2 penalties and at 7-6 a comeback looked to be pending.
To ease the nerves of the gathered faithful, the biggest crowd at an Uxbridge game all season, winger Tony Bailey applied the finish to some great backs play with a try under the posts.
At 14-6 up at halftime there was an expectation on the touchline to go on to beat Isleworthians well, but all credit to the Old Isleworthians team, Uxbridge were unable to break them down for the opening minutes of the second half. Bullocking runs from Darren Curle and Lewis Edwards and fierce tackling from Brian Ranns and Craig Monaghan took their toll on the opposition as injuries mounted. The breakthrough for Uxbridge came on the 60th minute, as again the Uxbridge backline used the quick ball won for them by a hungry and determined pack. Backs Weymouth, Wiggins and Curtin burst into the Isleworthians 22 and put Bailey into the corner for his second try of the game. Five minutes later scrumhalf Ritchie Gunning broke the Isleworthians line with a well-timed snipping run and handoff, creating the space for Michael Weymouth on his shoulder to sprint the last 30 yards in under the posts. Throughout the second half Uxbridge had made several drop balls and unforced errors that could’ve taken the score even higher, but the 28-6 score line was soon ticking over again. Centre Esmond Brown found space; powered out of a half tackle before sending substitute Alex Adide sprinting in for the try with what was probably the winger’s first touch of the ball.
To top off two great performances, Gareth Wiggins raced through a stretched, tired Isleworthians side to score under the posts and flyhalf Michael Weymouth ended the game with an enviable 100% kick completion record as he kicked his 6th and final conversion. This was probably the best all round team performance of the year for the side. If they continue in this vein there should be a heartening, pride restoring end to an otherwise slightly disappointing season. The first team are playing at Harrow on Wednesday (21/03/07) at 19.30 in the NW Middlesex floodlit cup semi final.

Harrow II 31 – Uxbridge II 5

With several regulars injured and unavailable the Uxbridge 2nd team was always going to struggle away at Harrow. Marriott scored Uxbridge’s only try in this difficult encounter. The second team play Old Abbotstonians next week.

17.02.07 British Airways 0(nil) - Uxbridge 25

After last week’s matches being cancelled Uxbridge were rested and from the outset looked hungry for the win. In a high octane first 10 minutes, the Uxbridge forwards began to show their dominance at the breakdown situation.
Some excellent offloading in the tackle from forwards and backs alike drew in the B.A. defenders, creating a three man overlap. Quick hands from Gareth Wiggins under pressure sent fullback Alex Adide into space and over for Uxbridge’s first try.
For the next quarter of an hour the referee took centre stage. The whistle rarely left his lips and the penalty count against Uxbridge was bordering on farcical. The resulting extra possession given to B.A. was put to good use but some fierce tackling and well organized defensive work kept B.A. out.
In one such fierce tackle the ball was stolen by Uxbridge, the ball was flicked out to centre Esmond Brown who after some powerful running found scrumhalf Ritchie Gunning running a well timed and angled inside line. Gunning was forced to kick the ball through; Gareth Higgins sprinted on and kicked the ball into the post and the luck of the bounce left the ball bobbling into the try area, where Simon Batts beat the last B.A. defender to the ball for the second try.
Uxbridge were soon further in front after working themselves to within just feet of the B.A. line and Rhys Higgins snatched up the ball from a tackled player on the run and went over to score close to the posts. Several B.A. players were injured during the first half, some resulting in forced substitutions. One such injury actually cost Uxbridge 2 points. Ritchie Gunning successfully kicked over the conversion of Higgins’ try only for the referee to rule it out, because he had been checking on an injured player. Sadly Gunning missed the retake.
To add insult to injury flanker Roger Brentnall was yellow carded just before half time.
At the start of the second half Wiggins was soon at full sprint again, jinking and smashing his way into the B.A. 22 meter area, the pack were there quickly to ruck over, flyhalf Steve Partridge was popped the ball and he crashed down the blindside to go over in the corner.
Half way through the second half Uxbridge captain Dan Pitkin and flanker Rhys Higgins took injuries that kept them down for a few minutes, Pitkin able to continue, Higgins after a great game needing to be substituted for Justin Vrakettas.
Confused and annoyed by some of the referee’s decisions, both sides had penalties reversed for dissent.
Winger Simon Batts will be kicking himself after failing to score after looking certain to score. There was a great kick through into oceans of space, Batts grubbered the ball towards the line, got to the line and then failed to drop on the ball before a B.A. defender beat him to it.
The final try saw Partridge batter his way across in the corner again, leaving no doubt if any remained, that Uxbridge would be the victors.
In what looked like a hard fought but generally clean game the referee reached for his yellow cards twice before the end, one to the B.A. hooker and one to Uxbridge’s Paul Radford in the 75th minute.
B.A. held there own in the set piece and showed some flashes of creativity but ultimately Uxbridge were the better team on the day. Uxbridge will probably be happy with the clean sheet but disappointed that they didn’t score more points.
The Uxbridge second team beat Bulldog 32 to 12 at home. Uxbridge dominated at the scrumage and generally up front. New faces and old heads combining to get a satisfying win. Among the scorers were Michael Percivall, Steven Reid and Captain Ralph Allen.

