Old Freemen's Rugby Football Club Archive September 2000 - May 2001

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1st XV Results

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1st XV Match Reports

OLD FREEMEN  V  Chipstead 1st XV (21 April 2001) (Roger Seymour)

Old Freemen rounded off their Surrey 2 League campaign with an unconvincing but comfortable 17-8 win over Chipstead. The win came at a price as Grant Holmes, who had come on at prop as replacement for the injured Steve Beebe, himself incurred a broken leg half way through the second half. The injury to Holmes was the serious side to a bizarre game which lasted for two and a quarter hours from first whistle to last. An accidental collision in the first half left the referee prostrate and mildly concussed. The delay while he recovered and some confusion with his watch meant that the first half lasted 65 minutes. The subsequent delay whilst the ambulance crew attended Holmes on the pitch exacerbated the situation.   

The game itself was a scrappy affair, typically post-Easter tour. Several Freemen appeared to still be suffering the effects of a weekend in Bournemouth. Chipstead played with good heart typified by a strong performance from their number 7. Freemen’s first try came just before half time following a fine line-out take by the inspiring Malcolm Beech. The forwards drove ahead and Richard Pepper was held up short of the line. Dominic Smith found Jeremy Davies who released Matt Lister to cut through the defence and score near the posts. Davies converted. Chipstead replied with a penalty on the point of half time. 

After the injury to Holmes, the game lost its urgency but Freemen notched two more tries. Theo van Dort was put in at the corner after some creative running by Matt Bennion and Richard Hill. Bennion himself was then on the receiving end to score after Matt Lister had rounded the defence from half way with a fine turn of speed. Chipstead scored a well –earned consolation try at the end of the match.  

In their first season back in Surrey 2 Old Freemen have had great success and should finish in fourth position in the final table. Led from the front by Chas March and Matt Bennion, they have benefited from the influx of a number of former school players who have played stylish rugby in an enjoyable atmosphere.

After three seasons in charge, March is standing down and will be replaced next season by Richard Butterfield, assisted by Dominic Smith as his vice captain. Their youthful energy should ensure another happy season at Ashtead Park, both on and off the field.   

Old Freemen:            Hill,  van Dort,   Bennion;   Lister,   Tribbick,   Davies,   Smith,   Beebe (Holmes/ Sheldon),   Morrison,  Pepper, Hall,   Beech,    Tyrell;   March (capt),   Barnett..                            

Freemen’s second team ended their season with a 61-12 win over Chipstead seconds.

OLD FREEMEN  V  Teddington 1st XV (31 March 2001) (Roger Seymour)

A powerful first-half performance sealed victory by 29-0 for Old Freemen over Surrey League 2 rivals Teddington at Ashtead on Saturday, keeping them in fourth place. Into the wind and uphill, Freemen defied the sticky ground to build a 24-0 half time lead, despite Teddington using the conditions well to keep the Old Boys at bay.  Jeremy Davies opened the scoring with a well-struck penalty. But the key period was the ten minutes before half time when Freemen put themselves out of reach with three converted tries without reply.    

The first was started by skipper Chas March, rampant at hooker, securing loose ball before Davies and Matt Lister broke through the defence. Support was on hand from the forwards, where Tim Barnett and Matt Bennion were outstanding. Rob Tyrell plunged over for the try.  The second try owed much to the defensive work of wing Alex Tribick. Collecting a difficult probing kick, he stood strong on his own 10 metre line as the Teddington attack swamped him. Freemen’s forwards were quickly by his side, working the ball out to left wing Nick Oliver. The bemused Teddington defenders were spectators as he swerved past and outpaced them to score from 50 metres. Teddington’s fly-half gifted the third try to Freemen. Distracted by the rapidly approaching Richard Butterfield and Dominic Smith, he dropped the ball on his own goal line. Jem Davies pounced for the try and added the third conversion to the sequence. 

Teddington shored up their defence in the second half and would have scored a try but for putting down the ball over Freemen’s dead ball line.  Freemen failed to complete several scoring opportunities and the expected points feast was not served. The only second half try came early starting from a lineout on the visitors’ 22, at which March and the impressive Simon Crane again linked well. The forwards rumbled towards the line, March feeding Butterfield for a try, the final score of the game in which Freemen again impressed.

Hill; Oliver, Nickoll, Lister, Tribick (Goodall), Davies, Smith, Beebe, March; Goode (Pepper), Tyrell; Crane; Barnett, Butterfield, Bennion.                            

Freemen’s II narrowly lost to Old Reigatians II 5-10, the try scored by David Shires, but Freemen’s III enjoyed a fine 16-10 win over Reigatians III. Marcus Hodges scored a try and 2 penalties and the evergeen Mike Bailey added a try. At opposite ends of the experience spectrum, recent student Jamie Williams and veteran hooker Malcolm Iles both made major contributions to the victory.  

OLD FREEMEN  V  Old Haileyburians 1st XV (17 March 2001) (Roger Seymour)

In atrocious conditions Freemen were grateful to their sure-footed fly-half Jeremy Davies for slotting over four penalties to provide the points giving the Old Boys another League win.  The muddy pitch did not lend itself to running rugby but both sides attempted to play with flair, despite handling problems. Haileyburians backs were speedy and powerful in a number of early attacks which tested the Freemen’s defence. Crucial tackles by Nick Oliver, Alex Tribbick and Tim Barnett stopped certain scores.

Changes meant Freemen had players out of position but the team remained strong. Richard Hill moved from full back and looked comfortable in the number 9 shirt, and Rob Tyrell excelled on the flank rather than in his usual second row. Tyrell was voted man of the match for Freemen as his pace and bulk caused problems for the visitors both in attack and defence. Aussie Andy Goodall made his League debut at full-back in conditions alien to him.

Three penalties were scored in the first half, Oliver, Tyrell and the forwards forcing errors from the OH defence. OH had the better of the lineout but in the mud it did not matter as the forwards scrapped for the loose ball. Richard Pepper, Steve Beebe and Simon Hall followed Richard Butterfield’s lead in battling for possession.

Tyrell had a try disallowed before Davies landed his fourth penalty late in the second half. Freemen nearly produced a grandstand finish when, in the last move of the match, Simon Crane and Tyrell set up a length of field charge but the ball was spilled as the Freemen’s support reached the try line.          

Old Freemen’s:  Goodall; Oliver, Nickoll, Bennion (R.Davies), Tribbick, J.Davies, Hill, Beebe, Morrison, Pepper, Hall Crane, Barnett, Butterfield, Tyrell.  Subs. not used: March, Goode.

Freemen’s II beat Old Guildfordians III 37-0. Tries from Bill Smith, Mike von Speyr, Simon Gibbs, Andy Holder and Dave Shires (2). Holder added 2 conversions and a penalty. Man of the Match; Peter Tennant

OLD FREEMEN  V  Hammersmith & Fulham 1st XV (10 March 2001) (Roger Seymour)

Freemen’s League fixture at Chipstead on Saturday fell victim to the foot and mouth restrictions so they hit the road for a friendly at Hammersmith & Fulham. The trip was worthwhile as they won a close fought contest in which they rarely reached the high level of performance that they have demonstrated for much of the season.

Freemen rested some of their players giving new talent a chance to show through.          18 year-old Andy Goodall, in England on a teaching exchange from Australia, made the most of his first team debut scoring a good try and showing strong skills around the pitch.  Fly-half Jeremy Davies put in another competent performance and rediscovered his kicking form with a conversion and three penalties.  In the back row, Richard Butterfield was again rampant with Tim Barnett and the versatile Matt Bennion at his shoulder.         

Freemen’s skipper, Chas March, on the bench was pleased that his team had notched another win and were in good shape for this week’s League match at home to Old Haileyburians.    3 p.m. kick-off. The postponement of the Chipstead game leaves the Old Boys, currently in fifth position, with some fixture congestion as they attempt to meet their League responsibilities. The situation should certainly knock some sense into administators who are looking to force Surrey teams to play home and away League fixtures – it would be totally impractical.   The Old Boys were again proud to turn out three teams last weekend, although not able to match the winning performance of the firsts.

The seconds lost an entertaining and well contested game with Chipstead II by 24- 20, the referee abandoning the game 10 minutes early due to problems in distinguishing between the muddied teams. If only he had warned the teams before blowing for time!  The 3^rd team lost 10-22 at home to Old Reedonians veterans.

OLD FREEMEN  V  Lightwater 1st XV (24 February 2001) (Roger Seymour)

Old Freemen’s combative scrum-half Dominic Smith stole the show at Ashtead Park on Saturday as his skills kept his team in contention near the top of the table. A brilliant try-creating break, constant harassing of his opposite number, rapid and accurate passing, rounded off by a stunning solo try gave Freemen the momentum to snuff out the effective challenge of their visitors Lightwater.

From the start both sides played at a lively pace but Freemen had the better of the exchanges. Smith created havoc around Lightwater’s fringes and Freemen looked odds-on to score a try. Poor handling let them down.  The opening score came after 20 minutes from Freemen’s Jeremy Davies kicking a penalty.  5 minutes later, one of many strikes against the head by Neil Morrison and Richard Pepper set up Smith’s exciting individual try for which he ducked past the advancing back-row and beat his pursuers over 35 metres.  Lightwater bounced straight back with a try as their right wing beat Freemen’s defence on the outside. They took control for the next 10 minutes ending in a deserved try from a forward drive just before half time.

The effect of trailing 8-10 at half time and strong words from skipper Chas March brought a storming start to the second half from Freemen. Davies kicked a penalty and  March was driven over by his forwards for a satisfying try which Davies converted. With a comfortable margin Freemen became careless and failed to capitalise on a steady supply of the ball from the forwards. Malcolm Beech and Simon Hall provided quality line-out ball and Tim Barnett ensured that Freemen had their share of the loose ball.

10 minutes from the end, Smith found his open side path blocked at a scrum on his 10 metre line. He again showed his pace to gain 30 metres before releasing Richard Butterfield to power over for a try from 30 metres.  Despite the mysterious addition of 10 minutes of additional time, Freemen failed to add to the 23-10 scoreline but were left content at a comfortable if not convincing victory.              

OLD FREEMEN : Hill;  Shires;  Lister;  Bennion (Nickoll);  Tribbick;. Davies;  Smith;  Pepper;  Morrison;  Goode;  Hall;  Beech;  Butterfield;  March (capt);  Barnett..

OLD FREEMEN  V  Battersea Ironsides 1st XV (17 February 2001) (Roger Seymour)

When the teams placed third and fourth in the League meet it should be a tight contest and Saturday’s match at Ashtead Park was no exception. A single penalty by Battersea was the only score as the sides matched each other in a committed game.

Neither side had played for some weeks and it showed in the early stages as passes missed targets and indecision reigned. The teams eventually settled and both looked impressive in the midfield but the ferocity and speed of the tackling meant that neither side could create room or release their wings. Richard Hill, Jeremy Davies, and centres Matt Lister and Matt Bennion tried to find some magic for Freemen but Ironsides were not taking any backward steps.

