Old Freemen's 1st XV Reports 2008 - 2009 Season

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04 April 09 - Old Freemens 12 Bec Old Boys 33

The weather may have had a spring in its step at Ashtead Park on Saturday, but this couldn’t rouse Old Freemen’s for one last hurrah in the 2008/09 league campaign.

The home side encountered opposition still hungry for promotion from Surrey One, but after weathering some early pressure Freemen’s scored first after 17 minutes. A trademark powerful run from Simon Daniels helped establish some territory in the Bec 22 and after the ball was fed wide from a scrum and winger Richard Turk almost scored, prop Alex Moodie ploughed over.

A lead against a potent team was one to be guarded fiercely, but in fact the entire Freemen’s XV was caught navel-gazing on 32 minutes, when a penalty attempt by Bec drifted wide of the uprights, was allowed to bounce and fell into the arms of a visiting winger before anyone else reacted. The try meant Bec drew level at 5-5.

Another kick made things worse for Freemen’s soon afterwards, bouncing near the halfway line and being claimed by the other winger who raced 45 metres to score by the posts. The conversion made the score 5-12 at the break, a disappointment for the home team who had otherwise defended heroically with centres Jon Wilson and Anthony Rouse especially resilient, and prop Mark Mitchell a powerful force at close quarters.

The first score of the second half was going to be crucial, and it was claimed by the visitors after 49 minutes courtesy of some pacy running and some rare loose defence.

Other teams might have wilted, especially on a hot day, and it was to Freemen’s credit, marshalled by captain Malcolm Beech, that they conceded only two more scores in the final half hour, both of which were testament to Bec’s fluent running game.

The hosts did get the satisfaction of the final score of the match, when a piece of obstruction by Bec prevented a scoring pass being taken and a penalty try was awarded, converted by John Ormrod.

Results elsewhere meant Bec’s promotion hopes were dashed, with Old Paulines claiming the league title and Old Whitgiftians the play-off spot for runners-up. Bec remained third one spot above Freemen’s in the final table.

Freemen’s 2nd XV had already secured promotion from Surrey Conference Division Two but were unable to finish the season on a winning note, going down 12-39 at Weybridge Vandals in spite of having an extra player following a first half red card. Mike von Speyr and skipper Jon Reece claimed tries, Jem Davies a conversion.

Freemen’s attention now turns to the traditional Easter tour, with a vast party of players, supporters, wives, girlfriends and children descending on Christchurch for the annual bunfight.

Freemen’s 1st XV: Mitchell (Charalambous), Webb, Moodie (Walstow), Fribbens, Beech (capt), Butterfield, Edwards, Daniels, Smith, J.Ormrod, Turk (sub T.Ormrod), Rouse, Wilson, Moreland, Haywood.

28 March 09 - Farnham 14 - Old Freemens 13

Old Freemen’s promotion hopes had already been blown by the previous defeat by Croydon, so at Farnham last Saturday only pride was at stake for them. The home side were desperate for a point to avoid relegation from Surrey 1 but for the first forty minutes it looked as if Freemen’s would deprive their hosts. However, several missed goal attempts, a disallowed try and a tired second half allowed Farnham back into the game to take the vital League spoils with a single point victory.

For much of the first half Freemen’s seemed comfortably in control up-front and their backs worked some good positions as they established a 13-6 half time lead through tries by John Wilson and Ross Moreland, and a John Ormrod penalty. The impressive Jon Reece, Richard Butterfield and Chas March were dynamic in spoiling Farnham’s ball and ensuring that the Old Boys were on the front foot for the first period.

Farnham’s half-time team talk must have been fierce as their pack found new strength and surprisingly proceeded to give Freemen’s tight scrum a miserable second half. They scored a smartly worked try straight after the restart and then took a 14-13 lead with a penalty. Freemen’s struggled to regain their composure having lost the lead, but they nearly bounced back when prop Alex Moodie was unlucky to have a good try disallowed by the unsighted referee. A last minute penalty chance narrowly missed the target, leaving Farnham winners by the single point.  

On Saturday, Freemen’s play their last League fixture hoping to remain in fourth place in Surrey 1. They cannot catch their visitors, third-placed Bec Old Boys, but a win will secure fourth place and will upset Bec’s promotion push, which also hangs on defeat for either leaders Old Paulines or second placed Old Whitgiftians. Defeat for Freemen’s and a win for Chipstead would see Chipstead leapfrog Freemen’s for the prized fourth place. A tense but enjoyable afternoon at Ashtead Park is assured (k.o. 3 pm).