03.02.07 North West Middx Cup. - St Nicholas Old Boys 0(nil) - Uxbridge 57

After last weeks 29-05 confidence booster against Grasshoppers 2nd team Uxbridge hit the field in confident mood this Saturday. Snobs will have wanted revenge after last years brutal league encounter where they were beaten 21-07. After a scrappy first 10 minutes, the Uxbridge forwards began to show their dominance which was vital to the final victory. A wonderfully organised rolling maul took Uxbridge over the Snobs line from 20 yards out, but the defenders managed to convince the referee that second row Paul Radford had been held up over the line. The resulting scrum won and the back row taking the ball forward, hooker Mark Mason managed to squeeze across the try line in the ensuing melee.
Just a minute later some quick ball from the forwards sent Ian Hambley and Glen Curtin sprinting towards the opposition line, winger Tony Bailey on hand to race in the last 10 yards and score under the posts.
For a spell Uxbridge allowed Snobs into the game, but this proved to be short lived.
From a 5 meter scrum an excellent 8 man shove saw Uxbridge Captain Dan Pitkin score a pushover try.
A poorly placed kick off seconds later gave Uxbridge their 4th try. Tony Bailey caught the ball with oceans of space in front of him; the ball couldn’t have fallen into better hands. Tony managed to sprint 70 yards to score, defenders left sprawled out in his path.
To finish off a first class 40 minutes Uxbridge scored yet again to make it 31-nil. Hambley, after cleverly snatching a wayward pass, raced clear to finish a classic interception try.
The start of the second half was interrupted by some injuries to players from both sides. Notably Uxbridge backs Weymouth and Hambley had to retire after great first half performances. Much to the benefit of a battered and bruised Snobs pack, the loss of 2 Snobs front row players to injury meant that Uxbridge had to agree to unopposed scrums in order to finish the match.
Half way through the second half Uxbridge prop Brian Ranns erupted out of a static maul, fended off startled defenders and dropped under the posts for a try.
Uxbridge took some clean line-out ball, set the backs in motion and a by now tired Snobs defence saw Bailey sprint into the corner to complete a hat trick of tries.
Late in the 2nd half Mason ignored an overlap of players outside him, deep in the snobs 22, backed himself and impressively powered his way through tackles to score near the posts.
To top it all, flanker Rhys Higgins made a great break through the middle of the park and passed to Curtin, who raced in Uxbridge’s 9th and final try of the match. The win could hardly have been more emphatic and Snobs rarely offered any surprises in this one-sided encounter.
After a solid performance, to all but top his exceptional first team debut last week, scrumhalf Ritchie Gunning was awarded man of the match.