In the forward battle, Chas March and Tim Barnett competed hard for Freemen, and Richard Butterfield’s pile-driving tackles drew admiration from the sidelines. Richard Pepper was effective in tidying up loose ball and charges by Simon Crane, Simon Hall and Rob Tyrrell were met with fierce defence as the sides stood toe to toe. The only area where there was anything to choose between the teams was in the line-out where Battersea showed more style and accuracy. Freemen’s scrum-half Dominic Smith varied his game well and played a try-saving role in getting his body in the way as an Ironsides drive collapsed over Freemen’s line. One solo run nearly brought a try for Freemen. The decisive penalty for Battersea occurred on the point of half-time.

The second half saw a continuation of the nip and tuck, with both teams conscious that it would only take an interception or breakaway to win the match. In the tenth minute of injury time, Freemen broke from half way with wing David Shires steaming towards the Battersea line. He eased past his opposite number as the crowd screamed encouragement but another defender was tracking him and took him into touch twenty metres short. The final move of a pulsating contest.

OLD FREEMEN : Hill; Shires; Lister; Bennion; Tribbick;. Davies; Smith; Pepper; Morrison; Beebe ; Hall; Crane (Tyrell); Butterfield; March (capt); Barnett..

OLD FREEMEN  V  Old Alleynian's 2nd XV (27 January 2001) (David Harn)

On Saturday Old Freemen travelled to Dulwich to play a friendly fixture against Old Alleynians 2^nd XV which was to be a warm up for their coming important league fixtures. O.A. kicked off and immediately took the game to the O.F. with powerful rucking and driving through their big forwards and for the first quarter of the game the O.F. were unable to get into their opponents half. For all the pressure the O.F. defence, which has been outstanding this season, conceded only one try when a defender slipped on the soggy ground and missed his man. O.A. were then awarded a penalty in front of the posts and took a ten-point lead.

O.F. were not over awed by their opponents and started to take the game to them and ten minutes from half time they started to get into top gear playing the passing game between forwards and backs which has been their strength this season. In the ten minutes before half time they score two trys to level the scores. The second try followed five phases of play, which eventually split the O.A. defence wide open.

The second half saw the O.F. pack continue to grind down their opposition and win more and more possession giving their backs the opportunity to run through the repertoire of moves and score trys almost at will. There was still ferocious tackling taking place all over the park and O.A. continued to use their heavier forwards in an effort to bludgeon their way to the line, but to no avail. The second half finished with O.F. scoring thirty-nine points and conceding nothing. 

The trys were scored by Hill (4), Oliver (2), Lister (2) and Bennion (1). Davies was able to convert two.

Men of the Match- Hill and Butterfield

Team: Hill, Van-Dort, Bennion, Lister, Oliver, Davies, Smith, Goode, Morrison, Pepper, Crane, Beech, March (Capt), Butterfield, Barnett, Sub Beebe.

OLD FREEMEN  V  Haslemere (13 January 2001) (Roger Seymour)

Freemen took their League record to six wins from eight games with a 25-11 victory at Haslemere on Saturday.

It took most of the first half for the Old Boys to establish a pattern to their play in perfect conditions. Handling errors were frequent and there was a lack of urgency about their start.  Haslemere took the lead on twenty minutes with a penalty to which Freemen responded rapidly. Forwards Richard Butterfield, Malcolm Beech and Simon Crane successively battered the Haslemere line from close range. The defence held firm but were unable to halt centre Matt Bennion  from scoring a try as scrum-half Dominic Smith spread the ball wide. The home side regained the lead with a try and  then added a penalty. Freemen were again stirred into action and a try was scored by Theo van Dort, created when second row Crane appeared in the centre to create the overlap.

Trailing 10-11 at half time, Freemen’s second half was a great improvement. The pack, impressively led by Beech with Freeman of the Match Tim Barnett at his shoulder, controlled the set pieces and provided the lively Smith with a steady supply of good ball. It was the Beech/ Smith combination at a set scrum that created the gap for Rob Tyrrell to power through and score a try shortly after half-time. Jeremy Davies added a penalty as Freemen built the pressure, after which a bouncing pass to Nick Oliver fooled the defence and left him with an unchallenged ten metre trot for a try. 

Freemen’s II enjoyed the winter sunshine with  twelve tries in a 62-0 rout of  Haslemere II. Tries for Moreland (3); Hawes (2), Forrest, George, Tremaine, Tennant, von Speyr (2) and Gibbs. MoM was Grant Holmes.

For the second successive week a third team took the field, playing Economicals I from Surrey Division 3. They lost  8-25 but the achievement of putting out a third side reflects well on the hard work of Tom Innes and chairman David Harn. MoM was Stacy Sheldon.

Freemen are back in League action on Saturday at home to Teddington (k.o. 2.15 p.m.)

Hill;  van Dort;  Lister;  Bennion;  Oliver;. Davies;  Smith;  Goode;  Morrison;  Beebe (Pepper);  Tyrrell;  Crane;  Butterfield;  Beech;  Barnett.

OLD FREEMEN  V  Raynes Park (7 January 2001) (Roger Seymour)

Old Freemen, riding high in Surrey League 2, narrowly lost their Surrey Shield first round tie against Raynes Park of Surrey League 1 on Sunday. They were disappointed that they could not reproduce the stylish rugby that has marked their season so far.

Bizarrely, a faulty watch resulted in the referee ending the first half 10 minutes early. This worked against the Old Boys who, at the time, were shading the challenges and had used the advantage of the slope and difficult sunlight to build a 6-0 lead, through two Jeremy Davies penalties. Neil Morrison was working well with line-out jumpers, Rob Tyrrell and Simon Crane, and the pack as a whole was competing on an even footing with the visitors. Freemen were well-placed to take control of the game.

The shortened half seemed to disturb the Old Boys' momentum. They were still pondering the situation when the second half started. From the kick-off, the Raynes Park pack drove all the way downfield through some poor Freemen's defending for a crucial try.

Park grew in confidence and increased the pressure on the home team, who were forced to kick from hand more than they wished. Park maintained the territorial squeeze targeting Freemen's danger men, and two more penalties secured them a trip into the second round.

A happier tale for Freemen on Saturday when they successfully turned out two additional teams to make it three in a weekend to start the New Year. Against Old Walcountians, the 2nd team won 14-5, with strong performances from skipper James Tremaine and Malcolm Beech; the 3rd team under the leadership of Tom Innes won 33-0.

OLD FREEMEN : Hill; van Dort; Lister; Nickoll; Oliver;. Davies; Smith; Goode; Morrison; Pepper (Beebe); Tyrrell; Crane (Beech); Butterfield; March (capt.); Barnett..

(Roger Seymour)

OLD FREEMEN  V  Worth Old Boys (16 December 2000)

Old Freemen’s gave a gift-wrapped display of open rugby on Saturday at Ashtead Park when they outplayed visitors Worth OB in Surrey League 2 and ran out 65-0 winners. 

Backs and forwards alike showed confidence and skill in handling as they sought to keep the ball alive and to maintain their position near the top of the Division. Worth kept up the challenge to ensure that Freemen’s could not ease up but the well-organised home defence stopped them from gaining a momentum. Forwards Simon Crane and Tim Barnett and the front-row of Beebe, Morrison and Pepper, like three Wise Men, tackled energetically and Richard Butterfield earned his man of the match award with bruising tackles supplementing powerful running.

Freemen’s confidence was shown by the fact that their first score, a penalty by the dependable Jeremy Davies after five minutes, was their only attempt at goal, other than his six conversions. Ten tries were scored in all.   Full back Richard Hill started the entertainment after ten minutes with what is now becoming his trade-mark try. Ten metres from his own line he received the ball under pressure from the Worth backs. He wrong-footed them and set off on an arcing run at such pace that he went round the whole Worth defence to score in the corner. Davies converted from the touchline to secure the seven points. The home side continued to score at nearly a point a minute in the first half with five more tries. Rob Tyrell crashed over from five metres; wing Nigel Miers had work to do  to round off the interplay of Tyrell, Morrison and Hill; number 8 and skipper Chas March scored with a powerful pick and drive from the back of a five metre scrum, carrying three defenders with him; Tyrell then showed his pace storming in from 20 metres; and Matt Lister took Miers’ well-timed pass to coast in from 22 metres.

39-0 at half-time and the OF’s were hungry. They continued to play adventurous and entertaining rugby in the second half. A second try for the impressive Lister, a well-earned try by Theo van Dort showing good pace on the right wing, Smith’s sniping blind side score after the ground-work by man of the match Richard Butterfield, and a final try  by Hill gave Freemen’s a 65-0 Christmas present.     Freemen’s second XV beat Old Pauline's 25-12 to complete a satisfactory day for the Old Boys at Ashtead Park.

Hill;  Tribick (van Dort);  Lister;  Nickoll;  Miers;. Davies;  Smith;  Beebe;  Morrison;  Pepper (Goode);  Tyrrell;  Crane;  Butterfield; Barnett;  March (Capt..). 

OLD FREEMEN  V  Lightwater (3 December 2000)

Old Freemen’s progressed from the preliminaries to the first round of the Surrey Shield beating Lightwater 16-3 with a resilient performance against a physically intimidating side. In the worst incident, skipper Chas March was forced to leave the game with severe facial injuries. The Old Boys demonstrated a high level of self-control which paid off as Jeremy Davies kicked two penalties on a treacherous surface and two tries were scored ten minutes either side of half time. Lightwater’s score was a penalty on the point of half-time.

The first Freemen’s try after half an hour was a real team effort. Five metres from their opponents’ line Neil Morrison found Simon Hall in the middle of a line-out and the pack, supplemented by a centre and a wing, drove over the try line. From the debris, winger Alex Tribick emerged as the try scorer.  The half-time score of 11-3 was a fair reflection of the first half in which both sides suffered from the pitch. With pressure from Dominic Smith at scrum-half, Lightwater relied on the crash ball at close quarters but Freemen’s, with Simon Crane and Tim Barnett to the fore, tackled well to repel their attacks. When Lightwater moved the ball away from their pack, they frequently used the high ball but full-back Theo van Dort gave a faultless display.

Freemen’s second half try resulted from a foot-rush initiated by centre Matt Lister. The Lightwater full-back gathered the ball but missed touch and Richard Hill at centre caught the stray kick. He  immediately fed flanker Richard Butterfield who powered in to score from the 22 metre line with the aid of a spectacular dummy pass. Butterfield nearly repeated the feat at the end of the match when he sprinted from the half-way line, a tap tackle foiling a clean score and he was then adjudged not to have released the ball. This tough contest which put Freemen’s into the first round of the Shield, having been losing semi-finalists last season, left them bruised but happy and was a useful preparation for their next League game at home to Battersea Ironsides on Saturday, kick-off 2.30p.m.  The first round cup tie will be against Raynes Park at home on Sunday 7th January.

OLD FREEMEN  V  London Media (25 November 2000)

On Saturday Old Freemen visited London Media at Richmond hoping to continue their successful run in the league fixtures.

