Old Georgians RFC 25 – 29 Thamesians RFC
Match Summary
OGs pushed unbeaten league leaders Thamesians all the way in a fiercely physical contest, ultimately falling just short but securing a well-earned losing bonus point. With only one substitute available, the squad showed real resilience to stay in the fight until the final whistle.
Full Report
OGs kicked off against a Thamesians side who arrived with a perfect record and clear intent to maintain it. It was the home side who struck first, with skipper Matt Johnson calmly slotting a 35-metre penalty to settle early nerves and give OGs a 3–0 lead.
Thamesians responded quickly with a try to edge ahead, but OGs stayed composed. Johnson added a second penalty to reclaim the lead at 6–5, before the pressure told. A well-worked move saw Calum Glendinning cross for the opening OG try, with Johnson converting to stretch the advantage to 13–5.
The visitors, however, showed why they sit top of the table. A try just before half-time narrowed the gap to 13–19 and shifted momentum heading into the break.
The second half continued in much the same vein—physical, attritional, and played at a high tempo. Thamesians extended their lead with another score, taking it out to 13–26, but OGs refused to go away.
A key moment came when Thamesians were reduced to 14 men following a yellow card, and OGs capitalised. Euan Strachan finished well to bring the score back to 18–26 and keep the game alive. With bodies tiring on both sides and the collisions taking their toll, the match became increasingly tense.
Discipline played its part late on, with both sides seeing yellow in a fractious final quarter. Thamesians added a penalty to edge further ahead at 18–29, but OGs had one final push in them. Another late score brought the hosts within touching distance, setting up a nervy finish.
Despite a controversial late knock-on decision halting momentum in the closing stages, OGs continued to press until the final whistle, eventually falling just short at 25–29.
The Bigger Picture
While the result didn’t go their way, this was a performance that said plenty about where this group is. Facing an unbeaten side and competing with just one replacement, OGs matched Thamesians for long periods and tested them more than most this season.
The losing bonus point keeps OGs third in the Counties 3 Surrey League on 51 points, with plenty still to play for heading into the final stretch.
With a short break for the Six Nations, attention now turns to a home fixture against Southwark Lancers on Saturday 21st March.
Key Takeaways
A full 80-minute effort against unbeaten opposition
Strong game management from Matt Johnson off the tee
Impact contributions from Glendinning and Strachan
Resilience and physicality across the squad, despite limited numbers