20.01.07 Uxbridge 5 Phoenix 41

A poor second half performance saw Phoenix romp away to an embarrassing score line over the home side. Uxbridge started badly, conceding a try after 8 minutes and again on the 20 minute mark. Uxbridge hit back on 30 minutes and got some points on the board that on reflection their efforts probably deserved. An excellently struck and placed kick from midfield was picked up by Steve Goodman, who passed inside to Glen Curtin to jog in under the posts.
Any game with the score at 12-5 at half-time should look like going either way, but sadly Uxbridge seemed destined to put in a bad performance this Saturday. Phoenix went on to score tries on 47 and 60 minutes to finish the game as a contest, before the most embarrassing tries came to rub salt in the wound. On the 64th and 73rd minutes, two well read interceptions by Phoenix lead to tries that the Uxbridge backline will have nightmares about for weeks to come. The final try came from a great clearance kick by Glen Curtain, which Phoenix were able to take a quick lineout from and dance through a scattered and exhausted Uxbridge defensive line to score the final try on the stroke of full time. 
An abysmal friendly result and the generally poor showing all round won’t have escaped the coach’s eye. With some promising performances in the 2nd team this week there is bound to be some new faces in the first team in the coming matches.

Uxbridge II's 20 Windsor IV's 12

Uxbridge came back, from trailing in a tough first half, to win the game. Defending against strong winds and with Windsor having the benefit of the pitch’s slight slope in the first half, Uxbridge had held Windsor to a narrow 12-0 lead. At the turnaround Uxbridge quickly exploited the wind and down slope advantage. Just 3 minutes into the second half Simon Batts broke out of a maul and made good ground, before kicking over the top of the oncoming defenders and forcing Windsor to give away a 5 meter scrum. From the scrum the ball was passed out, popped to Marriott who flew through a gap to score. With plenty of experience in the pack, many a rolling maul brought Uxbridge within striking distance. Wily scrumhalf Rob Ellingham scored Uxbridge’s second try and hooker Ritchie Pellow crashed over in the corner to push Uxbridge into a 15-12 lead. In the dying minutes Simon Batts finished off the second of his brace of tries on the day, sealing a well earned win for Uxbridge.
Second team Captain Ralph Allen was delighted with his team’s efforts and was impressed by the influx of young backs that have come into the club in the last few weeks.

16.12.06 Uxbridge see off SNOB’s Uxbridge 21 St Nicholas Old Boys 07

Years ago the sides shared a ground, but any sense of unity has long been replaced by the rivalry that comes with all derby fixtures. The Park road pitch was boggy in places which made life difficult for both sides. The visitors started well but when frustrated by determined Uxbridge defense they put a speculative kick into the Uxbridge 22 that cost them dearly. Winger Tony Bailey took the ball on the first bounce, beat his opposite number, sprinting through the lack-luster cover to score. This was to be the beginnings of a 15 point first half haul for Uxbridge. The visitors’ rush defense was keeping Uxbridge from changing the pressure, possession and territory advantage into the points tally that perhaps they should have. The rush defense tactic let SNOB’s down when they committed an offside at a ruck, to give Uxbridge an easy 3 points. 
Uxbridge soon their second try. Flyhalf Michael Weymouth committed defenders, putting Glen Curtin into space as they broke down the blind side. Curtin’s pass to Tony Bailey was well timed as they crossed the opposition 22. The last SNOB’s defender brought down Bailey, but Curtin kicked through the loose ball and Rhys Higgins was on hand to make the telling touch over the line. To make things worse for an underperforming SNOB’s side they had a player sin binned in what was becoming an ill disciplined and niggley encounter.
Despite the improved Uxbridge lineout, scrum and ball retention around the park, the home side could only manage to keep the scoreboard ticking over with two penalty kicks from the boot of Michael Weymouth. Though Uxbridge controlled the game for the most part, SNOB’s will take heart by their efforts and pride shown in the last 15 minutes, managing to win the second half 7-6. Sadly Captain Dan Pitkin descended to the visitors’ level and was sin binned for excessive rucking, earning him the coveted “Donkey of the match” from his teammates after the game. SNOB’s did manage a consolation try of their own, though to come back from 21 - nil down would’ve been a miracle worthy of the festive season. Through out the game and especially in the final minutes the dogged defensive work of the joint men of the match Ian Pullen and Craig Monaghan came to the fore as the SNOB’s resurgence was snuffed out. Though the performance wasn’t exemplary, the win gives the club reason to be of good cheer over the Christmas season and sets them up nicely for the New Year