London Media kicked off into the most atrocious conditions yet seen this season. The gale was blowing directly down the pitch and with it came the driving rain. Media had their usual huge pack, which suited the conditions on the day. O.F. were awarded a penalty early in the game and Smith took the penalty quickly made space for Butterfield who drew the defence allowing Hill to run round the covering defence to score close enough for Davies to convert. Media immediately drove the ball from the restart back into the O.F. half and from a scrum drove over the line to score, which was converted.

It was now obvious that Media were going to use the strength of their scrum to dictate the style of play, using the conditions to their best advantage. Media won a scrum near the halfway line feed the ball down their line and the winger scored in the corner. O.F. then rose to the occasion and put in some concerted attacks and were awarded two penalties in quick succession which Davies converted giving them back the lead at 12 – 13. Media then started another attack and Lister quickly up in defence on the halfway line intercepted a Media pass and ran to score close enough for Davies to convert giving the O.F. a lead of 12 – 20 at half time.

Was this to be enough, would the O.F. pack last the pace to hold out Media who would use the conditions to their full advantage. Early in the second half O.F. set up a ruck in the Media half and March made a break which set off a movement where the ball passed through seven pair of hands before Nicholls scored by the posts for Davies to convert. This gave O.F. a lead of 12 – 27 and with their defensive record so far this season look enough for them to carry the day. Media thought otherwise and started building continuous attacks on the O.F. line, which the O.F. withstood with sound tackling and covering but the battering taken by the forwards was beginning to show. Ten minutes from the final whistle, three events occurred which changed the outcome of the game.

When Media charged down a clearance kick which then when into touch in the dead ball area they were awarded a five-yard scrum rather than O.F. having a drop out. Following the scrum Media immediately won a lineout and their pack drove over to score.The kick off into the wind was not ten metres; Media won the scrum, kicked for position and from the ensuring lineout again drove over to score, cutting the O.F. lead to 22 – 27. With the clock ticking away it look as though the O.F. had done just enough to hold on and win and when the final attack of the game by the Media was stopped and O.F. were awarded a penalty they looked home and dry. The kick for touch was missed, collected by Media who immediately ran the ball back and scored wide out, to finish the game 27 – 27.

OLD FREEMEN  V  Shirley Wanderers (11 November 2000)

Won 19 - 0

Old Freemen’s full-back RICHARD HILL produced two pieces of individual brilliance in scoring tries which maintained his team’s encouraging start to the season with a 19-0 win over Surrey Division 2 rivals Shirley Wanderers at Ashtead Park on Saturday.

Freemen’s faced the slope and the gale in the first half and were forced to defend against Shirley’s use of the elements.  Sensibly keeping the ball in hand, Freemen’s attempted to enter their opponents’ territory with some success but Shirley defended effectively.

On the half hour, Shirley paid the price for a sin-binning when HILL carved through the depleted Shirley defence from 20 metres for a try which finished off the earlier work of ALEX TRIBICK and skipper CHAS MARCH.  JEREMY DAVIES converted against the gale with the aid of a post. Shirley were unable to capitalise on the conditions and turned to face the elements with a 7-0 deficit at half-time.   

Freemen’s strategy for the second half was to pin their visitors in their own 22 and Shirley found it increasingly difficult to break out of their own half. After 20 minutes, HILL collected a stray clearance kick in his own half, launched a return kick downfield and demonstrated an incredible turn of speed to beat the whole defence to the touchdown.. DAVIES converted from the touchline.

In the difficult conditions, the role of the scrum-half was crucial and Freemen’s DOMINIC SMITH ensured that the home side maintained the upper hand with good distribution and tidying up of loose ball. He operated behind a pack of forwards who played with confidence and strength and was well supported by centres MATT LISTER and MATT BENNION.

With ten minutes remaining Freemen’s stretched their lead to 19-0 when NEIL MORRISON took a blind-side pass from SMITH and crashed over in the right hand corner,

Freemen’s rugby has grown in stature as they have shown themselves equal to the more intense level of rugby in Surrey Division 2. There is a strong spirit in the club which is reflected by the on-field performances.

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OLD FREEMEN  V  Law Society (4 November 2000)

Lost 6 - 9

In a tense Tetley’s Vase 3^rd Round encounter at Ashtead Park on Saturday, Old Freemen’s just failed to avenge their recent League thrashing by the Law Society and narrowly lost by 9 – 6, ending hopes of a prolonged Cup run.

The game was unusual for the absence of tries, a result of two equal and tight defences determined and successful in preventing their opponents from breaking the gain line. Combined with handling errors by both sides, this resulted in a midfield battle with neither side able to gain the upper hand for sustained periods and very little to choose between the quality of the two sides. 

From the start, Freemen’s much-improved efforts to take the game to the Law Society were effective in not giving their opponents space to repeat their previous game’s pattern. In an even contest, there were few clear-cut scoring chances for either side but in each half the side playing with the slope was more dominant territorially. All the points were scored in the first half, Freemen’s two penalties coming from JEREMY DAVIES.

The Freemen’s front row of DAVE GOODE, NEIL MORRISON and STEVE BEEBE, and replacement RICHARD PEPPER gave Freemen’s a sound base at the tight scrums and the lineout work of SIMON HALL and ROB TYRELL meant that the home side had adequate possession but the Law Society’s defence held firm. RICHARD HILL made some telling runs from full-back but no matter how he linked with his team-mates the Law Society snuffed out the attacks.

Law Society’s own attacks were met by some gutsy Old Boys’ defending with the back row to the fore in halting Law Society’s ploys. Freemen’s were unlucky not to be awarded tries on two occasions; through NICK OLIVER and prop RICHARD PEPPER, but in both cases the referee was unsighted.  

Freemen’s played with good spirit and matched the Law Society in all areas of the game. Despite trailing 6-9 at half time, they had opportunities in the second half to rescue the match or move it into extra time. It was not to be their day, despite a concerted effort as the final whistle approached which had the Law Society defence at full stretch.

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OLD FREEMEN  V  Mitcham (28 October 2000)

Won 26 - 5

On Saturday Old Freemen visited Mitcham knowing that they needed to win this league fixture if they were to keep chasing the league leaders. Mitcham kicked off in atrocious weather conditions with the advantage of the wind and the slope knowing that they need to press home their advantage right from the start.

Although the play took place for long periods in the Old Freemen’s half, the display by their forwards was without doubt the best seen this season, and on some occasions awesome. HALL and TYRELL in the second row were in the thick of everything and making their presence felt by the opposition. The back row of MARCH, BUTTERFIELD and BARNETT played as though they were inseparable. For the first thirty minutes they took the game to Mitcham and the defence withstood everything Mitcham threw at it. SMITH at scrum half also had his best game this season and his linkage between the forwards and the backs was superb while his defensive skills are an example to everyone, and his snipping work at the base of the scrum causes opponents all sorts of problems. Such was the strength of the wind when O.F. were awarded a penalty, it was taken quickly and BENNION carried the ball over the gain line setting up a ruck on the halfway line. The forwards won quick ball allowing DAVIES to set LISTER off on one of his runs, where he beats his opposite number on the outside then draws the fullback before passing to OLIVER, who scored close enough to the posts to allow DAVIES to convert.

This score encourage the forwards to even greater efforts and from a line out Mitcham, attempting to use the wind, kicked deep. The O.F. full back HILL staying back, collected the ball and running from his own half made a break to the Mitcham 22 setting up a ruck. Again the O.F. won quick ball allowing it to pass down the line to OLIVER who showed his powerful finishing by scoring in the corner. The O.F. forwards were now rampant and they carried the ball up field with both collective and individual drives forcing Mitcham backwards continually. When they were stopped close to the line they released the ball and LISTER sliced through the centre to score by the posts for DAVIES to convert.

Mitcham started the second half like men possessed and O.F. thinking that they had the slope and the wind took their foot off the throttle and allowed themselves to be put under pressure. Eventually Mitcham working the blind side scored a try wide out. This stimulated O.F. into action and CRANE substituting for HALL collected a loose kick for touch and made ground to the Mitcham 22. The forwards first to the breakdown released the ball which went down the back line allowing HILL to run through unopposed to score near the posts, which DAVIES converted. The final score being 5 - 26 

This O.F. squad is now showing how a settled selection can improve a team’s performance. Not one of the squad can relax because the members of the second team are all capable of being selected on merit and the future for the Club this season looks bright. This coming weekend O.F. are hosts to the Law Society in the National Cup Competition. The O.F. were beaten by the Society two weeks ago and will be looking to revenge that defeat.

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OLD FREEMEN  V  Worth Old Boys (21 October 2000)

Postponed due to water logged pitches

OLD FREEMEN  V  Law Society (14 October 2000)

Lost 5 - 49 

The Law Society dealt Old Freemen’s a harsh dose of realism as they dominated their top of the second division table clash at Wimbledon on Saturday, winning by 49-5. After a successful start to the season, Freemen’s were brought crashing back to earth unable to find an answer to the eight tries that Law Society produced in a strong display of flowing rugby.

 The Old Boys held their ground until ten minutes into the second half, when Law Society stretched their lead to 23-5. Freemen’s defensive tackling became uncharacteristically poor, and their attacks were squeezed sideways by the strength of the Law Society’s defence. This allowed the home side the opportunity to pile on the points. Freemen’s try had been scored by IAN NICKOLL just before half time but the number of other scoring opportunities were limited. Under pressure in the tight scrums, Freemen’s could not create the solid base they needed to drive Law Society back. In the lines-outs, SIMON HALL was majestic complementing a fierce tackling display by the rapidly improving youngster, but this was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing display. 

Freemen’s will be seeking revenge when they have a re-match with Law Society at Ashtead Park in the third round of the Tetley’s Bitter Vase on 4th November 2000. On Saturday Freemen’s are due to entertain Worth Old Boys at Ashtead Park in Surrey Division 2.

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OLD FREEMEN  V  Surrey University (07 October 2000)

Won 80 - 5 

Old Freemen’s romped into the third round of the Tetley’s Bitter Vase at Surrey University on Saturday with a comprehensive 80 – 5 victory, comprising twelve tries and ten conversions.

The warning signs for the students appeared as early as the tenth minute when winger ALEX TRIBICK crossed the try line, only to discover that he had put a foot in touch. Freemen’s maintained the pressure and when CHAS MARCH was halted short of the line, fellow back-row TIM BARNETT was on hand to crash over for the try. JEREMY DAVIES converted.  Further first half tries from RICHARD HILL, displaying fine soccer skills along the length of the pitch, NICK OLIVER and IAN NICKOLL gave the Old Boys a comfortable half time cushion of 31-0.

Inspired half-time substitution saw the arrival of MATTHEW LISTER  at centre who ran in three tries and would have added a fourth, had he not tested out ROB TYRELL’s reactions with an unselfish try-scoring pass from within the University’s in-goal area. TYRELL was another fresh pair of legs arriving at half time and he was rampant in the loose, including a try following a storming run from the back of a tight scrum on half way.  The procession of Freemen’s tries continued through TRIBICK, HILL, and a penalty try.  NICKOLL had taken over the kicking duties from JEREMY DAVIES and was successful with seven  conversions, to add to Davies’ three.

