Following next week’s slightly disappointing result against a Woking struggling for numbers, priority for the Egham was the performance. As the recruitment drive continues well, M&C were delighted to be starting two new centres, James Barker and Gayan Liyanage.
Mitcham started badly, with a casual clearance in our 22’ getting charged down, giving Egham free space to secure an easy early try. (5-0). Despite some strong attacking spells, M&C couldn’t quite get their first points in the first half and eventually a well-executed backs play from Egham put them 12-0 up. As the first half continued, Chris Gilbert was denied a try, being ruled not having grounded the ball. M&C’s possession continued and following several strong attacking plays, eventually allowed Conor Kane to drive over the line from close distance, which was the final play of the half (12-5).
The second half continued the high intensity, although a breakaway try allowed Egham to score their third try of the of the game (17-5). Heads didn’t drop for a second and Shakul Ssaka caught the ball from the restart and with deft footwork brought the scores back to a five-point game (17-12). In a fair tactical decision and with only 10 minutes left, Egham scored a penalty in M&C’s 22, putting the game two scores away (20-12). Undeterred, M&C continued fighting and again, Shak found space, and his second try of the day (20-17). The last few minutes were all Mitcham, and Captain Tom Parker even went over the try line in the final play of the game but sadly was held up.
A tough result, but one of the best performances of the season from M&C, who fielded yet another two debutants! From two sound beatings last year, this season there's been only 3 points between the two sides this season.
Still plenty to work on, but a really positive performance!
Tries: C. Kane, S. Ssaka x 2
Cons: J. Barker
MOTM: S. Ssaka - Super-sub, two tries, an excellent all-round performance.
DOTD: J. Dolan - Fighting, dropping the ball, just generally doing everything he can to get DOTD.
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