Mill Hill v Belsize Park - Annual Cup (by Mike Reed)

Mill Hill 26 - Belsize Park 12

19th April 2008 - Home

An entertaining end of season game where Mill scored 4 tries 3 converted to Belsize’s 2 tries 1 converted, so winning the “Chester” cup.

3 first half tries put paid to Belsize, the first a back row attack from 35 metres out had Latchford touching down, the 2nd a storming run by Green including a trade mark hand off, and thirdly Abi on hand to powerfully break through the defence and dot down under the sticks. At this point Mill were playing well constructed rugby.

This though broke down when some decisions went against the home team so putting them off their stride and loosing focus. This led to a rather fractious last 50 minutes with Belsize playing well to gain 2 tries and a conversion the second was scored by an inside break against Mills half backs, a defensive area that will have to be improved upon. This though was after Tim Green again ran purposely to score under the posts.

Mills defence pattern again worked well as a unit, and the back row defence was very sound especially around the scrum and ruck area. Some good carries by Atkins, Airey and Sambuca-Potts with Latchford and Johnson on hand to keep up the momentum with Roze, Wishart and Taylor doing the hard yards, with Lee just about in control at the base of the rucks kept the flow going. The midfield of Robinson and Cooper coped well with anything Belsize constructed, backed up by the elusive running of Daniel George and heavy tackling of Abi. All of which were very good points showing that the team play has improved with each individual now knowing they have to perform for their team mates.

Sad to note that replacement winger Mellish was hospitalised with a dislocated collar bone.

Afterward Mill held their end of season awards ceremony with Nathan Atkins receiving the most improved player award, Scott Robinson the players player award and Lee Johnson just sneaked the top try scorer cup, although Tim Greens lawyers are now on the case.

Mill Hill: Atkins, Airey, Roze, Taylor, Wishart, Potts, Johnson,Latchford, Lee, Overton,Abi,Robinson, Cooper, Green, George. Reps. Gillespie, Stern, Mellish, Cracknell.Reed

Tries. Latchford, Green (2) Abi. Conversions(3) Overton.

Referee Mr Andy.

Don't forget to visit Coaches Corner... Click here