A serious injury to one of the students disrupted the flow of the game, and it must be cause for concern that at 59-0 with only fifteen minutes remaining, the referee still felt it necessary to make the game run its full course. Surrey did not give up and were rewarded with a try in the final minute, but with eighty points already on the board Freemens were  celebrating a substantial win.    

OLD FREEMEN’S : R.Hill; A.Tribick; I.Nickoll; M.Bennion; N.Oliver; J.Davies; (M.Lister) D.Smith (R.Dartnell); D.Goode;          N.Morrison; R.Pepper; S.Crane; S.Hall; G.Holmes; C. March (capt); (R.Tyrrell) T.Barnett. (S.Beebe) 

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OLD FREEMEN  V  London Fire Brigade (30 September 2000)

Won 45 - 0

Old Freemen’s convincing opening sequence of victorious League games in Surrey Division 2 continued at Ashtead Park on Saturday with a 45-0 win over a strong London Fire Brigade team.

For the second week in succession, the Old Boys’ fitness and support play allowed them to run in six tries but they also managed to deprive their opponents of any scoring opportunities.  Freemen’s defensive work has reached a new level of security, with some notable work by SIMON CRANE, SIMON HALL, MATT LISTER, and MATT BENNION. JEREMY DAVIES controlled the game- plan allowing his forwards and backs to pick- up varied lines of attack and counter-attack.

Freemen’s made a steady start with the back row of CHARLES MARCH, TIM BARNETT, and GRANT HOLMES picking up and driving forward whenever the opportunity presented itself. The pack linked together effectively and a new spirit was  evident in the way they worked for each other, BARNETT scored the first try as he crashed over from 10 metres.

For the first time this season at Ashtead Park, the sin-bin was brought into play by the referee, depriving Freemen’s of one player and Fire Brigade of two players for sequences of ten minutes each time. During this period Freemen’s stretched their lead to 11-0, which it stayed until half time.

Freemen’s then stepped the momentum up a gear and this yielded two scores for skipper CHARLES MARCH, two neatly taken tries by NICK OLIVER , and one by RICHARD HILL, three of which came in the last two minutes of the match. Fly-half JEREMY DAVIES added three penalties and three conversions to his season’s haul. .    .    . 

R.Hill; A.Tribick; I. Nickoll; M. Bennion (M.Lister); N. Oliver; J.Davies; R.Dartnell; S.Beebe; N.Morrison; D.Goode;(R.Pepper); S.Crane; S.Hall; G.Holmes; C.March (capt); T. Barnett. 

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OLD FREEMEN  V  Old Wandsworthians (23 September 2000)

Won 51 - 0

Old Freemen’s celebrated their arrival in Surrey 2 with a crushing 51-0 victory over Old Wandsworthians in perfect conditions at New Malden last Saturday. A resounding 71-14 win by the Freemen’s 2^nd team made it a day to remember for the Ashtead-based side. Freemen’s ran in six tries after a slow start and set the scene for an outstanding kicking display by JEREMY DAVIES. He added twenty-one points, including a 100% record for conversions of each try, together with a further three penalties.

The half-time scoreline of 0-10 gave little indication of the second half onslaught that Freemen’s were preparing for their hosts. In the first twenty minutes of the match, Wandsworthians showed characteristic physical resistance especially in the tight pieces. Although Freemen’s line out responded well as NEIL MORRISON found MALCOLM BEECH and SIMON CRANE in hungry mode, the scrums were facing a tough afternoon. Freemen’s props DAVE GOODE and STEVE BEEBE dug deep and their fitness allowed them to transfer the pressure to their advantage. On the half hour, DAVIES landed his first penalty and then converted a spectacular try by NICK OLIVER, rounding off a scything break from his own half by RICHARD HILL.          

A second DAVIES penalty just after the restart heralded a procession of five further tries for Freemen’s. The opportunist GRANT HOLMES scored two, the more spectacular of which followed a quick tap free kick from his own ten metre line and HOLMES powered through to complete a fine solo effort. HOLMES repeated the move from slightly closer in the final minute. Other tries were scored by an improving TIM BARNETT and RICHARD HILL, with an encore from MALCOLM BEECH. For much of the game, Freemen’s kept the ball moving well. Skipper CHAS MARCH linked well with scrum-half RICHARD DARTNELL but frequently added his power and skill next to IAN NICKOLL and MATT BENNION in the centre. Wandsworthians found  Freemen’s support play difficult to counter and as Freemen’s cleared the half century, the referee ended the home side’s suffering.  .

OLD FREEMEN’S : R. Hill; T. van Dort; I. Nickoll; M. Bennion(A.Tribbick); N. Oliver; J.Davies; R. Dartnell; S. Beebe (R. Pepper); N. Morrison; D. Goode; M. Beech;  S.Crane (S. Hall); G. Holmes; C. March (capt); T. Barnett. 

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OLD FREEMEN  V  Old Haileyburians (16 September 2000)

Lost 19 - 5

Old Freemen's 1st XV arrived for their first match of the season with a squad of nineteen players. It was a friendly fixture against a side who will be our opposition for the last league game of the season. OH's kicked off to OF's who chose to play uphill for the first half. The ball was taken cleanly and run straight back into OH's 22 with a very good movement of play from forwards and backs.  The ball was knocked on and after a scrum the OF's came in from the wrong side and OH's were awarded a penalty.  They kicked back into our half and the game remained evenly matched for most of the first half. OH's had several good runs at the OF's defence but final passes went to the floor and nothing came of their efforts.  10 minutes before half time the ball was went to ground deep in the OF's 22 and the full back James Williams picked up the ball and ran the length of the pitch to score under OH's posts.  Mike von Speyr converted making the score 7 - 0 at half time.

The second half kicked off with OH's looking very determined to get back into the game. It didn't take them long and OF's having made 4 substitutions at half time let in an unconverted try 7 - 5.  OF's had a few good passages of play including a very strong run by Nick Oliver which almost ended in a score. OH's kept up the pressure and scored a  converted try making the score 7 - 12.  They scored once more before the final whistle making the final score 7 - 19.  

OF's have work to do but it was an encouraging start for the first game of the season and I'm sure they will hold their own in Surrey 2.

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OLD FREEMEN  V  Burgess Hill (9 September 2000)

Walk Over

Old Freemen’s 1^st XV were all dressed up with nowhere to go at Ashtead Park on Saturday as their Tetley’s Bitter Vase preliminary round opponents, Burgess Hill, failed to honour a fixture which was subject to a nationwide timetable fixed weeks in advance. 

In the past, the Old Boys have fallen foul of the RFU and Cup administators taking a soft line with offending opponents, as Freemen’s seem to have been in a similar innocent position before. However, on this occasion Freemen’s are determined not to become victims of another club’s administrative inefficiencies once again. Looking at the RFU table it seems we have been awarded a walkover. The table is available in the What's new section of the R.F.C. home page.

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2nd XV Reports

OLD FREEMEN  V Old Reigatians 2nd XV (31 Mar 2001)

To be updated very soon!

OLD FREEMEN  V Old Guildfordians 3rd XV (17 Mar 2001)

OF's produced another sublime performance in scoring six tries against an Old Guildfordians side boosted by having some eight or nine reserves (a number
recruited from their second team). All the reserves took the field at some stage. The first half hour was an equal struggle with both sets of forwards cancelling each other out. The Freemens line out work was poor and this limited the supply of good ball for the half backs, Peter Tennant and Mike Von Speyr. OF's welcomed back former school master and Rosslyn Park captain Andy Holder and Mike Bailey was a late replacement for Steve Winslett.

OF's eventually seized the initiative through a typical Bill Smith run which took him from the twenty two over the try line with a number of Guildfordians desperately trying to tackle him. Andy Holder added a well struck penalty just  before half time to take OF's eight points ahead at the interval. Wings Dave Shires and Simon Gibbs scored tries early in the second half to take OF's further ahead. Andy Holder added a conversion. The Guildfordians fly half was put under constant pressure by the OF'S back row of James Tremaine, Matthew Forrest and Stacey Sheldon who had an outstanding game. On two occasions fly half Mike Von Speyr and then Andy Holder in the centre charged down kicks to score. Holder added a second conversion. Dave Shires scored his second try and OF's sixth late in the second half to complete an emphatic victory.

Man of the match Peter Tennant at scrum half was constantly involved in the action, prompting his forwards and setting the backs away with quick ball. During the second half Tom Innes, Ian George and Stewart Lawrence came on as replacements.  The seconds have played some outstanding rugby in recent weeks, winning four
out of their last six games and scoring over two hundred points including thirty three tries.

Team: Coyle, Winch, Jenkins, Barnard, Smith, Tremaine (capt), Sheldon, Forrest M., Tennant, Von Speyr, Gibbs, Holder, Miers , Shires, Bailey. Reserves: Innes, Lawrence, George.

OLD FREEMEN  V Chipstead combined XV (17 Feb 2001)

Will be added very soon! Theo 26/3/01

OLD FREEMEN  V Chobham 3rd XV (17 Feb 2001)

On Saturday OF's seconds produced another excellent game of rugby to comprehensively beat a young Chobham third team at Ashtead Park. OF's dominated up front and were able to score an early try through captain James Tremaine following a rolling maul. Mike von Speyr converted. A second try soon followed from a move in the centres involving Bob Davies and Nigel Miers which was duly scored by Bill Prime. Mike Von Speyr added a penalty to complete the scoring in the first half.

In the second half OF's added further points from tries scored by Grant Holmes from one of his characteristic charging runs and from the sniping scrum half Peter Tennent. Vice captain Mike Von Speyr added two further conversions to take his points tally to nine for the match. Andy Goodall at full back had an outstanding match both in defence and attack which bodes well for the rest of the season. Jon Whybrow made his debut for the seconds coming on in the second half for the injured second row Bill Smith and special mention must be made of Graham Alcock who came on for the opposition when their scrum half was injured. Final Score 29 - 0.

Team: Jenkins, Winch, Coyle, Smith, Barnard, Beales, Tremaine (captain), Holmes, Tennent, Von Speyr, Gibbs, Davies, Miers, Prime, Goodall. Reserves Emerton, Whybrow, Alcock.
 

OLD FREEMEN  V Effingham B (3 Feb 2001)

Bad luck continued to dog Old Freemen on Saturday when once again their 1st team league fixture at Ashtead was cancelled due to a water logged pitch. The 2nd team were able to switch their game to Effingham.

The Club has three weeks of stag parties and weddings and so the second team was a grouping of second and three team players.

The game against Effingham 2nd started later than arranged but was played at a fast pace in good conditions on a wet pitch. Both teams were determined to play open rugby and enjoy themselves. Effingham were the better-organised side and were able to put together some penetrating three-quarter moves. The O.F. defended well with Andrew Goodall showing great promise for the future. After an enjoyable game Effingham ran out the winner by 23 – 3.