02.12.06 Uxbridge drop the points Kilburn 17 Uxbridge 08

The result failed to reflect the game as absolutely as the bright winter sun failed to produce any warmth. Though neither side played particularly well and Kilburn dominated the very start and the very end of the game, Uxbridge looked the better side.
At the 15 minute mark Kilburn scored their first try after 5 minutes of sustained pressure.
Within another 5 minutes Kilburn scored an embarrassingly easy try, the Kilburn outside centre finding oceans of space to sprint through to score from 15 yards out.
Uxbridge managed to fight back, gave away less possession in the contact area, started to improve their initially wayward set piece play and looked as though they scored an excellent poacher’s try, but the whistle cut short the celebrations.
The referee had a fairly consistent performance and even partly blaming referees for a loss is a poor excuse but two major howlers, at the worst possible time, destroyed Uxbridge’s chances. At the end of the first half Kilburn lost the ball in a tackle, the ball was worked to Uxbridge centre Es Brown who kicked the ball through, scampered through and dived on the ball for a sure-fire try, only for the referee to deem a beautiful pick up of a spilt ball to be a knock on.
Uxbridge were 10-3 down at halftime but dominated play until they managed to maul their way across the Kilburn 15 minutes into the 2nd half. Hooker Mark Mason the proud scorer. At 10-8 and the Uxbridge pack becoming dominant, things looked set for a come back. Against the run of play Kilburn intercepted a pass and sprinted through with no Uxbridge players left in front of him. To all but two determined Uxbridge players the Kilburn player looked set to score. Roger Brentnall and Glen Curtin brought down the would-be scorer and managed to hold out against the opposition until Uxbridge players could make it back to help snuff out the opportunity.
The Kilburn side’s frustration showed itself in regular penalties for decent, though Uxbridge seemed set on frustrating themselves by squandering clean ball, dropping the ball with monotonous regularity and failing to put pressure into points.
10 minutes from time when the referee’s second massive blunder finished the game for Uxbridge. In the Uxbridge 22, the referee failed to spot a blatant offside when a Kilburn player intercepted a pass between the flyhalf and the scrumhalf at a ruck. There was not one player on the park that could’ve made that distance, with the cloying mud, in the 70th minute of a tough encounter, without starting his run from an offside position. The dubious Kilburn try was given, flyhalf Michael Weymouth snapped some choice words at the decision and was given a yellow card sin-binning for decent.
The deflated 14 man Uxbridge failed to score again and the two points went to Kilburn.
The Uxbridge 2nd team managed to sustain the momentum after last week’s emphatic 48-14 away victory over Old Abbotstonians by beating Bulldog 27-0, Rob Borwick scoring a hat trick of tries.

Uxbridge 2nd Team Victorious Old Abbotstonians 14 - Uxbridge 48

Despite thunder and lightning and the torrential rain before kick off, the match went ahead as planned. Thankfully for spectators and players alike the down pours relented for the duration of the game. Handling errors remained high through out the game due in part to surface water on the pitch, but as the score line suggests there was plenty of attacking rugby amid the drop balls and knock-ons.