Freemen’s: Hodges (Ormrod T), Turk, Rouse, Wilson, Moreland (Jas Reece), Ormrod J, Owens, Mills (Georgiou), Webb, Moodie, Fribbens, Beech, Jon Reece, March (capt), Butterfield.

14 March 09 - Old Freemens 7 - Croydon 28

Old Freemen’s hopes of playing their league rugby in London Division Four next year suffered a potentially fatal blow at Ashtead Park on Saturday at the hands of visitors Croydon.

The season-long lesson of Surrey Division One has been the maxim that any team can beat any other on their day and Croydon demonstrated this by taking their chances and defending stoutly.

Freemen’s made an impressive start, playing some potent rugby and seemingly taking the lead when Simon Daniels burst through near the posts and was baffled when the referee ruled that he had not grounded the ball correctly.

Croydon had made a subdued start but after weathering considerable pressure they made sure points were claimed on their sorties into the Freemen’s half: penalties after 17 and 33 minutes were sandwiched around a try from a loose lineout ball.

Freemen’s were looking to reduce the 11-point deficit when a risky flat pass across the midfield was picked off by Croydon’s left wing who raced 80 metres to score under the posts. The home team retained a glimmer of hope at the break courtesy of a John Ormrod try, converted by Anthony Rouse, which made the score 7-18 right on half-time.

First blood in the second half could have seen Freemen’s right back in the game, and the hosts started purposefully before Croydon once again attacked out of their own 22 following a loose kick. It was 25-7 after 46 minutes and the contest was effectively over.

The game lost its way and there was no further score until an injury time penalty completed Freemen’s deflating afternoon. They are now adrift in fourth place in Surrey One with 19 points. Co-leaders Bec OB and Old Paulines (22 points each) meet on the penultimate weekend of league action on March 28, while Old Whitgiftians have 21 points. Top spot is now out of reach for the Ashtead club, with the play-off spot for the division’s runners-up the best possible finish.

The best news in the Freemen’s clubhouse came via the score from Woodmansterne where Freemen’s 2nd XV thrashed Old Walcountians to secure, in all probability,  a top-two finish and promotion from Surrey Conference Two. Andy Catling (2), Chris Linsell, Mike Arbuthnot, Charlie Freeman, Mike von Speyr, Andy Owens and Rhys Warren-Evans all crossed the try-line, with Jem Davies adding five conversions.

The hard work of committee men Theo van Dort and James Tremaine in attempting to raise a 3rd XV finally paid off with a 19-strong squad travelling to Old Cranleighans and battling hard before going down 15-5, with Harry Jenkins scoring the visitors’ lone try.

This weekend those Freemen’s players not seeking a rest will be engaged in friendly action against opponents to be confirmed, before the 1st and 2nd XVs complete their league seasons with matches on March 28 and April 4.

Freemen’s 1st XV: Moodie, Acton, Charalambous, Fribbens, Hart, Butterfield (Barnett), March (capt), Daniels (Mitchell), Smith, Ormrod, Moreland, Rouse, Norval, Turk, Hodges (Jas Reece).

07 March 09 -Old Whitgiftians 11- Old Freemens 11

Anthony Rouse’s ice-cool nerves saw the Freemen’s centre nail a penalty from 25 metres to secure a draw for his side with the last kick of a tense, enthralling encounter.

A draw usually sparks mixed emotions, and this battle between two of the four co-leaders of Surrey Division One was no exception. Old Freemen’s emerged knowing that they should have won after dominating the second half, but equally aware that they could have lost, but for the last-ditch kick.

The hosts had the advantage of playing down the slope at their South Croydon ground in the first half, which began in disjointed fashion before Whits mounted a series of drives and piled over for a ninth-minute try.

Freemen’s upped their game and gained territory though effective runs by, among others, Paul Hart, Jon Wilson and Dom Smith. Eventually an infringement allowed Jon Ormrod a shot at goal after 21 minutes, which he converted.