OLD FREEMEN  V Old Alleynian's 3rd XV (27 Jan 2001)

OF's continued their run of success with an overwhelming win over Old Alleynian’s at Ashtead Park on Saturday. Old Alleynian’s were awarded a penalty thirty metres out following an infringement early in the first half, which was duly converted. Steve Winslett soon replied, scoring a try with a well-worked move in the centres, which he duly converted. Grant Holmes added a further try with a typical driving run from forty metres out to score under the posts which was converted by Steve Winslett and it was Winslett himself who scored his 2nd of the match after 30 minutes. Mike von Speyr completed the scoring in the first half by sidestepping his way to the line, converted by Winslett. 

The first ten minutes of the 2nd half followed the pattern of the last 10 minutes of the first, during which OF's allowed Alleynian’s to dominate through poor first time tackling. It was during this period that prop Ronnie Gummer had to retire with a knee injury. Holmes reverted to prop and was replaced by the veteran Peter Ling. Soon after, the Old Alleynian’s prop was injured which resulted in uncontested scrums being agreed. This was an advantage to the away side as Man of the Match Malcolm Iles, at hooker, had given his opposite number a torrid time all afternoon taking several balls against the head. Old Alleynian’s scored an excellent try through their fly half who ran from within his own half and chipped ahead to score wide out. Soon after second row Rob Tyrell had to leave the field with a knee injury. OF's stepped up the pace during the last quarter and scored a further four tries. Grant Holmes scored his second and Steve Winslett his third. Richard Young at scrum half scored from close range and Ross Moreland scored close to the posts after coming off his wing. 

Two of the tries were converted by Winslett (taking his total points for the match to twenty three) and by Duncan Emerton.

OLD FREEMEN  V Haslemere (13 Jan 2001)

The 2nd XV played Haslemere's 2nds in what proved to be a rout with Freemen's scoring 12 unanswered tries. Had the goal kicking been anything but woeful - 1 kick from 12 and a missed drop goal from in front of the posts - then the scoreline would of been even more impressive. However this would be to understate the performance from Haslemere who proved to be a very strong team holding Freemens to just three tries in the first half, all coming from close inter-passing in the forwards and some strong and straight running from the backs.

Turning round at halftime the Haslemere team were overheard to say that one score would put them back in the game, however straight from kick off Freemen's launched a series of rucks and then moved the ball wide to the right to start a period of 20 minutes of excellent support play and ball handling which saw another 5 tries. Players who deserve mention were Ross Moreland who picked up a hat trick of tries and Grant Holmes who's support play was deserving of his man of the match award. The backs profited from the forwards domination of both line out and scrum in the second half and started to cut their opponents to ribbons with Nigel Miers and Simon Gibbs playing some of their best rugby this season. Even the veteran Bob (Serevi) Davies was able to make some are breaks at inside centre making room for his colleagues outside him and was seen to provide the scoring pass (thus claiming an assist) of 4 of the Freemen's scores. Final mention to James (is he still under 45?) Tremaine and Peter Tennant who both snaffled a try each which should encourage them to drag their old bones out for another week. 

Try scorers: Moreland 3, Hawes2, Von Speyr 2 (plus 1 kick out 8), Tennant, Tremaine, Forrest M, Gibbs and super sub George I all with one a piece.

Emerton, Gibbs, Miers, Davies B, Moreland, Von Speyr, Tennant, Holmes, Hawes, Tremaine, Forrest M, Gummer, Jenkins, West, Winch. res: George

OLD FREEMEN  V Old Walcountians (6 Jan 2001)

Old Freemens seconds produced another excellent result on Saturday against a team from Surrey Division 1 who obviously came to Ashtead Park expecting to win. The side provided a committed performance particularly through the forwards with Man of the Match, Malcolm Beech leading from the front, supported by Ronnie Gummer, Matt Forrest and James Tremaine.

In the first half OF's played down the slope and created a number of early opportunities through vice captain Mike Von Speyr and centres Matt Bennion and Steve Winslett. During this period Matt Bennion took the opportunity of scoring the first try which was converted by Mike Von Speyr. The forwards continued to take the game to Walcountians but poor line out ball prevented further scoring opportunities. During the latter period of the first half Bill Smith was injured and had to leave the field. This resulted in Matt Forrest moving to the second row and Bob Davies coming into the pack. Graham Alcock made his debut for the club by replacing Davies at full back.

In the second half the forwards struggled in the tight and were driven off their own ball. However, strong defence and some excellent work in the backs prevented Walcountians creating any clear cut opportunities. It was OF's who managed a second score following a move in the backs which Ross Moreland duly accepted. Mike Von Speyr made the conversion. Another injury resulted in Richard Dartnell leaving the field which meant that OF's had to play with fourteen men for the remainder of the game. This was his last game for the club before going on a trip round the world and we look forward to him returning in September.

In the third quarter a mistake in midfield allowed the Walcountians centre to hack the ball on from half way and score wide out. OF's came back after this score and worked Ross Moreland over in the corner only for the winger to drop the ball when over the line. During the last ten minutes OF's were under intense pressure but prevented the opposition from scoring further.

Team: Gummer, Winch, Jenkins, Smith, Beech, Hawes, Tremaine, Forrest, Dartnell,Von Speyr, Moreland, Winslett, Bennion, Gibbs, Davies R. Res: Alcock.

16 March - Shirley Wanderers - Won 27 - 12 - Bob Davies

James Tremaine's final game in charge of the 2nd Xv started off much like the rest of the games, with a shortage in the front row - no props and a mean looking opposition with plenty of subs including two props!!...this time however it was Shirley Wanderers who had turned up short, and with both Harry the b*stard and Paul Coyle donning black shirts the game kicked off.

Shirley Wanderers (SW) had the wind and slope advantage for the first half, and camped in the Freemen's half for most of the first 20 mins. Despite this pressure (and the sticky and muddy conditions) Freemens played some attractive counter attacking rugby, most notably Warwick at fullback taking three or four kicks at full tilt and running back one glorious try from his own half way line. A short while later Freemens rumbled and rolled their way up to the SWs 22, and then after some swift passing from Dartnell, Perry and Davies, Warwick went over in the corner 12 - 0.

The SW young fly half wasn't able to grasp the advantage of the wind and slope until 30 mins into the game when he punted an long cross kick into theFreemen's 22. Warwick still high from his try tried to run it back but was well tackled by three SWs, the ball running lose Bob Davies fly hacked it into touch for a lineout 10 m out. From the lineout, a few rucks and then a try converted to bring the game to 12 - 7. Mike Von Speyr grabbed another try (he rediscovered his running game!!) and a conversion from Warwick and penalty took Freemens into a 22 - 7 lead.

Shortly after half time Freemen's launched a fine series of attacks with quick lineout ball Von Speyr switched with Matt Bennion and ignoring a three man overlap crabbed his way across the pitch past the SW pack and then straightened from 10 ms out and barrelled his way over for a try. 27 - 7 

Bob Davies was replaced by Graham Alcock and Andrew Barnard coming off for Tom Innes, but SWs were struggling, so a man resembling Mike Bailey (although it couldn't be him as he has retired according to his wife) came on at fullback, and Bob Davies move to flanker as a result of the SWs hooker coming off.  Forced to uncontested scrums, the pressure Freemens had begun to tighten was  effectively lost and the game descended into a contest between four Freemens in black vs. the 15 in club colours. It was SWs who scored next after fine work from Paul Coyle, Harry Jenkins and Bob Davies (all for SWs remember) saw a try from 4th phase possession. 27 - 12.

The wet weather, the uncontested scrums and playing against your buddies could of meant a rather disappointing end to the season and to James' career as 2nd XV Captain and Vice Captain, but it was a win and with the 1st XV winning their game to grab the 2nd place in the league table - not a bad weekend for both Mike VS and James to finish on. Final score 27-12.

Scorers Burrows 2T, 2C, 1P, Bennion T, Von Speyr T. 

Team: From 1 to 15 Gummer, Mills, Winch (J), George, Barnard,(rep Innes 50th min) Tremaine (C), Suttle, (1 try but unfairly disallowed) Holmes, Dartnell, Von Speyr, Miers, Perry, Bennion (1 try), Davies (B) (rep Alcock 45th min), Burrows (2 tries, 1 conversion)

MOM Paul Coyle for SW (a big, big game) and Warwick Burrows for OFs 

Champagne Moment of the day - Tom Innes chasing down a Von Speyr punt ahead managed to tackle the SW fleet footed fullback - well done Tom who in his 36th year managed to knock down the Mike Bailey look-a-like in his 44th (ish) year. The swagger from Tom was wonderful - asked after the game why he was pleased Tom relied - 'last game of last season I missed a tackle on that little bugger Malcom Iles and he hasn't let me forget - it will haunt me forever - I didn't want to have Bailey reminding me of the same as well'....

9th March - Mitcham - Lost 10 - 30 - James Tremaine

Freemens suffered from the all too frequent cry offs on Friday and Saturday morning with the result that they started the game with fourteen players. Fortunately, the opposition provided an extra player.

Electing to play with the strong wind, OF's defended poorly and allowed Mitcham to score two early tries through their backs which went unconverted. 

After twenty minutes, Freemens at last played some attacking rugby, principally through Aussie Jamie Perry, and he deservedly scored a try wide out, which went unconverted. Mitcham responded with two further tries, due to poor OF tackling.

On the stroke of half time, centre Danny Killeen looked to have scored in the corner after breaking through two tackles but the referee ruled that he had been tackled through the corner flag. The half time whistle blew with Mitcham leading 20-5.

Andrew Suttle, Matt Forrest and James Tremaine tried to stem the tide with their defensive tackling in the second half but Mitcham scored two further tries to an excellent effort from fly half Mike Von Speyr who dummied his way over to score in the corner.

A few pluses from the game-Steve Jenkins won the hooking battle 3-2 and he came out with the startling comment "they deserved to win because they scored more points". Nigel Miers had another competitive game at flanker although he "never wants to play there again, too much running around" and Andrew Suttle, playing in the second row, covered acres of ground. Finally, it was a welcome return to the seconds after a long while for Mike Bailey and Ali Law.

Team: Winch, Jenkins, Barnard, George, Suttle, Tremaine (capt), Holmes, Miers, Dartnell, Von Speyr, Bailey, Killeen, Perry, Law.

3rd March - Old Tiffinians XV  - WON 31 - 18 - Bob Davies

Having lost an unpleasant game last year to a strong, but lippy and punchy Old Tiffinians 2nd XV, Freemen's started the game looking like they would be on the wrong end of another defeat. Despite a large percentage of possession OTs were unable to turn this into field position enough. In fact Freemens were unlucky not to score first after a sizzling break by Jamie Perry was left uncompleted as the OT's fullback put in a last ditch tackle that dislodged the ball from Jamie's hands as he went over the line.

OTs eventually scored first with a short range effort by their number 8 from the back of a maul. Converted and then followed by a penalty the OTs were 8-0 up at half time.

Freemen's team on paper was strong - despite the absence of the captain and vice captain - but they were not putting much together in attack, and were starting to look fragile in defence. OTs produced strong interplay between forwards and backs starting to create large holes in 2nd, 3rd and 4th phases. Sloppy sets of missed tackles by the Old Freemen's pack allowed OTs to scramble another try to move to 13-0 up.

