On Saturday the Old Scouts took on Eton Manor in their first experience of level 5 rugby. Pre season has been good, but you never know until your in the heat of a proper league game.

The first 15 minutes were all Eton and the lads got stuck in to defend some relentless attacking from the visitors. Scouts defence was more than up to it and gradually fought back field position only for Eton to get an interception try and kick off the scoring.
Once the scoring began it loosened up both sides and Dean Lake got Scouts first level 5 try. A nice series of phases and a strong run from the captain.
A couple of scores from Eton and a Will Brenan penalty left the game 10-19 at half time with everything to play for.

Like we've got used to see, Scouts kicked on and scored 10 points in 10 minutes to take the lead and make plans for a win. For some reason, the plan did not work and instead Eton Manor fought back with a series of scores to seemingly take the game away from Scouts. Not only did they lose their lead, the home side didn't quite deliver in areas of the park when needed.
A great try from debutant Seb Henry at 70 minutes made the scoreboard look more realistic to the game play, but it was not going to be enough to catch Eton.

All in all, it was a solid run out in the league. As a spectator, you get a general feel of the balance between two sides and the Old Scouts did not look out of place. The deciding difference was probably a couple of stand out Eton Manor players as opposed to being better across the board.

Man of the Match = Ollie Holliday

They will move on to another opportunity this Saturday for a 1st win against Herftord, 3pm kick off