Match Reports 2024/25
London Exiles v Old Johnians – 7th December 2024
20 - 7
“Lovely day for it!” was the caption Edge put against a grey photo of a muddy and very storm Darragh windswept pitch in Wimbledon.
The Exiles and Old Johnians were the only teams braving the weather and Edge the only supporter on one occupied pitch out of ten post clad strips of grass. Little wonder – it was bitter.
Despite the miserable weather the Exiles had a strong 18-man squad. Welcome after a challenging set of November results.
Starting into the 50mph wind, the Exiles started well and pressed OJ’s quickly into their own territory. The first ten minutes was a huge arm wrestle, with territory ceded both ways and some big collisions on both sides. The Exiles found themselves up field courtesy of strong carrying notably from BdT, Sawbs, Kiwi. The whole of the Exiles pack, was now really starting to get into its task.
Exiles pushed up to the OJ’s 22, where the pressure showed and OJ’s were penalised. Hawksy stepped up and broke the deadlock with a well taken kick, Exiles 3 – 0 OJ’s.
The Exiles were starting to get in their stride. The power of Sawbs running from the base of the scrum working with Seb and feeding the backline was stretching OJ’s. The hard running and sniping ‘pick and go’s’ by the tight five, Kiwi, Callum, Whaldog, Niall and Granty, were continually pushing back OJ’s and making valuable yards.
OJ’s managed a couple of sorties deep into Exiles territory from some loose penalties and the wind adding long yards to their kicks, but the defence of the Exiles was epic, with Callum putting in his trademark tackles and a dogged wall holding OJ’s back. The backline, marshalled by Hawsky at 10, and led by Loz and Oli in the centres, tackled superbly and consistently stopped a strong OJ back line. Harry, Bebbs and Connor were lively in the back three, coping with all that was thrown at them and managing the strong threat of OJ’s out wide.
The weather however dictated that this was going to be largely an attritional 10 man game and for much of the first forty, it was exactly that. The Exiles pack was immense, in both attack and in defence. But the real turn came halfway through the half at an OJ scrum. As the ball was fed in the Exiles pack released an enormous drive, the OJ’s front row folded and Exiles forced a scrum penalty. Campbell took the ball at the resulting line out from Niall and six phases later Sawbs drove over the line to score close to the posts. Duly converted by Hawksy, Exiles 10 – 0 OJ’s.
Exiles had their tails up. Great Hands from clean 1st phase stretched OJ’s and a superb set of hands from Hawksy through Loz and Oli saw Bebbs only just denied a try in the left corner. However, the pressure was not lifted and shortly after a penalty came and Hawksy’s trusty boot delivered the kick.
Halftime Exiles 13 – 0 OJ’s.
The halftime huddle was determined. Passion and belief and more of the same in the second forty.
The second half brought the wind to Exiles favour, which Hawksy used to territorial advantage. The Exiles were relentless in their work ethic even as the mud got heavier and bodies got tired.
The scrummaging advantage continued and from a line out after another scrum penalty, the Exiles pack drove 20 yards to go over the OJ line, only for BdT to unfortunately lose the ball over the line.
The resulting clearance was regathered and Exiles continued to exert pressure, a strong passage of play, with the forwards and backs interchanging through phases saw Granty held up over the line, by valiant OJ defence. In the close quarters Campbell took a knee to the head and came off, with Nunu replacing him on the flank.
The Exiles eventually broke the deadlock, with a series of phases that saw Niall drive over from close quarters to score. Hawsky dutifully converted and Exiles extended to 20 – 0.
Whaldog gave way to a spritely Pottsy, to put some fresh meat into the front row and the Exiles entered a period of steadfast defence as OJ’s stepped up their game in the mid second half. Huge hits being delivered by the whole side and bodies were constantly laid on the line to keep the OJ’s at bay.
With around ten minutes to go OJ’s finally breached the Exiles defence to score and convert to bring the score to 20 – 7.
Loz gave way to Sarge in the centres. All eighteen on the field were now working at full pitch. The fresher legs looking to help tired bodies 75 minutes into the fray.
As the clock moved into the final five minutes, OJ’s had control of the ball and put huge pressure on the Exiles who were asked to defend time and again on the five yard line. Huge commitment kept OJ’s at bay and in the final seconds. The Exiles pack then drove the OJ’s back twelve yards and forced the turnover. Granty came up with the ball and made valuable yards and then slipped a backhand pass to Nunu who kicked the ball to touch. The final whistle brought a huge cheer from the Exiles. A hard fought and well-earned victory. 20 – 7.
The result was broadcast on the WA group and brought immediate comment from Dublin – “group hug in the showers tonight” !! Well, if nothing else at least a barrel load of beers…!
Good shift lads. An important win with which to head into the second half of the season, starting against Media next weekend.
MOTM: Brian du Toit – as ever a masterful 80 minutes in the 7 shirt, powerful carrying, hard tackling and constantly causing the OJ attack problems at the breakdown.
DOTD: Brian du Toit – For dropping the ball over the OJ try line after a superb 20 yards maul - perhaps a little harsh as his only mistake!
Final score 20 – 7.