Uxbridge opened the scoring within 10 minutes of kick off with a rolling maul from a lineout 10 metres out. Uxbridge dominated possession and territory for much of the half. The ball was rarely put to the boot, some nice off loading in the tackle and continuity between forwards and backs helped clock up the points. Uxbridge tries from Jamie Flindall, Steve Partridge, Craig Monaghan and Rhys Higgins should’ve left Uxbridge in an impressive position over their local rivals. Tries for the home team, scored from a missed tackle in front of the posts on about the 20-minute mark and a simple over lap on the stroke of halftime, meant that at 14-22 down Old Abbots were still in the game.

If the Uxbridge had harboured any worries of the home team rallying and snatching victory from defeat they needn’t have been concerned. Old Abbots conceded the next 26 points without reply. The Uxbridge backline rarely squandered the ball that they were given and despite the cloying mud were able to make some timely breaks and defended well in the second half. The home side’s attempts to re-cycle the ball from mauls were regularly thwarted by busy Uxbridge hands. If the turnover wasn’t gained outright, the ball was held up and the resulting scrum was given to a dominant Uxbridge pack. Throughout the second half the only spectacle for the home fans to smile at was the rainbow that arched over the pitch through the spitting rain. Eoin Donnelly impressed, with a second-half brace of tries, Craig Monaghan scored his second try from an excellent piece of support play and finally Jerry James crossed the line to edge Uxbridge up to their impressive tally. Even though it was a derby fixture the game was played in fairly good spirits. The difficulty in making out clearly who was who in their mud sodden shirts and the fact that Uxbridge had needed to lend their rivals a couple of players to field a full side only added to the good-humoured atmosphere. This 2nd team encounter should give the Uxbridge selectors some tough decisions for next week’ first team league fixture against Kilburn Cosmos.

28.10.06 Middlesex Bowl Uxbridge RFC  15 v  Teddington RFC 67

Uxbridge had good preparation and were feeling confident after their convincing win against BA in the league last Saturday.  However the first twenty minutes of the game told a different story.  Teddington started strong and some weak defence from Uxbridge meant early scores for the visiting side.  Teddington took their chances and with number 10 kicking well put Uxbridge under early pressure.  Uxbridge responded well and the second quarter of the game saw them dominate up front and spend most of their time in the Teddington half.  Scores from Curtin and Weymouth came from some sustained forward pressure and excellent handling from the back line.  As half time came the game was close with Teddington just having the edge.  The second half was a different story and Teddington made their better fitness and commitment at the breakdown pay.  A lack of control and direction at the rucks did not help Uxbridge but can by no means be blamed for their collapse.  Loose play by the forwards and a broken back line meant Teddington were able to run in a succession of easy tries late in the game.  The win by Teddington was the right outcome but the score line was not a true reflection of the abilities of both teams.

21.10.06 'Old Sods' turn out Uxbridge 36     v     British Airways 6

Uxbridge Old Sods made their way to the first team pitch with bellies full of good food, port and beer.  Noise levels from the touchline were always going to be high and when the Uxbridge forwards surged over the line in the first 5 minutes the cheers were heard for miles around.  Hooker Mark Mason appeared with the ball to claim the try; while the maul was trundling forward he had managed to rip it off three of his team mates.  This was just the start Uxbridge needed and they continued to take the ball forward and cause problems for the BA defensive line.  Full back Ian Hamley showed his strength in attack and ran some dangerous lines into the BA half.  His efforts were duly rewarded with a try and Uxbridge went into the half time break 12 6 in the lead.  The twenty minutes before half time had seen Uxbridge play individually up front and not secure as much ball as they could have.  The second half saw them change this and really take the game to BA, with the wind behind them they played a good territorial game.  Man of the match winger Tony Bailey scored early in the second half with an individual try showing strength and determination, he took the ball just in BA’s half and broke four tackles before scoring in the corner.  He also set up the next try with a good catch under a high ball, he stood strong in the tackle and off loaded to Mickey Weymouth whose pace left the BA potential tacklers standing.  Flanker Rhys Higgins had been a thorn in the side of BA all game stealing ball all over the pitch, his reward came with a try under the post resulting from excellent pressure from the Uxbridge defensive line.  Uxbridge kept up the pressure as BA started to tire. An excellent tackle from Prop Richie Pellow at the base of a ruck just five metres from the BA line left captain Dan Pitkin with a simple pick and drive for Uxbridges last try of the game.

