1stXV finally beat local rivals Chatham House!
St Lawrence College made history by being the first team to beat Chatham House at 1stXV level this century on Saturday 8th October 2011. The boys put in one massive performance to beat their local rivals, who for so often have gained the local bragging rights. However, when they met the SLC 2011 cohort they were found wanting against a tigerish defence that refused to buckle under the pressure.
SLC scored first with 20 minutes on the clock with a Nick Herbert penalty and it remained this way until half time. However, this 3-0 lead was only half the story as SLC were playing into a strong breeze during the first half of the game. The forwards had given a massive performance up front during the first 35 minutes and fitness was going to be a big deciding factor against the grammar school boys. However, the second half got even better when Nick Herbert danced his way over from 15 metres out with a superb jinking run that had the boys in green mesmorised.
Then with 20 minutes remaining it was that man again Nick Herbert who nudged over a penalty that went over off the upright to take a 11-0 lead. The penalty count now went through the roof as the referee penalised SLC for a number of offences. Chatham House took quick taps for nearly every one at this stage after superb lineout work by Alex Cape and David Welborn had denied them the crucial first phase ball to work their renowned surging maul. Chatham House did grab a late try with one minute remaining after spreading the ball wide but it was too little too late.
It was to be SLC's day and there was no denying them their deserved victory. Finn Tonry-Brown was without doubt the stand out player but this was definitely the ultimate team performance. From 1 to 15, the boys played out of their skins. In particular the boys who stepped in for absent or injured players need special praise. Today the lads walked off the pitch as young men. A truly remarkable performance, well done!
The team was as follows: Effosa Williams, Hook Phanthasuporn, Sam Chan, David Welborn, Khyamel Shrees Magar, Finn Tonry-Brown, Alex Cape, Tim Collins (VC), Dom Holl (C), Nick Herbert, Ore Ibrahim, Milo Tonry-Brown, Sam Thompson, Kalokson Gurung.