There were no further scores before the break – Freemen’s launched one thrilling run out of defence through skipper Chas March, Smith and wing Marcus Hodges, but couldn’t reach the line. Ormrod missed one further penalty, while his rival kicker Les Todd also failed twice more.

Whits were put under immediate pressure after the restart, and an attempt to run out of defence went disastrously wrong when Ormrod picked off a pass and coasted home for an interception try, although the fly half had more time than he realised as he approached the line and could have made the conversion, which he missed, a little easier.

Soon afterwards Todd kicked a 49th-minute penalty to tie the game at 8-8.

The visitors should have regained the lead in the final half hour but anxiety and bad luck meant chances were spurned. Smith made one burst down the left, but having withstood the pressure Whits drove forward in injury time and gained a penalty kicked by Todd to apparently clinch the win.

Freemen’s knew the clock was against them and threw everything into the final push. The hosts defended gamely but eventually transgressed in a ruck. Having lasted the course in spite of being in the wars much of the afternoon – as was feisty hooker Tom Acton – Ormrod was again hurt and so relinquished the kicking duties to Rouse, who kept his nerve to rescue a point for his team.

The two clubs dropped a point off the lead in Surrey One, after Bec OB and Old Paulines both won 15-12 and moved to 20 points.

Freemen’s play Bec in the last game of the regular season on April 4, but before then welcome eighth-placed Croydon to Ashtead Park this Saturday (k-o 3pm).

Freemen’s 2nd XV beat Law Society 20-12 to stay in contention at the top of Surrey Conference Division Two. Points came from tries by Mike von Speyr and Malcolm Beech, with 10 points from the boot of Jem Davies. This weekend the 2nds travel to Old Walcountians.

Freemen’s 1st XV: Moodie, Acton, Mitchell (Charalambous), Fribbens, Hart, Barnett (Butterfield), March (capt), Smith, Ormrod, Hodges, Rouse, Wilson, Jas Reece (Turk), Haywood.

28 February 09 -Old Walcountians 34 - Old Freemens 12

Old Freemen’s may have been a league above their hosts for Saturday’s Surrey Shield quarter final, but after a competitive first half-hour Old Walcountians won at a canter, marking themselves as ‘one to watch’, both in this competition and, surely, Surrey One in 2009/10.

Freemen’s team was much-changed with a number of key injuries and non-availabilities, although after 25 minutes, the visitors scored a brilliant try through slick handling and pacy running by forwards Alex Moodie, Richard Butterfield and scorer Tim Barnett. The score was then 5-3 and Freemen’s had the prospect of playing the last 40 minutes downhill.

But the hosts, who had looked potent since the start, especially in the backs, struck back to score tries in the 33rd and 38th minutes to assume a 17-5 lead at the break.

Anthony Rouse, unable to start the game due to work commitments, was brought on at half time in a bid to shore up the Freemen’s defence, and after 10 minutes at centre was moved to fly half as John Ormrod withdrew with a back injury.

The key moment in the second half came on the hour mark. Although Freemen’s now trailed 5-20 after an early penalty, the home team had lost their confrontational blindside flanker to a yellow card that had looked inevitable since early in the game. The resultant penalty was boomed downfield by Rouse and Freemen’s seemed to have a good attacking platform on their opponents 22 metre line.

Instead the lineout was lost and Walcountians surged forward with a sparkling attacking move that ended with a try near the posts and a by now unassailable lead of 27-5.

Freemen’s replied with a try after 73 minutes by Simon Daniels, converted by Rouse, but the hosts had the last laugh with their fourth try with the last move of the game.

Dumped out of the competition they won in 2005 and 2006, Freemen’s 1st XV will now be concentrating on the league campaign in Surrey One, in which they share a four-way lead with Old Paulines, who lost a game in hand on Saturday, Old Whitgiftians and Bec OB. Freemen’s travel to Whitgiftians this Saturday for a crucial encounter.

The availability issues meant that Freemen’s 2nds travelled to Sutton & Epsom with just 13 players, supplementing the team with spectator Mike Bailey and a loaned player from the opposition. The scratch team responded with a display of real character, defying several injuries to register a tremendous 38-12 win. Tries: Ormrod, Metcalf (2), Freeman, Gadd, Von Speyr. Conv: Davies 4.

This week the 2nds play a merit table fixture, away against Law Society.

