Match Report: Falcons U21 v London Irish U21

By Foot Up
November 2 2002

On a wet miserable day down at Sunbury this match was never going to be a classic. Bad weather, numerous yellow cards, punch ups, a sending off and a penalty try. Not a classic, but it was certainly eventful!

From a lineout 10 metres out a good take by Parling in the line and some quick hands and a scissors move in the centre resulted in Mitchell being held up just short of the line. Mitchell he fed Woods, who went over for the try with Wainwright converting. 7 – 0 to Falcons.

Too much testosterone?

On 20 minutes the testosterone was running high resulting in a mass punch up which led to the Irish no. 5 getting a yellow card.

Just 2 minutes later there was a similar bust up in the forwards. The Irish number 11 ran from the wing to get involved, and as a result he was red carded.

Weather proof Falcons

The rain continued to make it difficult for both sides. A good kick by Laycock, playing at flyhalf, put play deep in the Irish half. A take at the line on their throw & a forward drive resulted in a try for prop Wilson. Wainwright’s conversion attempt hit the post. 12 – 0 to Falcons.

Irish had the opportunity to reduce the Falcons lead with a penalty kick on 38 minutes but this was put wide.

In injury time Falcons had a lineout close to the Irish line. A good take & a peel around the front of the line resulted in a second try for Woods. Wainwright pushed the touchline conversion wide. Half time score 17 – 0 to Falcons.

Hat trick for Wood

Play went back and forth for the first 15 minutes of the second half. Then from another lineout and forward drive Wood crossed for his third try. The conversion was missed. 22 – 0 to Falcons.

Irish hit back

The Irish were camped in the Falcons’ 22 for 10 minutes midway through the second half. Falcons’ defence was sound but the Irish didn’t give in and their efforts resulted in a try for the Irish number 5, however the conversion was missed. Irish 5 - Falcons 22. At this point Falcons made 4 changes.

Falcons down to 12 men

Just after the changes were made Falcons were penalised for barging in the lineout & a second row was yellow carded. A few minutes later Smithson was also yellow carded for persistent offside infringements. Irish were piling on the pressure and from one of the forward surges Woods was yellow carded for preventing the release of the ball. This brought Falcons down to 12 men and Irish opted for the scrum against the depleted Falcons. This scrum collapsed as Falcons were pushed back and the Ref awarded a penalty try. The penalty try was converted taking the final score to 22 – 12 to Falcons.

Falcons played to the weather conditions with the back row of Wood, Smithson & Parling getting through a lot of work. Five well earned points! Let’s hope the senior side can do the same on Sunday.