Patience Pays Dividends

In a prelude to the forthcoming league matches between these two teams there was still a lot to play for, a marker to be put down, a bench mark for performance in the league and a chance to go one up out of the four games between the locals this season.
Fullerians started strongly, as expected, and came out of the gates with a bang. Always physical and hyped up they started the game on the front foot and opened the try scoring on 10 minutes. Tring replied with a penalty through the boot of vice-captain Will Mitchell. The penalty count from Tring in the first ten minutes was far too high, 8 penalties to 2 from and this cost Tring ground. However Tring were next to score when number 8 Gareth Briggenshaw went over for the first of his three tries. He had an outstanding game showing deft touches, great ball carrying and rugby intelligence around the park, he will feel hard done by not to get man of the match. Which incidentally went to James Smith, playing out of position in the 2nd Row. He was relentless for 80 mins and made some great breaks, one in particular from a high ball, he broke several tackles and off loaded for us to score in the corner. He said “I enjoyed the game and was happy to take one for the team playing in the row!!”.
Fullerians fought back with another converted try and two minutes later the flying Charles Bose went over for a try. The score at half time was 15-14 to the home side.
Fullerians may find this slightly biased but in reality Tring gifted them three tries directly from penalties throughout the match. They did however take each try very well and showed they are formidable opponents. There are no weak teams in the merit table. Tring were patient and continued to play the #Tringway, even in the driving rain they managed to pass the ball around and stick to our game plan to run in a few more tries. Briggenshaw adding two to his first half try and Simon Payne Train and captain Jack Draper each scoring. The final score was 39-24 to Tring.
There are some aspects still to work on in seeking to continue to improve our standards but this was a solid start and Tring put down a marker. Coach Dan Boniface said “We are pleased with the final score, we need to reduce our penalty count but our quality shone through and our patience paid off”. Captain Jack Draper said “It was a good run out and the boys enjoyed showcasing their skills in the rain, onwards and upwards for the first league game next week”.

Man of the match – James Smith
Dick of the Day – Will Mitchell, drop goal!!
Tries – Briggenshaw 3, Bose 1, Stitch 1, Jack Draper 1
Cons – Will Mitchell 3
Pens – Will Mitchell 1