07.10.06 Knocked Out Uxbridge RFC 07 - Old Freeman’s 50

When the result and performance were almost a carbon copy of last weeks disappointing defeat to Feltham, it’s hard to see where the silver lining to this particular storm cloud is hiding.
Several first team regulars weren’t available but the second team players stepping into the breech could not to be blamed for the all round poor performance that cost Uxbridge the game. A sorry start and conceding the first points left Uxbridge with a hill to climb. The first half territory percentage must’ve verged on 90% to 10% in Old Freeman’s favour. With that much pressure and a greater amount of the possession it was surprising that Uxbridge only went in 17-0 down at half time. The Uxbridge lineout was misfiring, the scrimmage was woeful at times and the count of first up tackles being missed rose embarrassingly throughout the game. The Old Freeman’s pack seemed to wheel the Uxbridge scrum at will, creating the turnover of possession or at least spoiling Uxbridge’s traditionally rock solid scrumage platform for the backs to work from. The second half saw more broken tackles, easily generated over laps and plenty of tries to further compound the misery for Uxbridge.
Typically Uxbridge proudly refused to roll over and in the last 10 minutes were the better side and scored their consolation try. Paul Radford seemed to erupt out of a maul, braking away behind the Old Freeman’s defence before finally being hauled down; Uxbridge recycled well and finally gave the backs some clean ball. Michael Weymouth and Esmond Brown managed to conjure a gap in the Old Freeman’s centres, sending Esmond at pace into space to romp home, scoring under the posts. Old Freeman’s had the last word with a try on 80 minutes and were the better side on the day without question. Uxbridge will improve, but whether the improvement will turn into results and a promotion challenge is yet to be seen.

30.09.06 Pain In The Rain Uxbridge 07 Feltham 36

Both sides had to play in the torrential showers but it was Feltham that tailored their tactics to the weather to get the win. Uxbridge showed none of the venom and punch that they had previously. Uxbridge came out passively and paid the price of a quick easy score for Feltham. In what became a recurring weak chink in the Uxbridge defence, Feltham had a 5 metre scrum; the Feltham No.8 picked up at the base of the scrum and drove over for the opening points. Uxbridge did rally for a time, but the spells of territorial advantage and greater possession were wasted through rushing the play and the unforced errors pilled up. Feltham wisely got the referee on side and the disparity in 50 / 50 decisions going their way must’ve been a result of back chat from a frustrated misfiring Uxbridge side. Feltham pressurised, gained a 5 metre scrum; the Feltham 8 picked up at the base of the scrum and Feltham smashed over for their second try. Feltham were foremost in almost every area of play and Uxbridge looked as though they were just hanging in there even though the first half was far from over. The Uxbridge pack had done reasonably in the lineout but were under the cosh in the scrums. This was typified by losing a scrum against the head that led to Feltham’s 3rd try. Feltham drove the ball deep into the Uxbridge 22, spread the ball wide and despite valiant Uxbridge defending, crossed the line in the corner.
At 17- 0 down at half time Uxbridge introduced some fresh legs, but they conceded again at the start of the second half. Feltham had luck and momentum on their side as in the driving rain a driving maul collapsed and Feltham slithered the last yard to notch their 4th try.
Feltham sensibly kept Uxbridge in their half with morale sapping kicks over the heads of the improving Uxbridge pack and Feltham showed great on field savvy by simply attacking the major weak point from the first half. Subsequently Uxbridge conceded two more tries from play braking from the steady base of the Feltham scrum. One No.8 pick up resulted in the winger scoring in the corner on the Uxbridge blind side and a second No. 8 pick up turning into a maul which they drove all the way to the line.
At the very death of the match all Feltham had to do was clear the ball off of the field to record their second clean sheet of the season, but they pushed for more points with an ambitious attacking kick that went wrong. Tony Bailey caught the ball deep in his own 22 and managed to sprint through an exhausted Feltham side and score a beautiful solo try near the posts. The score line flattered Feltham in the end and Uxbridge should’ve notched up more than the single consolation try they managed. Esmond Brown ended the game by successfully drop kicking the Uxbridge conversion and a sorry, tired, beaten Uxbridge trudged off the park road pitch with a lot of work to do before next weeks game against Lochside.

