With recent results not going our way the team travelled to Old Richians believing that this fixture was one where we could compete and get a result. However, whilst both clubs promote the ethos of ‘always rivals, always friends’ this fixture, a fierce local derby, was always going to be difficult.

As the players and supporters arrived it was noted that the Old Farts contingent were being wined and dined by the Richians committee as it was their presidents day, and It was clear that none of them were going to be much use when they finally emerged from their activities. But once they’d made it to pitchside both teams and sets of supporters held a minutes applause for John Sheldon, a respected Old Richian who had recently passed.

Kick off was made in brilliant sunshine and early exchanges saw Ryan Preedy on form with some excellent tackling but it was Richians who went ahead with a try after 8 minutes. After that Crypts started to build phases and were mainly holding possession and moving into the Richians 22.

A great run by skipper Trigg was offloaded to Brind who manged to beat 4 defenders before being brought down gave the spectators hope that points would soon follow but the ball was turned over. After a brief trip back into the Crypt 22 Richians were turned over and a fantastic run by the Crypt 6ft 2in winger Tom Rees saw play return to the other end of the pitch but despite some good play and phase building the line seems elusive.

As the game moved towards half time the 2nd team (who’s game had been cancelled) arrived to support and were just in time to see Tom Brind with two defenders on his back heading for the line but this failed as did his knee and his game was over for the day. The good spirit between the sides was highlighted here, as he was carried off by a Richian and Crypt player. Half time quickly followed for a 7-0 score in favour of the home side.

The second half saw Richians slot a penalty after a high tackle for a 10-0 lead and then Matt Dean left the field which saw a rearranging of the backs with the excellent Preedy moving to 9 and Brandon Trigg moving from the flank to the centre. This disrupted the flow a little and a further try from Richians on 54 minutes and another in the last ten saw Richians almost home.

Following the kick off more pressure from Richains was defended and a lucky bounce saw Joe Freeman pick up the loose ball and run almost the length of the field to score. The conversion was nailed by the 6ft 2in Rees and the final score was Richians 22 Crypts 7.

A frustrating day for Crypts against the young Richians but they go again next week.

The old farts managed to award the POTM to Ryan Preedy and then refused to pay Brandon Trigg the £10 he was bet for staying on for the whole game without calling for the physio!

OCRFC Admin

GBTS