Freemen’s 1st XV: Charalambous (Mitchell), Shipp, Moodie, Fribbens (Beeson), March (capt), Butterfield, Barnett, Daniels, Owens, Ormrod (Warren-Evans), Turk, Reece, Hodges, Moreland, Haywood.

21 February 09 -Old Freemens 26 - Old Caterhamians 17

Old Freemens maintained their push for promotion with a hard earned win against Old Caterhamians at Ashtead Park on Saturday. This result means that Freemens are joint top of Surrey 1 on points but third on points difference with four league matches to play.
 
Tom Fair dropped out during the warm up, so the pack had to be reshuffled with the introduction of Mark Mitchell into the second row.The home side dominated the first half, scoring twenty points, but allowed Caterhamians into the match in the second period. John Ormrod opened the scoring with penalty awarded for a high tackle on Nicos Charalambous and followed up five minutes later with a second penalty from 30 metres following an offside decision. Mid way through the first half, John Wilson scythed through the Cats defence, offloaded to Anthony Rouse who failed to find wing, Marcus Hodges with a scoring pass.
 
On the half hour, a ruck was won close to the Cats try line. Quick ball allowed John Wilson to put Richard Turk over for a try in the right hand corner. John Ormrod added the points with a fine kick from the touchline. Five minutes later flanker and man of the match Tim Barnett drove the ball up to the Cats line and popped a short pass to John Ormrod for a try. Ormord converted his own try (20-0). Minutes before half time, the OC's fly half cut through the Freemens defence and passed to his centre to score under the posts. The try was converted with the half time score 20-7.
 
Freemens went further ahead soon after the break with a penalty from outside half, John Ormrod after the referee gave an offside decision against the OC's backs. On forty seven minutes, the Cats right wing scorched down the right touch line from halfway, passed inside to his combative no.4 to score. John Ormrod took the home side further ahead with a penalty, awarded against the OC's no.4 for offside at a ruck (26-12).
 
The large contingent of Freemens supporters were kept on their toes when the Cats no.8 scored with four minutes remaining but the conversion was missed (26-17). This remained the final score with John Ormrod scoring 21 points on the day and two well earned league points for the home side.  
 
Team: Charalambous, Acton, Moodie, Mitchell (Butterfield), Fribbens, March (capt), Barnett, Daniels, Smith, Ormrod, Hodges, Wilson, Rouse, Turk, Norval (Moreland)
 
Old Freemens 2nds comprehensively defeated London Media 2nds in the Surrey Conference 2 league at Ashtead Park by 71-15. The team remain in contention for promotion and tries were scored by Andy Catling (4), John Ormrod (3), John Reece (2), Mike Von Speyr and Simon Gadd. Andy Catling converted two tries and Jeremy Davies one.
 
Next Saturday, Old Freemens play Old Walcountians in a quarter final of the Surrey Shield at Woodmansterne, kick off 2.00 pm.

14 February 09 -Old Freemens 17 - Old Paulines 10

Strong defence and a sharp eye for scoring opportunities were combined by Freemen’s to hand a first defeat in seven league games to their opponents.

The Ashtead Park team, who moved up to third in the Surrey One table as a result, achieved the win in spite of playing more than half an hour with 14 men. Player-coach Paul Hart, sin-binned late in the first half, was sent off on the hour mark, receiving a second yellow card for allegedly leading with his forearm as he ran into an opponent.

A pleasant mild afternoon saw the Freemen’s pitch in generally good shape after recent ‘weather events’ and the home team were quickly out of the blocks. Simon Daniels picked up from the base of a wheeling scrum, the angle helping gain extra space for a pass to scrum half Dom Smith, who put vice-captain Marcus Hodges over in the corner after three minutes. John Ormrod stroked over a sublime conversion.

Freemen’s could have taken an early grip on the game but for repeated problems in winning lineout ball. Gradually their opponents began to threaten, missing two penalty attempts and having the better of the second quarter. The home defence stood firm however, with the back row and centres Anthony Rouse and Jon Wilson outstanding, and rather than see their lead diminished, Freemen’s increased it just before the break.

Some rare lineout ball was secured just inside the Paulines’ 22, and fly half Ormrod found Wilson whose perfectly angled run saw him break through for a try (12-0).

The visitors were on the scoreboard soon after half time with an easy penalty following an offside ruling, and were already beginning to dominate possession at the time of Hart’s dismissal.