Neil Morrison exhorted his fellow forwards to get a grip as 'we are better man for man than this lot' (if 10 years older on average) and this seemed to galvanise the whole team.

A well worked try by the backs saw Warwick cross under the posts, but a missed conversion by Dion left the score 13-5.

Old Freemens attacked again and despite a clear knock-on by the OT's centre (goatee beared &%$£"**) a break away followed with the OTs winger almost running in from his own 22. Caught just 10 metres out by Warwick he found his captain in support.

18 - 5 with perhaps 15 minutes to go the OTs were getting more cocky. A try by Dion Hura brought Freemens back into the game with the score to 18-10 with 10 minutes to go.

Despite a semi-pulled hamstring the ageing wing-threequarter Bob Davies took a long flat pass off Jamie Perry with 35 metres to go. With 6 OT's racing across in cover Bob put his head down and ran straight and hard. Surprising himself as much as his team-mates Bob ran past 5 defenders and over the top of the fullback for his first score of 2002. Warwick converted and the score was a nailbiting 18-17.

OTs launched more attacks, but some great running by Grant Holmes and Richard Young saw Freemens camp in OT's 22 for one last effort. A penalty taken quickly by Grant lead to a maul 5 ms out, the ball was recyled and moved to Dion who switched with Jamie Perry sending him over for 24 - 18 lead for Old Freemens with 2 minutes left.

OT's launched their last attack, but Nigel Miers was able to steal possession and he fed Jamie Perry once more who raced in from his own 22 to score under the posts 31 - 18.

OTs were largely good sports, although 5 or 6 could be seen muttering and moaning with one goatee bearded centre stomping off without going through the tunnel. Still his contribution to the game was limited to a deliberate knock-on, a cheap shot at Ronnie Gummer on the ground and a late tackle on Dion Hura - so he had a right to be 'disappointed'.

None of OTs stayed for a beer or even came in the bar - but perhaps this was more to do with the pending England V France game rather than bad sportsmanship. If they were disappointed at their own humbling in Ashtead Park they found little solace at The Stade Francais a few hours later.

Team: Ron, Leaky, Johnie (not Simon) Winch, Raj, Farm, Cod minor (sorry my arm got stuck under your throat), Grant, Miers N (capt) Rich Young, Dion, Darters, Jamie, Benners, Bob Serevi Davies, Warwick.

Points: Perry 2 tries 10  Dion 1 try 5  Warwick 1 try and 3 conversions 11  Davies 1 try 5

MOM Raj and Warwick. (TBC)

23rd February - Merton 2nd XV  - Lost  0 - 20

Old Freemens second team travelled to Morden to play Merton seconds from Surrey Division 1 in a re-arranged fixture. The side was weakened through the withdrawal of a number of players for various reasons and consequently had to reorganise the team-Steve Jenkins moved to hooker, Nigel Miers played at flanker and Karl Langley, from Alex Tribick's pub, came in on the wing for his debut.

In the first half, in appalling weather conditions, OF's played against the gale force wind and restricted Merton to a converted try and a penalty.

Danny Killeen excelled in the centre making a number of big tackles on his large opposition centre and created a try scoring opportunity by carving a gap in the middle but the final pass failed to go to hand.

In the second half, OF's had few clear cut opportunities but nearly scored when skipper, James Tremaine broke down the blind side and passed to scrum  half, Richard Young who gave a final pass to Ross Moreland who was tackled  through the corner flag. Merton then scored a second converted try through a defensive lapse and a further penalty to round off a disappointing day for Freemens.

Gummer, Jenkins, Gummer, Sond, George, Tremaine (capt), Miers, Innes, Young, Von Speyr, Moreland, Killeen, Bennion, Langley, Davies R.

9th February - Old Reigatians B32s  - Lost  23 - 40

2nd February - Chobham 3rd XV - LOST 15 - 29

Old Freemens played a strong and very big Chobham third team at Ashtead Park. The score did not do justice to the home side as some very poor refereeing ultimately flattered Chobham. OF's allowed Chobham two early scores but they hit back with an excellent try from fly half Mike von Speyr who collected his own kick to score under the posts. Winslet converted and added a penalty. Chobham added another score to go further ahead at half time.

In the second half, OF's started strongly and dominated the game for the first quarter. During this period Steve Winslet scored an excellent try but the side was denied two scores, the first when the referee adjudged a forward pass and the second, when Winslet was through on the full back but was brought back by the referee due to an injury to scrum half, Richard Dartnell. To rub salt into the wounds, the Chobham scrum half was awarded a try ten minutes from time after picking the ball from out of the OF's scrum on their line. With time running out, the OF's backs attempted to run the ball from their line. The ball was intercepted and Chobham scored under the posts.

Despite the result, Patrick Miller made an impressive debut at openside flanker, with his close support work and ability to win second phase ball. Matthew Forrest was awarded man of the match for his strong tackling but he did spend ten minutes off the field for indiscrete use of the boot. 

Winch, Morrison, Gummer, George, Crane, Tremaine (capt), Miller, Forrest M., Dartnell, Von Speyr, Miers, Perry, Winslet, Moreland, Burrows. Reps. Lemon, Parrish, Mills, Barnett.

19th January - Old Paulines 3rd XV - WON 30 - 17 by Bob Davies

12th January - Streatham & Croydon 2nd XV - WON 24 - 19 by James Tremaine

Old Freemens made heavy weather in beating a well drilled Streatham and Croydon second team at Thornton Heath. The side saw a number of changes from the last outing with Mark Beebe coming in at scrum half, Dion Hura, making his debut for the seconds at fly half and the Turk brothers, Richard and James playing at flanker and wing respectively.

Streatham took the game to OF's from the kick off, who seemed to be suffering from the journey, and were caught with an early try which was converted. OF's managed to improve their game and won some clean possession, which they drove to the line. Skipper James Tremaine managed to go over with the support of second row, Simon Hall. Dion Hura kicked the conversion.

OF's gifted Streatham and Croydon a second try by trying to run the ball out of their own twenty two. The ball was dropped near the posts and the opposition centre ran in unopposed to make the score fourteen all.

Freemens third try came from a penalty fifteen metres from the Streatham line. Dion Hura took a quick tap and with Grant Holmes going on a dummy run, Mark Beebe managed to go over to the right of the posts. Hura duly converted. With the score at 21-14, OF's lost concentration and through poor defensive tackling allowed Streatham to score a third try which was unconverted.

The away side struggled to win good line out ball, in large part due some poor refereeing but they managed to go further ahead after some excellent running in the backs which was taken on by Grant Holmes and finished off by Richard Turk under the posts. Dion Hura added the conversion.

With two minutes remaining Freemens were awarded a penalty thirty metres out. Dion Hura duly kicked the goal and the side ran out winners, but not without a struggle. 

Team: Coyle, Morrison, Gummer, Crane, Hall, Tremaine, Holmes, Turk R., Beebe, Hura, Moreland, Peskett, Miers, Turk J., Davies R.

29th December - Kingston 2nd XV - WON 48 - 12

The fact that all the tries were scored by the backs tells the story of this entertaining game at Ashtead Park on Saturday, in which a “new look” Freemen’s second team convincingly beat a combative Kingston team by 48-12. The Club’s present is looking pretty good at the moment but if this is a glimpse of the future, then give us more – apart from an appalling ending.

Three tries from the impressive full back Sam Telfer, a pair each from wing Robbie Douglas and centre James Williams plus a wonderful solo effort by fly half Lawrence Penrose, to accompany his four conversions, made the efforts of the pack worthwhile, especially in the first half. Kingston fought back gamely with two tries in the second half, including one from an Old Freeman, James Moody, but with a 29-0 half time lead Freemen were already out of sight.

In the pack, the experience of Paul Coyle, Harry Jenkins, Andrew Barnard, Steve Beebe, Stacey Sheldon, Iain George and Rob Tyrell was complemented by the sheer energy of hooker Jon Bird, prop Richard Slee, and flankers Jon Reece, and Alex Shipp. With skipper Mark Beebe strongly directing operations from scrum-half and creating good quick ball for Penrose, the backs were able to enjoy time and space on the narrow pitch. Jamie Perry continued to impress at centre with a number of telling breaks.

To be churlish, better control from Freemen’s in the passing would have yielded more points, as on several occasions the Old Boys were pulled up for forward passes in try-scoring opportunities. However, it was a great and proud performance from a side still getting to know each other even at the final whistle. This came 5 minutes early after Kingston engaged in some over-zealous rucking of the unfortunate Jon Bird and Freemen’s sought to defend their young colleague. The referee decided to blow early for full-time, prior to reprimanding an angry Freemen’s player - twice!!.

Old Freemen’s II:         Telfer, Tribick, Williams, Perry, Douglas, Penrose, M. Beebe, Coyle (Jenkins), Bird, S. Beebe (Slee), George (Tyrell), Barnard (Aseme), Reece, Shipp (R. Turk), Sheldon.   

N.B. A plea for the New Year with my Club Captain’s hat on – the referees are not paid and deserve our respect, no matter what we really think. Without them, we don’t have a game! So will all players and spectators please ease off on the aggro and let’s get back to some good natured banter, so that everyone can enjoy their association with Old Freemen’s.

Happy New Year to all Old Freemen’s players and followers!! Tradition reigns against Old Reedonians next week in our oldest fixture. Enjoy yourselves, and enjoy your rugby at Old Freemen’s. Well done everybody!!

22nd December - Old Paulines 3rd XV - WON 48 - 0

Old Freemens Junior side had an emphatic win at Thames Ditton against a spirited but ultimately outclassed Old Paulines third fifteen. OF's yet again lost players on the Friday and Saturday morning and were indebted to the "flying Dutchman" Theo van Dort who graciously agreed to provide two of his third team squad members to play for the side-Andrew "I'm not playing for the seconds" Barnard and Ben Lemon. In addition, the team was missing Swiss vice captain and midfield maestro Mike von Speyr and the veteran wing Bob "Serevi" Davies.

The first half produced only the one score, a try from full back Sam Telfer, converted by Steve Winslett. The second half saw OF's produce some sublime rugby and their best display of the season with both the forwards and backs linking to create opportunities. Half backs, Lawrence Penrose and Mike Pudner dictated play allowing Aussie centre Jaimie Perry and Steve Winslett to feed wings Nigel Miers and Ben Lemon. The evergreen man of the match, Tom Innes, started the rout by scoring the first of his two (should have been three) tries wide out. Steve Winslett and the dancing feet of Jaimie Perry twice added further tries, all three of which were converted by Winslett and prop, Paul Coyle, added to his growing list of tries by scoring from a tap penalty.

Steve Winslett completed the match by side stepping the opposition full back to score under the posts. Scorers: Coyle try, Innes 2 tries, Winslett 2 tries, 4 cons, Perry 2 tries, Telfer try.

Team: Winch, Morrison, Coyle, George, Barnard, Tremaine (capt), Shipp, Innes, Penrose, Pudner, Lemon, Winslett, Perry, Miers, Telfer.