Contentious decisions cost 2’s their 1st win Osterley 24 – Uxbridge 19

The Uxbridge 2nd team looked like winning their first game of the season. Leading by a try in last 20 minutes the scores from Ralph Allen, Captain Steve Partridge and Joe Dell looked like being enough to win the game, but a controversial penalty at a lineout gave the opposition the possession and chance they needed to score their final try. When luck finally smiles on the Uxbridge second team the wins will be forth coming.

23.09.06: Uxbridge take points in League opener, Old Isleworthians 0 Uxbridge 33

Uxbridge preseason performances and results didn’t bode well for their opening league game away at Old Isleworthians, but from the first whistle the team’s attitude and commitment was much improved. The game showed all the passion, nerves and aggression of a league opener and the majority of the first half was filled with mistakes and missed opportunities. The tackle area generated lots of penalties as both sets of forwards spoilt clean ball illegally. In hot weather and on hard ground bodies were weary heading towards half time, with second row Paul Radford fighting off a leg injury to continue and prop Justin Vrakettas picking up a match ending shoulder injury. On the stroke of half time Paul Radford finally broke the deadlock, picking the ball up from the back of a collapsed maul to dive over for the five points.
Old Isleworthians had lived on scraps through out the first half but must’ve been given heart by the Uxbridge backline’s lack of cohesion in attack in the first 40 minutes. Such hopes were dashed just minutes into the second half after great awareness and execution in the build up play saw Uxbridge winger Mark Wilson cross the line.
Though fiercely contesting all over the field, Old Isleworthians were soon on the end of one of the greatest team tries from a travelling Uxbridge side seen in some time. After Isleworthians turned over possession in Uxbridge’s 22, Uxbridge forwards and backs passed and battered their way into the opposition half to finally send Gareth Wiggins at pace through a gap in the spent retreating Isleworthians defence.
It would be unfair to say that Isleworthians caved in and probably more accurate to say that Uxbridge began to fire on all cylinders, but the result was the same. After another spell of intense Uxbridge pressure Simon Batts straightened his running line, beat his man and dived over the line for the fourth try.
Uxbridge had all but won the game when they scored their last try. The home team failed to play the whistle when what looked like a knock on was deemed to have come off an Uxbridge players foot, with Rhys Higgins alert to the situation and there to plough his way across the line under the posts. A conclusive win, but there is lots to work on going into next weeks game at home versus Feltham.

Uxbridge 2nd XV rue mistakes, Old Isleworthians 17 – Uxbridge 5

Powerful running from Lewis Edwards, Captain Steve Partridge and Steve Reid sent Isleworthians defenders cart-wheeling out of their path through out the first half, but when it came to the final telling pass errors would creep in and kill off the momentum. Ralph Allen scored from the back of a rolling maul and the pack felt aggrieved at being disallowed a second try in what looked like a carbon copy of the first, but it was ruled to have been held up over the line. From the first half performance the Isleworthians 2nd team never looked like winning the game even though they went in at halftime in the lead at 7-5 up. Old Isleworthians turned out to be the better team on the day with a much improved second half performance with two tries that Uxbridge will want to forget. Despite excellent tackling through much of the game from Fergus Percivall , Mazza and Rob Borwick loose tackling cost them two tries and a spilt ball in midfield allowed Isleworthians backs to show off their soccer skills as they kicked through and scored in the corner. Another ‘should’ve won, could’ve won, but didn’t’ episode that the team would rather forget, but there were plus points to build on.