Bailey rule supreme over the Hill in rugby

The Women’s match set the tone for what was to be a rip-roaring evening. Despite early pressure from The Hill, stout defence by The Bailey allowed them to gain a pontoon in which to bridge the early gulf in possession and territory.

Expansive breaks from Bailey players Jasmine Coyne and Sophie Campbell mirrored the changing momentum in the match, and after a long stoppage for a serious neck injury, Charlie Miller burrowed over to give the Bailey a 5-0 lead at half-time.

The Bailey continued to apply pressure early in the second half, but in a reversal of fortunes, The Hill then grasped the nettle and was unfortunate to be held up by a stoic Bailey defence following a mazy run by their number 10.

Yet Bailey defences finally broke and Rachel Fenton crashed over from the five metre line.

As the game became increasingly scrappy and marred by errors, it become apparent that a moment of brilliance would eventually separate the teams.

Gathering the ball on the half-way line, Campbell profited from an unco-ordinated Hill backline and proceeded to pace into the corner, sending the Bailey team into raptures and giving them a 10-5 victory.

Following some amusing half-time entertainment provided by foolhardy, naked men and the adequately clothed Grey Cheerleading Squad, the Men’s match began in a similarly physical vein.

The Hill were pressurising The Bailey’s line, yet indiscretions at the ruck area were negating their advanced field position, and furthermore, allowing The Bailey to wrestle the ascendency from them.

This dominance was crystallised by a well-crafted try as the Bailey established a maul off a lineout and breached the Hill’s defensive line. The game was then energised by two superb solo efforts.

First, Ollie Boden from The Hill produced a devastating line to cut through The Bailey’s defences and equal the scores at 5-5.

Then, Matt Wertheim re-established The Bailey’s lead with a trademark break, astonishing onlookers with dynamism and flair not necessarily befitting a hooker’s credentials!

With the Bailey leading 10-5 at half-time, The Hill had to reduce their arrears rapidly, but such plans were scuppered as Nick Burberry scored an audacious interception try, increasing The Bailey’s lead to 17-5. Despite continued pressure on The Bailey’s defence, Oli Turner’s try added the coup de grace to see The Bailey return a well-deserved double over their rivals from The Hill.