Superb Second-half Ensures Sils Remain Unbeaten

The Sils returned to winning ways with a superb second-half performance against Old Coventrians.

After last week’s Cup disappointment against Lichfield, the home team were determined to maintain their league form against an Old Covs side that had shaded both encounters the previous season. As it materialised, the Sils crowd were rewarded for their vocal support with a five-try performance and some excellent running rugby.

The first half was to prove a frustrating forty minutes, with the visitors registering the first points following some adjudged indiscipline from the home side. Despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession, and making full use of the dry conditions by spinning the ball out wide, the Sils were simply unable to make the most of their opportunities in the first forty minutes. This was in spite of the excellent platform being provided at both the scrum and line-out by the pack. Unforced errors ensured that several scores went begging, though it appeared only a matter of time before the home side’s efforts received their due rewards. Shortly before the half-time whistle, the Sils scored their first of the afternoon, a well-taken score by full-back Harry Law the product of some great link-up play by the back-row. 5-3 at the break.

The second half was an entirely different affair, with a ruthless demonstration of finishing by the home side that had been threatened for some time. Fly-half Dave Grey extended the lead early on to five points with a well-taken penalty, only for Lee ‘Window’ Jones to add another try to his growing tally for the season. Excellent first-phase ball from a line-out saw the skipper put through the gap with a beautifully-timed pass from Grey - Jones then finishing the move with a thirty-metre sprint to the line to take the score to 15-3.

The third score of the afternoon was to follow shortly after. Centre Joe Brawn, only recently on the pitch as a replacement, ghosted through the Old Cov’s defence with a sublime line to score with his first touch of the game. By this stage, the Sils were brimming with confidence, attacking with a succession of quick phases that stretched the visitor’s to breaking point. Old Coventrians continued to defend aggressively, competing for everything at the breakdown and turning over the ball at any opportunity. With the prospect of a breakaway try by the visitors very much alive, it was only when replacement prop Pat Howes burrowed over in the corner that the win was effectively secured.

The final try of the afternoon was an end-to-end effort that will stick long in the memory, and outlined the ability of this Sils side with quick ball in hand. A break from Harry Law off the back of the scrum put centre Si Doherty in space, whose switch with winger Paul Hollier saw the Sils’ No.11 tear away in the Old Cov’s midfield. Despite being stopped by the trailing cover defence, good hands kept the move alive, and the ball was thrown out wide once again to Doherty who cut inside the last man to score by the posts. 34-3 at full-time.

The Sils play away at Old Laurentians next week. All welcome.