Old Mid-Whitgiftians lose 121-0 (From Hounslow And Brentford Times)

Old Mid-Whitgiftians lose 121-0

10:39am Monday 6th February 2012 in Sport By Gerry Murphy

A brave band of the bare 15 Old Mid-Whitgiftians turned out in freezing Brighton to suffer what must be the heaviest defeat in the history of the club as they went down 121-0.

Brighton’s play was impressive and they scored a copy book try just 59 seconds after the kick off when they ran freely, recycled three times and sent second row Richard Neil over under the posts to set the pattern for the afternoon.

Mids did come back on the attack and fly half Dan Crouch had a penalty chance after six minutes but drew it wide.

Now it was all Brighton with full back Alex Finch having a field day and with his mobile backs relishing the speed of the all weather surface which enabled the game to be played in the first place. The hosts scored nine tries before half time with seven converted by Finch.

Mids managed a few sorties, the best from a fine break by scrum half David Stanton when he ran half the length of the field out of defence and managed to stay on his feet until the support came. The ball was taken on by Dan Crouch who found a gap and only last ditch defending prevented the try which the move deserved.

The second half was again one way traffic though the visitors did keep possession for the first six minutes of the half.

The Blues scored 10 more tries before the end and Mids were not helped by the departure through injury of second row Cameron Kok after 55 minutes. Having no replacements they had to play the last 25 minutes with 14 men and so were unable to win even their own scrum when they had a chance to make some play.

Stanton and Crouch played their hearts out and full back James Orchard put in some crunching tackles as well as making some strong runs.

Winger Rob Farmer also showed some some promising touches and Mids did keep their heads up in the face of the bombardment from Brighton.

Veteran prop Russell Jones entertained with two French-type speed passes and an interception, but the absence of so many regular players and the brilliance of the opposition meant that this gallant band had too many mountains to climb. This result asks questions of Old Mids club members at every level. Brighton were gracious and understanding in victory.