7 - 8

EKF 7 - Exiles 8

A week can be a long time in sport. After a tough wakeup call in Uppsala last weekend the twos squad went into this Saturdays fixture with a point to prove and the attitude was night and day to last week. With so many at training and available for selection the coaches opted to rotate a few players, and even allowed some to play in the Attilla-IKSU game over in Bromma to get some game time. Understandably a number were disappointed not to make the squad or team but with the whole season still ahead it was time to give some players who had not made the Uppsala game a chance to prove themselves.

Before kick off one could sense the mood in camp, EKF were not going to be in for an easy game. Nice spring weather with a dry track meant both side could play some high quality attacking rugby. The weather brought out a decent crowd too, EKF well supported at home, but many Exiles also made the short trip up to cheer on the boys.

The first half was generally an honours even affair, Exiles probably had slightly the better chances, but it was EKF who struck first. Both sides looked fit and physical, the game played at pace. Both tried to play similarly earning the right to play wide after patient phases through the forwards, and kicking long when hemmed into their own 22. With the match resembling a brutal chess game, the sides evenly matched and EKF edging ahead with a converted try, it was left to Exiles to come from behind. The response was not long in coming, but the try was far out wide and the kick to convert was missed. EKF thus took a lead 7-5 into half time, and there was not much to separate the sides at this point.

The half time team talk for Exiles was positive. Captains and coaches aligned in trusting their systems, and wearing down a good EKF side, players determined not to end up on the wrong end of this result. The second half began much as the first had ended with the sides evenly matched, but as the half progressed Exiles began to play with more authority. However tenacious EKF defending meant that despite a succession of chances, and overwhelming territory, the EKF line was not to be breached again. Exiles did however manage to slot a penalty to take the lead, and then narrowly miss a drop goal attempt. 7-8 and with 10 minutes to play EKF managed to turn the tables on the Exiles territorial possession of the half and started to exert pressure themselves. Wave after wave of attack on the Exiles line were rebuffed, then they went over but had been held up. Into the final minutes and a penalty to EKF within range of the Exiles posts, it was struck and failed to gain sufficient elevation or direction, but was immediately recalled for a second chance due to an Exiles infringement. The crowd were a bag of nerves, and some of that must have seeped onto the pitch as the Erikslund penalty taker  under pressure to win the game again missed the target. Exiles were home and dry 7-8.

All in all an enthralling game of rugby decided by the tightest of margins. EKF played manfully, and looked a strong well coached side throughout. Exiles had a point to prove and did so, coaches much happier with the performance this week, and showing that the pre season work could bear fruit if the systems were trusted. The players showing that they were capable of playing well within the structures and getting a much needed result.