Kingston 32, Old Blues 38 (L)

by Sam Johnson. 19 October 2024

Old Blues made the short trip to Hook Road from Motspur Park. After a night and morning of heavy rain, both teams would have expected a heavy pitch and slippery conditions. Luckily for everyone involved, the sun played ball and both teams were able to showcase some excellent running rugby.

Kingston, left with questions of what might have been after last weeks late late show, started this game at a far greater urgency, despite playing on the hill. It wasn’t long before lock Scott Howe, returning from injury, hit a great line through the middle, and was able to jog it in under the sticks. No.10 Rhys Luke was successful with the conversion. 7-0

Old Blues were quick to strike back. First their 10, who was excellent all day, scored a great try from a jinking run after some penalty advantage. Second, and not to be outdone by his opposite number the Old Blues No.5 hit a gaping hole and galloped over from half way. Old Blues kept the scoreboard ticking over with two quick fire penalties. 7-20.

Kingston had some opportunities, but a miscommunication meant a 5m lineout came to nothing. Kingston continued to attack and ended the half with a penalty to make the score 10-20.

Half Time - Kingston 10 v 20 Old Blues

Kingston could not repeat the quick start in the second half, as Old Blues broke down the left following the kick off, before sneaking down the blind side from the breakdown where Kingston had no cover. 10-25

Kingston struck back with a well formed rolling maul, with Hugo Eyre the beneficiary. Rhys Luke converting. 17-25

Off the kick off Old Blues made a high tackle with a swinging arm in the Kingston half. Despite the penalty originally being given to Kingston, this was reversed when Rhys Luke went to tap and go (apparently from the wrong spot). Rhys was shown a yellow card for this, and Old Blues kicked the penalty before going over for another try. 17-35

Old Blues were looking dangerous, against 14 men and winger Gordon Wu was forced to carry the ball over his own try line leading to an Old Blues scrum on the Kingston 5m line. The Kingston scrum, which was on top all game, got the boys out of trouble with a penalty against the head.

It was then Kingston’s turn to attack, following a strong bust by Hugo Eyre. Hugo set Gordon Wu into space down the wing, who in turn offloaded to Luke Burge. Kingston recycled quickly and following a couple of good carries, debutant No.9 Shay Dunne snuck over under the posts. Chris Ward slotting the conversion. 24-35

Following more good pressure, Hugo Eyre found himself in acres of space and broke away down the left to go over in the corner. The conversion was just wide, making the score 29-35 with ten minutes to go.

Following a miscommunication at the restart from Kingston, Old Blues struck back almost immediately with a further penalty to extend their lead to 9 points. 29-38

Kingston hit back, exerting pressure on the Old Blues try line. In a desperate attempt to slow down the Kingston ball, Old Blues conceded a penalty and the infringing player was yellow carded. Rhy Luke stepped up and slotted the penalty to bring the score back to within 6. 32-38

Old Blues ensured that the kick off went deep and Kingston were stuck on their own line knowing only they needed a converted try to get a much needed win. Going through the phases, the boys worked their way down into the Old Blues 22 with the clock in the red. Following a pick and go down the right flank, Old Blues failed to roll away at the ruck. Somehow this resulted in a scrum to Kingston - who looked to exert the type of pressure that had gotten them out of a sticky situation earlier in the match. The Old Blues scrum held firm and Kingston looked to get the ball out to the backs who were well marshalled. Luke Burge took the ball forward, and off the ensuing breakdown captain Christy O’Brien spotted a gap and looked to burrow over. Cheers went up from the Kingston players and the sidelines, but the referee deemed that the ball had been placed short of the line. With that the full time whistle was blown, Old Blues coming out the victor 32-38.

Kingston will be disappointed not to have got over the line at the end, but showed great resolve and determination to come away with two bonus points. Congratulations to Cameroun Harvey, Wilson Dutton and Shay Dunne on making their 1XV debuts. Whilst this young new look Kingston side is currently sitting at the bottom of the log, this is a long season with 16 games still to be played. The boys know that if they can iron out a few issues, they can turn these close losses into wins. Kingston make the trip to old friends Purley John Fisher next Saturday - travelling support is always appreciated.

Full Time - Kingston 32-38 Old Blues

Tries: Scott Howe, Hugo Eyre x2, Shay Dunne

Conversions: Rhys Luke x2, Chris Ward

Penalties: Rhys Luke x2