Record: W 4 – D 0 – L 7 Points: For 313 Ag 292 Diff +21
London Exiles v Warlingham – 5th October 2024
69 - 14
A beautiful autumnal day greeted the Exiles at Barn Elms as they welcomed Warlingham. The conditions bode well for Exiles, who had a bolstered line-up, particularly in the Pack, which included Niall Smith back at hooker after injury for his first outing of the Season and Jack Sawbridge pulling on the No8 jersey. The pack playing strong front foot ball, with all eight carrying and making yards and giving the backs early momentum that quickly tested and breached the visitor defence. Tries from Bebbs, Gray and Read gave the Exiles a strong early lead, which was swiftly followed through lovely flowing rugby for two quick scores from Mach and then Bebbs, both out wide. 29 – 0 Exiles after twenty.
The Exiles settled into their running, with Sawbs, Gray and Kiwi making strong inroads every time they took the ball, incisive running by the backs with Bevan making breaking yards through the visitor defence and Gray on a great support line took his second try, duly converted by Hawkes. 36 – 0Shortly after a cheeky tap and go by Mach saw him under the posts, Hawkes again converting. 43 – 0. And then in the final act of the half, Sam Read picked up his brace, with another super support line to go over in the corner. Hawkes’ conversion saw the Exiles go into half-time at 50 – 0.
In the second half Warlingham started well and brought early pressure to Exiles. Valiant defence held out, but unfortunately on one attack Mach left a high arm up on the Warlingham wing, adjudged by the referee to be dangerous and received a red card. Exiles down to 14 for the remaining 35 minutes.
Exiles despite the setback defended well and turned over ball to march down the pitch and score. A superb response to strong Warlingham pressure. McNulty scored and Campbell converted. 57 – 0.
Warlingham responded well and again applied pressure on the 14 man Exiles and over the middle twenty scored two converted tries to collect 14 points. But Exiles stepped up and finished well, first strong pressure was finished off by Sam Read for his hattrick in the right corner, converted by Hawkes and then Bebbs took a flat pass on the ten yard line, raced forward and kicked ahead, which he then brilliantly collected off the unfortunate Warlingham fullback to race in for his hattrick.
Final score 69 – 14.
Record: W 2 – D 0 – L 2 Points: For 178 Ag 136 Diff +42
London Exiles v Economicals – 28th September 2024
31 - 41
Exiles had a tough day at the office this Saturday, when they travelled to Economicals. In New Malden. After a huge game and strong defensive effort the week prior, Exiles went in with high expectations. Captain Grant was back from inj ury, as was BdT, with Henry Gray returning at no8. Exiles played well, but with some scrappy lapses in concentration allowed Economicals to get some early scores that required Exiles to play catchup rugby.
Across the game, both sides scored often in turn as the scores seesawed back and forth. With the game finely balanced, Exiles allowed a try late on to give Economicals a crucial lead with only minutes to go. Exiles couldn't pull back the score and so it finished with a ten point win to the home side.
Record: W 1 – D 0 – L 2
London Exiles v Old Hamptonians – 21th September 2024
23 - 31
Exiles suffered an agonising loss against a well organised Old Hamptonians side. A fine (and hot) sunny day at Barn Elms were trying conditions to play rugby with cramp feeding into both sides in the latter stages.
Exiles started well and were soon up 12 – 7 in the early exchanges. A yellow card for Mach and resultant penalty try saw OH’s come back in and at half time, courtesy of a slightly dubious try on the stroke f half time saw the visitors 15 – 21 down.
The second half saw Exiles start briskly and score a try, duly converted to lead 22-21. OH’s took a penalty to go 22 -24 into the lead.
Sadly, in the second half of the second period, Exiles suffered a couple of injuries and we lost our forward platform and much of the possession. With five minutes to go OH’s managed a push over try to score.
A huge defensive effort and huge contributions across the board. A great shame injuries and minor errors did for us.
Record: W 1 – D 0 – L 1
London Exiles v London Media– 14th September 2024
29 - 24
Exiles went to Battersea Park for what has become a somewhat regular season opening London derby. Media are a good side and the game was tight for the full eighty minutes.
Exiles went into the half 21-10 ahead having managed a tough period where two overlapping yellow cards left us with a two-man deficit. Exiles defended valiantly to shut out Media during that twelve minute period.
However, it was Media that started the brighter in the second half and an unfortunate hack through from a ruck lost 45 yards and resulted in a Media try to open the scoring in the second half. With their tails up and the heat taking its toll, Media closed the gap, however gritty play, particularly by Brian du Toit, some big hits by Dan Gordon and strong kicking from Sam Hawkes, topped off by a super try by Luke in the centres, sealed an important Exiles bonus point victory.
Record: W 1 - D 0 - L 0
London Exiles v Cranleigh – 7th September 2024 (PRE-SEASON)
26 - 26
Exiles travelled to Cranleigh for a season warm-up game. Blue sky and warm weather greeted the Exiles as a mixed team of old and new members took to the pitch.
In what turned out to be a very evenly balanced contest (not just because of the end result), the Exiles were able to use all its squad and change combinations in this match to prepare further for the start of the league on the 14th.
The scoring swapped continually with both sides showing open running rugby, which ended an enjoyable contest in an equitable draw. Thanks to Cranleigh for hosting us and making us so welcome.
Record: W 0 – D 0 – L 0