15th December - London Welsh XV - LOST 0 - 3 

Having read last week’s web-site match report ramblings of a management consultant on a good lunch, I felt it was time to restore some sense of official journalistic pride and prowess to this area! And boy, did I pick a feast of entertainment to tell you about! Tries galore were conspicuous by their absence in an absorbing and tough challenge with a scoreline that was a real throw-back to the good old days when men were men and sheep were nervous. Oops, better be careful in case the Welsh read this ! 

Those who know me well will know that it grieves me to write that a dubiously-awarded last minute 40 metre penalty by a lovely Welshman was the difference between two evenly matched sides. Until then I was looking to tell you about a 0-0 draw! 

One of London Welsh’s ‘social’ sides stepped in at short notice to avoid disappointment in the absence of Suttonians.  A (posh) wag observed that they have been trying for years to get a fixture at Freemen’s.

Modesty probably keeps skipper James Tremaine from writing about himself most weeks but he had a sterling game leading the team by example as they met a useful and powerful Welsh side full on. Freemen’s had the better scoring opportunities but Lawrence Penrose had left his place kicking boots in the changing room and, despite an inspired running game at fly half, was unable to secure the winning points with penalty attempts.

Freemen’s had the better of the try scoring opportunities. Sam Telfer memorably carved through the defence on a number of occasions and there were inspired breaks by centres James Perry and Chris Peskett. All were one catch or one pass away from greatness as the solid Welsh defence held firm. Nigel Miers came close but the best opportunity to break the deadlock followed a fine line out take by Iain George from 20 metres. His pack drove him at a running pace towards the visitors’ line but the referee was on hand to declare the ball was held up.

In true tradition against the Welsh, there was a fair share of off the ball handbagging but this was a contest that the second team needed to sharpen themselves after a number of easy wins. Andy Suttle, Ronnie Gummer and Stacey Sheldon enjoyed the fray and there was a particularly strong debut performance from Bob’s boss, Jon Tyler. Keep working on the throwing-in though, Jon. He produced a try-saving tackle of explosive proportions to deny the Welsh their best scoring opportunity from an overlap down the left wing. The Clubhouse was at risk as he bundled the winger beyond the ropes.    

Scrum-half Richard Dartnell kept the lippy Welsh scrum-half under pressure, as did Grant Holmes, who was unfortunate to be penalised in the last minute for tackling him at the back of a scrum when he had his hands on the ball for a good three seconds. This produced the match-winning kick which the alert Freemen’s pack so nearly deflected as it crept over the cross-bar.   Roger Seymour

8th December - Woking 2nd XV - WON 55 - 7

Freemen's 2nd XV took on a weakened Woking 2nd XV having to lend both our reserves - Richard Young and Matt Forrest. With uncontested scrums the game was robbed of it's edge which meant a rather lacklustre and dispirited display from the Old Boys. However it was Freemen's who scored first with a penalty and then a converted Peskett try to go into a 10 - nil lead. A moment of sheer idiocy saw Bob Davies (half asleep on the left wing) allow the outside centre to run round him, then through Simon Parish's tackle to make the score 10 - 7.

Davies made up for his howler by finishing off a well worked try by the speedy and industrious midfield of Penrose, Perry and Peskett. A try by the prop Coyle (who rounded a winger) plus sterling effort around the park brought him the Man of the Match award and saw Freemens turn round at half time 22-7 up.

Woking, still confident they could turn this 15 point deficit around then kicked off the second half - the ball taken by Andy Suttle (who had been prominent in attack and defence in the first half) set up a quick ruck, the ball then spinning out wide found the ever keen Rob Tyrrell at outside centre.

Woking's defence parted quicker than a whore's legs and Rob slipped through from the halfway line to score under the posts. Lawrence Penrose converting. Further tries from Jamie Perry, Ian George (from his own 22) and Theo Van Dort saw Freemens pull into a 40+ lead.

The most amusing score came from an appalling kick by Grant Holmes from his own 22, which span in reverse and flew high and wide, but not handsome. Theo Van Dort in a rare moment of co-ordination - not only out-jumped the three Woking defenders, but caught the ball and shipped it in one movement to his fellow wing. With 50 metres to go and three chasing defenders Bob Davies was looking like losing the race even before he got the ball. Fortunately Rob Tyrrell was on his inside, so a looped overhead pass later and Rob scored under the posts and then dropped kick his conversion to seal a 55-7 victory.

The opposition now completely fed up with Rob's storming runs were heard to cry ' the big bugger can even kick!!'.

The Team: 15 Simon Parish (a season's mistakes all in one game - one missed tackle and two dropped kicks) 14 Theo Van Dort 1 try, Dick of Day for two dropped catches and a lot of witless talking, 13 Jamie Perry 1 try, 12 Chris Peskett 1 try (both centres - hard and direct running), 11 Bob Davies 1 try (+ one moment of madness) 10 Lawrence Penrose 1 penalty, 5 conversions (and a lot of silky play) 9 Richard Dartnell (typical scampering from the rat and a hospital pass from his captain) 8 Andrew Suttle (ever present in support & defence - shame he can't catch or pass) 7 Grant Holmes (nice attacking work - must try harder with his kicking though!) 6 James Tremaine (Capt grumpy out cheated by Matt Forrest) 5 Ian George 1 try, 4 Rob Tyrrell 2 tries and 1 conversion, 3 Paul Coyle 1 try and MOM, 2 Neil Morrison (threw the ball in straight, tackled people...) 1 Gary Mills (yawned alot- uncontested scrums not Gary's idea of fun..) Woking: 7 Matt Forrest - no tries but excellent cheating in rucks, 6 Richard Young - no tries but typical bullocking runs and good hits.

17th November - Old Suttonians - WON 90 - 5

In what turned in to a rout of almost grotesque proportions Freemen's Junior team scored 16 tries to 1 and but for a reliable kicker would of passed the century. What was more remarkable was that the Old Suttonians 2nd XV - although short of four of their regulars looked a strong team and despite the haemorrhaging of points played well enough to put Freemens under a good deal of pressure for large parts of both halves.

The scoring open with JOHN Winch barrelling over from 3 metres in the first 5 minutes. (He was inspired by the welcome(?) return of his erstwhile twin Simon to Ashtead park). From the restart Stacey Sheldon launched an attack, which after interpassing through the forwards saw Rob Tyrrell barge his way over the line. 12 nil after 6 minutes. With confidence rising Mike Von Speyr at Fly Half started to run all the possession supplied with centres Richard Young and Simon Fisher cutting holes in the opposition defence by hard straight running. A steady stream of tries followed with Von Speyr, Bob Davies, Rob Tyrell, Simon Fisher and Stacey Sheldon.

The second half saw some devastating counter attacking running by both Bob Davies and Stacey Sheldon which led to further festival style scores. The hard work of the forwards - especially their support play - was paying off with Innes and George working tirelessly at 2nd row and putting themselves around the park.

With only 10 minutes left Suttonian on efforts were finally rewarded with a try in the corner after their centre barged his way over through some limp Freemen's defence. The final score of the game was a late Richard Young try to go with his 3 conversions.

Special mention must go to man of the match Stacey Sheldon and to Neil Morrison - who despite falling on his arse - managed a decent conversion, Simon West who showed himself adept at wing play setting up tries for Davies, Young and Nigel Myers and to Rob Tyrell who put the fear of God into the Suttonians defence and picked up four tries - three of which were long range efforts - (play him in the backs next week!!)

Team: Gummer, Morrison, Winch (Mills 60), George, Innes, Tremaine, Sheldon, Tyrrell, Dartnell, West S, Von Speyr, Fisher, Young, Myers, Davies R

Try scorers: Morrison 1 con, Winch 1 try, Tyrell 4 tries, Sheldon 2 tries and MoM, Von Speyr 2 tries, 1 con, Fisher 2 tries, Davies R 2 tries, Miers 2 tries, Young 1 try, 3 cons.

3rd November - Old Wandsworthians 2nd XV - WON 17 -  10

Old Freemens seconds played an Old Wandworthians vets side, which comprised a number of their second team. Freemens struggled to field a side and arrived at New Malden with only thirteen players, following the loss of three players for various reasons. Wandsworthians offered a player to OF's, so the team started with fourteen players, with Bob Davies acting as a utility wing/flanker.

Wandsworthians created early pressure which resulted in a try wide out. In response, Mike Von Speyr who was in terrific form at fly half and the two centres, Chris Peskett and Richard Bowyer (making his first start for the club) created a number of opportunities. It was from such an chance that Von Speyr created a gap in mid field and scored. 

At half time OF's were still awaiting the arrival of another player. Undeterred, OF's soaked up pressure from Wandsworthians and good set piece work, particularly from Ian George in the line out, allowed them to dominate the game. Mike Von Speyr scored his second try of the game when he picked up a loose ball on half way and ran in under the posts, which he duly converted. Wandworthians rallied and from a period of pressure scored wide out.

OF's had to prevent the large Wandsworthians forwards from driving the ball forward and the tackling from all seven of the OF's forwards, in particular Paul Coyle and James Tremaine, remained strong. With time running out and OF's only two points in the lead, hooker Gary Mills seized on a ball lost at a ruck by Wandsworthians, and ran thirty yards to score a memorable try. The referee blew for full time soon after the restart to give OF's a well deserved win in difficult circumstances.

Team: Coyle, Mills, Jenkins, George, Tremaine (capt), Winch, Barnard, Mann, Von Speyr, Shires, Davies R., Peskett, Bowyer.

20th October - Law Society 2nd XV - LOST  16 -  31

Old Freemens played a very strong Law Society side at Ashtead Park which purported to be their third team but was in fact a combined side as their second team game had been cancelled. This match was a rearranged fixture as yet another Surrey Division 2 side, Teddington, failed to provide second team opposition.

Law Society started the game at frantic pace with their large forwards creating a platform for their backs, in particular the centres, to make in roads into the OF's defence. It was during these early sorties that Law Society scored two tries. OF 's replied almost immediately with an excellently worked try by Mike von Speyr who managed to cut in under the posts after ruck ball was won by the forwards and he took a quick flat pass from Richard Young at scrum half. Steve Winslett, on his return to the side, converted.

The latter stages of the first half were an equal battle with OF's playing some enterprising rugby. This forced Law Society to concede a number of penalties one of which was kicked by Steve Winslett. At half time, Gary Mills came on for Ronnie Gummer and Simon West for Neil Morrison. OF's upped the pace in the second half and started to win good ball at the set piece. Stacey Sheldon made some storming runs down the middle of the field and the home side was unlucky not to score when a well worked move between Simon West and Steve Winslett finished with Winslett being held up over the line. John Winch left the field injured to be replaced by Tom Innes fifteen minutes into the half. Winslett added a second penalty but soon after Law Society scored further tries which took them out of sight. Steve Winslett added a third penalty to take his personal tally to eleven for the match.

Van Dort, Dartnell, Winslett, Davies R., Travis, Von Speyr, Young, Beebe, Morrison, Gummer, Forrest, George, Tremaine (capt.), Winch, Sheldon. Reps. West, Mills, Innes.