Ormrod spurned one penalty chance, but his team’s defence was solid, and it was the final minute of normal time before Paulines’ scored again, a try and conversion by the posts narrowing the gap to just two points and setting up an anxious five minutes of added time.

The home team managed the lions’ share of possession in what remained of the match, and with the last play Ormrod spotted and burst through a gap before passing to Wilson for his second try.

Both teams were left with 16 points in the Surrey One table, two points behind co-leaders Old Whitgiftians and Bec OB.

Freemen’s 2nd XV produced their finest performance since before Christmas with a 20-14 come-from-behind victory over Teddington. Charlie Freeman, Ross Moreland and skipper Jon Reece scored tries, with Tom Haywood kicking a conversion and a penalty.

This Saturday Freemen’s have another home 1st XV fixture,with Old Caterhamians the visitors, kick-off 2.30pm. The 2nd XV play London Media, also a 2.30pm home game.

Freemen’s 1st XV: Mitchell, Acton, Moodie, Fair, Hart, Butterfield (Barnett), March (capt), Daniels, Smith, Ormrod, Hodges, Wilson, Rouse, Turk, Norval. Subs: Warren-Evans, Mills

07 February 09 - Games Frozen Off

The formidable challenge of playing the form team in Surrey One awaits Old Freemen’s when they return to league action, weather permitting, at Ashtead Park this Saturday.

Old Paulines were beaten by Freemen’s in the return fixture at their Thames Ditton ground in October, in glorious sunny weather. But they have won their last six league games, and could have gone top of the league last Saturday but for a postponement of their game-in-hand against Chipstead.

Freemen’s, who hope to have inspirational skipper Chas March back on the field after injury, were also kicking their heels after the weather put paid to a friendly against Kingston, the fourth Saturday in the last nine that a postponement has been necessary.

The Old Boys were in good company: as on January 10, the league programme was decimated, this time by a combination of frost, snow and wet. Although Dover managed to stage their London Two South game against Chobham, other games that took place were few and far between.

Surrey Two leaders Teddington made the marathon trek to Cornwall – their EDF Junior Vase tie at St Austell went ahead with the visitors losing 6-5, with the winning penalty 10 minutes from time hitting the crossbar before going over. Co-incidentally one of the few other ties to go ahead was the EDF National Trophy tie between Mounts Bay and London Scottish, with the Cornish hosts also winning 6-5.

Old Blues from Surrey Three survived to fight another day after their Junior Vase tie with Brighton joined the list of weather casualties.

The weather has presented the authorities with a serious fixture backlog, with the Easter weekend in mid-April now earmarked for some of the fixtures yet to be fulfilled in the London leagues.

Surrey One is one of the most tightly-bunched of all the league tables – Freemen’s lie two points behind Paulines, but would leapfrog the visitors with a win at Ashtead Park. Co-leaders Old Whitgiftians and Bec Old Boys play London Exiles and Old Caterhamians respectively this weekend.

Freemen’s 2nd XV travel north of the Thames to play Teddington in a Surrey Conference Division Two fixture on Saturday, and it is hoped the 3rd XV will also return to action to work up an appetite for a busy evening at the clubhouse featuring the Wales v England Six Nations clash and some live music to mark Valentine’s Day, Freemen’s style.

31 January 09 - London Exiles 23 Old Freemen's 7

By Tom Innes

Old Freemen’s played very poorly against a much changed London Exiles side at Barnes on Saturday. Without their talisman and skipper Chas March, they allowed the opposition to dominate the game right from the kick off. The home side were 18-0 up within 24 minutes and the game was effectively over.

Freemen’s were shunted back in the set scrums which gave no.8 Simon Daniels very little opportunity to show his normal dynamism from the base and there was little clean ball from the lineouts. Within two minutes of the start the Exiles forwards took the ball into the Freemen’s 22. From an organised move, the London Exiles centre took an inside pass and coasted over. The try was converted.

Two minutes later, Freemen’s suffered another setback. The ball was turned over by the Exiles forwards who scored wide out (12-0). On 16 minutes Exiles extended their lead with a penalty for offside, converted by the fly half. Another penalty on 24 minutes was converted by the same player after the Freemen’s centres were caught offside (18-0).

