The 1st XV continued their Champions Trophy journey with a convincing 20-0 win away at Blundell’s. Following a lengthy journey to Devon, and cheered on by over 35 supporters, the team was under great pressure from the start, with Blundell’s having most of the possession. However, once again, Epsom’s defence held firm and it was scoreless for the first 25 minutes of the game.
After a lengthy kicking battle and multiple attacking phases in Blundell’s 22, finally Kitan Ojo (H) went over to score the opening points of the game, with Tom Lynagh (F) converting from just outside the 5m line. On stodgy ground, a defensive and territorial based game continued, with Lynagh again excelling himself with some superb positional kicks. Epsom went into half time 10-0 up after Lynagh converted a penalty from the 15m line. Epsom sought to build the score and continued putting Blundell’s under pressure. We were rewarded with a penalty within the first five minutes of the second half, with Lynagh again converting to make it 13-0.
A few minutes later, Epsom capitalised on further pressure inside the Blundell’s 22, with James Webster (Fa) eventually going over in the corner after multiple phases. Lynagh converted from the touchline to make it 20-0. From that point, neither side could convert their pressure into points, meaning Epsom saw themselves through to another semi-final of the Champions Trophy.
Tries: Ojo (H), Webster (Fa)
Player of the Match: Tom Lynagh (F)
The team progress to face current trophy holders, Wellington College, in the semi-final w/c 18 November – date TBC.
