In a tighly contest match, came up short in a tough middle of the table clash again Old Paulines. Mitcham were the first to draw blood in the game, with Centre Corey Griffiths scoring an early penalty, but the hosts coming back quickly and scoring their first try. Points were exchanged evenly over the half, with Girffiths securing another kick and Chris Gilbert crashing over the line for his third try of the season.
At the half, M&C were only a point behind the home side, 11-10. The second half continued in the similar vain, but fitness began to slightly tell and despite Griffiths doing his best to keep M&C's points ticking over, the back line of Old Paulines began to make it's mark.
Despite strong possession, the away side failed to capitalise on territory and twice in close succession in the final 20 minutes lost the ball in Old Paulines 22', allowing for two breakaway tries in Mitcham's corners.
Despite this, heads did not drop and Mitcham were able to claw another try back, a strong crash ball from Steve Burgess following a nicely executed maul off a line-out. The last few minutes were all Mitcham who were desperate to narrow the margin a game that had slipped away from them. Despite this, OPs won a penalty on their of 5m line and quickly cleared the ball into touch, ending the game. A very physical and fast paced game and M&C look forward to hosting Old Paulines later on in the season for the reverese fixtures.
This Saturday M&C host Woking where we hope to return to winning ways in the league.
#WeRise
Tries: C.Gilbert, S.Burgess
Conversions: P. Jones
Penalties: C.Griffiths x 3
MOTM: Bryan Jones