5th October - Old Wandsworthians 2nd XV - LOST  25 - 26

Fielding a pack consisting of 6 front row forwards - two of whom were press ganged into playing on the flank - the Old Freemen's 2nd XV played a strong Old Wandsworthians XV comprising of a decent set of backs (nos 12 & 13 were BIG boys) and the normal grizzled, large set of forwards we face most weeks.  Missing the dark, and frankly illegal, workings of a Tremaine or Forrest (M) or indeed the fleet footedness of a Dave Hawes - the back row to a man worked hard and presented some decent 2nd and 3rd phase possession, which the backs used to great effect scoring four well worked and even glorious tries - notched up by Dave Shires, Mike Bailey (2) and Rich Dartnell. The kicking of the Captain Von Speyr left a lot to be desired, missing three conversions, two under the posts and an easy penalty - (how he avoided the d**k of the day award is a scandal for which heads should roll!!!), although he redeemed himself with the final conversion to put us 6 points ahead with 3 mins to go.

The ball and play found itself within a few meters of our line with the Wandworthians scrum half - their man of the match who had already scored one opportunists try when he tapped the ball down between Bill Smith (no8)'s legs from a 5m scrum....any guesses who got d**k of the day?....then managed to seal a Wandsworthians victory when the referee awarded a free kick after Malcolm Iles 'dummied' from the back of a ruck only 5m from our line. A quick tap and he was over, with a kick under the posts converted our hearts sank. They had scored four tries - two from dropped passes by Freemen's and a ropey free kick and a miscommunication between Bill and Richard - we rightly felt hard done by.

Players to mention: Chris Peskett's hard running and even harder tackling, Chris Dane our fullback for the day with some great running also, Paul Coyle, John Winch and Malcolm Iles popping up all over the pitch in support, and a welcome return of Ian George after along lay off and finally Mike (I'm only going to run the touchline) Bailey with two tries and a few choice tackles. 

Report by Bob Davies

29th September - Chipstead - WON 23 - 0

Old Freemens seconds continued their winning way with a convincing win at Ashstead Park against Chipstead by three tries, two penalties and a conversion to nil. OF's were disappointed by the cancellation of the previous week's game against London Media. Chipstead arrived at Ashtead Park with thirteen players and were indebted to the club and in particular, Ronnie Gummer, who graciously agreed to play for the away side in order that the game could be played with competitive scrummages. 

In the early exchanges Chipstead attacked the OF's line and excellent tackling, particularly from Matt Forrest, James Tremaine and Simon Crane prevented the line being breached. OF's weathered the storm and created a platform from a line out which allowed Mike von Speyr to side step his way to the line for a try that was converted by Jem Davies. Soon after, OF's were awarded a penalty for persistent infringement by the Chipstead forwards which was duly converted by Jem Davies. OF's scored a second try just before half time following a miss move in the backs allowing Nigel Miers to stroll in.

In the second half Matt Forrest was replaced by Stacey Sheldon and John Winch came on for Paul Coyle. OF's continued to dominate the game with Simon Crane winning all his line out ball and outstanding in the loose with his driving runs. In the spirit of the game Paul Coyle and Matt Forrest played for the opposition but this did not prevent Dave Shires scoring an excellent try converted by Jem Davies to which he added a further penalty.

Team: Mills, Morrison, Coyle, Smith, Crane, Tremaine (capt), Holmes, Forrest, Dartnell, Von Speyr, Moreland, Davies J., Miers, Shires, Davies R. Rep. Winch, Gummer, Sheldon.

22nd September - London Media unable to raise 2nd XV.

15th September - Newick - WON 25 - 0

Old Freemens seconds started the season at Ashtead Park in fine style with a convincing 25-0 win over Sussex Division 2 side, Newick. The team showed a number of changes from the end of last season with Sam Telfer starting his first game for the club at fly half. The early stages were fairly even with the Newick forwards trying to keep the ball tight and thus frustrating the OF's backs who looked dangerous every time the ball was moved wide.

OF's scored their first try when the forwards won a clean line out through Matt Forrest and the ball was passed out to Dave Shires, on the wing, who scored in the corner. OF's extended their lead with a penalty from Richard Young. The forwards continued to win good ball with Paul Coyle and Richard Young to the fore which allowed Sam Telfer to show his full range of skills at fly half. Both wingers, Dave Shires and Ross Moreland looked dangerous and Shires created a try from half way with a strong run that ended up under the posts. Richard Young converted. Towards the end of the first half Newick came back into the game were unlucky not to score when their prop was tackled just short of the line to be denied a try. 

In the second half OF's regained the momentum and added two further scores. Ben Lemon, on his return to the club, scored in the corner from another adventurous move involving centres Nigel Miers and Chris Peskett and Dave Shires capped a fine game by scoring his third try and the team's fourth. During the second half Simon Winch, playing in an unaccustomed position of second row, left the field injured to be replaced by David Hawes.

Team: Lemon, Shires, Peskett, Miers, Moreland, Telfer, Dartnell, Coyle, Mills, Beebe, Winch, Forrest, Tremaine (capt), Beales, Young. Rep. Hawes Next week the 2nd XV play London Media away at Richmond.

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3rd XV Reports

OLD FREEMEN  V Old Reigatians 3rd XV (27 Jan 2001) (Tom Innes)

Coarse rugby reared its cauliflower-eared head for the last time this season in Ashtead Park as Freemen's 3rd XV took on Old Reigatians. A couple of no-shows meant Freemen's reported for duty three short, but as the opposition had 17, and were nice chaps, the discrepancy was reduced to 15/14.
There was also a slight hardware problem, with the school groundsman having decided on Thursday to remove the crossbars from the pitch to be used. Ever resourceful, the team eschewed a warm-up and line-out practice in favour of stringing up lengths of rope between the uprights to serve as crossbars. The game started seconds after the team members were introduced to each other and positions determined.
 

Young whippersnappers Marcus Hodges and James Williams added some spark to the backline, fed by half backs Jon Mann and Graeme Alcock. It was Hodges who opened the scoring with a penalty that soared above the makeshift crossbar. Freemen's were in danger of not making the most of the slope in the first half, but 10 minutes before the break the ball was spun wide and Hodges
crossed for a try. Sadly this good work was spoiled by the concession of a late try to make it 8-5 at the break. Freemen's pack, inspired by Andrew Barnard and Malcolm Iles' efforts at winning numerous opposition scrums, kept up the good work, and Andy Suttle won a good supply of line-out ball.
 

Although the hosts were on the defensive for much of the second period two forays upfield brought a try for evergreen centre Mike Bailey (11-5) and another Hodges penalty (16-5). Reigatians were not finished and time remained for them to get back into the
game. This they did with a try by the popular Geordie second row (16-10) and the margin was less than a converted try.
A clinching store looked possible, but Freemen's dug in and another Iles strike against the head from a five-metre scrum two minutes from time would have made grown men weep with emotion had any been watching. The whistle went and Freemen's had won 16-10 against a team who had been playing together on-and-off for 10 years. A fine way to end the season.
 

OLD FREEMEN  V Sutton & Epsom Development (27 Jan 2001) (Ali Law)

Once the team had recovered from the shock of Sutton and Epsom swapping their 4th XV for the development squad of 20 players all aged about 22.  Freemen’s set about the task of tackling everything that moved with an enthusiasm that had to be seen to be believed. Particular credit has to be paid to Chris Peskett who made many o/s tackles and was well supported in this task by Bob Davies.

The majority of the first half was spent defending our try line and our whole pack played like men possessed often pushing the opposition pack several metres at a time, however on a rare break into their half we obtained a penalty in front of the posts and Ali Law converted the free kick. The only try of the half was a spectacular effort by our new Aussie schoolmaster Andy Goodall.

In the second half the young Sutton and Epsom side continued to apply pressure but it took some interesting decisions by the ref to enable them to finally break through to score 3 tries but as the last two came after the normal 70 mins that we play at this level (Mike Bailey having rashly agreed to play 40 mins each way) we are claiming a moral victory 8-7 as opposed to the final score of 8-19.

Barnard, Mills, Ling, Prior, Sheldon, Beales, Shires, Hawes, Tennent, Law, Bailey, Peskett, Davies, Prime, Goodall.

OLD FREEMEN  V Economicals 1st XV (13 Jan 2001) (Bob Davies)

Freemen's 3rds were matched against a 1st XV, albeit a team struggling in Surrey Division 3, and this produced an evenly-matched contest at Ashtead Park.

Freemen's began the match with the slope and a setting sun in front of them. After weathering early pressure, (and achieving a full side with the arrival of Alastair Law!) the Old Boys conceded two penalties and a converted try to trail 0-13, but were heartened when a rare sortie upfield brought a penalty from Law just before half-time (3-13).

In the second half Freemen's began to show more in open play with good ball won from rucks, mauls and the lineouts, at which hooker Mark Beebe regularly found his number four jumper, Alex Shipp. Only the scrums were problematic, the ridiculous 90-degree wheel law making a mockery of the restart.

After a couple of close calls the ball squirted out of a scrum near the 'Comic's' line, was seized by flanker Dave Shires, who found Mike Bailey. Chugger's pass enabled Dave West to touch down in the corner (8-13). For a few minutes a Freemen's win seemed a possibility, especially with some charging runs by Beebe, Stacey Sheldon and Australian wing Andrew Goodall.

Unfortunately an interception try restored the visitors' 10-point advantage, followed by a third try in the final move of the match. Freemen's were nevertheless heartened by this promising display and the 3rd XV will be back for more this Saturday.

Freemen's: Prior, Beebe M, Barnard; Innes, Beales; Shires, Sheldon, Shipp; Prime, Law; Goodall, West D, Bailey, Peskett; Parrish

OLD FREEMEN  V Old Walcountians 3rd XV (6 Jan 2001) (Tom Innes)

Freemen's began the year by fielding three sides on the same weekend, including a 3rd XV that included some regular faces, some new additions and some blasts from the past, as well as a gap of more than 40 years between the youngest and oldest players. The 3rd XV wasted little time establishing themselves against Old Walcountians. Winger Bill Prime stumbled when in sight of the try line, but shortly afterwards 1st XV emigre Theo van Dort opened the scoring, with number 8 Grant Holmes adding a second try before the interval (0-14). 

Securing plentiful ball from scrum and line outs, as well as from the harrying of back row members Holmes, Stacey Sheldon and Dave Shires, Freemen's continued to run the show after the break. Van Dort crossed for a second try after a flowing move and then sparked another score by counter-attacking from near his own line - Stacey Sheldon and Peter Tennent were in support and skipper Tom Innes took the scoring pass to atone for an earlier near-miss. Hooker Mark Beebe added the fifth and final try, and Alastair Law was successful with four of his five conversion attempts. It just remained for right wing John Raynes to gallop for the line, only to be called back for a forward pass. The club will be fielding regular 3rd XV teams between now and April.

P.Ling, M.Beebe, A.Barnard, T.Innes (C), A.Suttle, S.Sheldon, D.Shires, G.Holmes, P.Tennent, A.Law, B.Prime, A.Shipp, M.Bailey, J.Raynes, T.van Dort.

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