John Ormrod attempted to reduce the deficit with a break from half way. He beat several defenders but failed to find captain, Marcus Hodges, who had found space on his outside.
 
A minute to half time, Exiles backs created an overlap that allowed the centre to run in from the 22 metre line: 23-0.

In the second half Freemen’s improved their game but still failed to secure any decent ball from the set piece. The visitors continued to go backwards in the scrummage and were fortunate that two penalty attempts were missed.

In the final minutes of the game, Freemen’s at last got on the score sheet. From a break by Richard Turk on the left wing, the ball was passed inside to Tom Acton to score under the posts. John Ormrod converted to make the final score 23-7 to Exiles, a scoreline that certainly did not flatter the home team.

The result mean Freemen’s have slipped two points behind the leading pack in Surrey One – Bec OB, Old Whitgiftians and Old Paulines have 16 points, the latter with a game in hand. The bottom end is also congested, with the remaining six teams separated by just two points.

The Old Boys’ 2nd XV had an equally disappointing afternoon, losing a Surrey Conference Division Two fixture to Merton, the team immediately below them in the table. A try by Mike von Speyr converted by Tom Haywood was the only score in 1 24-7 reverse.

This weekend two friendly fixture are planned, with both Kingston and Old Wandsworthians visiting Ashtead. The kick off times remain ‘tbc’ due to the England international game at 3pm.

haralambous, Shipp, Moodie, Mitchell, Fair, Acton, Daniels, Butterfield, Owens, Ormrod, Warren-Evans, Rouse, Wilson, Turk, Hodges (capt). Subs: Barnett, Hess, Tremaine

24 January 09 - Old Freemens 16 Chipstead 12

By Tom Innes

Powered by John Ormrod’s 100 per cent kicking display, Old Freemen’s completed a league double over their local rivals with an authoritative display that helped keep them in the mix at the top of Surrey One.

After the Old Boys’ smash-and-grab in the teams’ first meeting of the season in November, in unspeakable weather conditions, Saturday’s saw more tranquil conditions, and a more controlled Freemen’s performance, even if the final score was virtually identical.

The opening exchanges were tight and penalty-ridden although the match soon settled down. The visitors’ kicker had impressed in the warm-up, but an ambitious early effort that fell well short set the tone for his poor return for the day.

The hosts began to dominate, although it was half an hour before they had anything to show for it – John Ormrod’s pace saw him break the opposition’s first line of defence and get within five metres of the try-line. First to arrive was the barrelling strength of Simon Daniels. The big forward’s style had been cramped somewhat by being selected in the second row, but regardless of this he picked up and powered over with ease.

Ormrod’s first effort was as portentous as that of his fellow kicker – a confidently stroked conversion which made it 7-0, and was followed by two excellent penalty shots late in the half. In between times Chipstead registered a try after a deft pick-up and pass from the base of a five-metre scrum. These scores and a late penalty miss by the visitors made it 13-5 at the break.

Freemen’s looked likely to add to their lead after half-time, although it took 16 minutes before this happened, Chipstead hands in the ruck giving Ormrod the chance to make it four-from-four (16-5).

The visitors had the better of the final quarter of an hour, a potential concern as far as Freemen’s fitness levels were concerned. But the defence was determined, and Chipstead were held at bay until the penultimate minute of the contest when a converted try made it 16-12. Prop Alex Moodie finished the afternoon in the sin-bin after a harsh yellow card for a deliberate knock-on, but this failed to distract from an excellent game in which he was arguably the hosts’ best forward.

The chance of an unlikely win was soon snuffed out when Chipstead’s right wing kicked the ball into touch near halfway, and Freemen’s had two points, which leaves them second in the league table, one of four teams on 14 points.

The Freemen’s 2nd XV lost just their second competitive fixture of the season, beaten 18-10 by Old Emanuel. Coach Simon Crane described the margin as flattering to his team, and has summoned them for pre-match training at 12.30pm this Saturday before the home game with Merton. The 1st XV travel to lock horns with the unpredictable London Exiles, and it is hoped the 3rds will return to action with a fixture ‘tbc.’

Freemen’s 1st XV: Moodie, Shipp, Mitchell, Hart, Daniels, March (capt; temp rep Mills), Acton (Charalambous), Butterfield, Smith, Ormrod, Hodges, Wilson, Rouse, Turk, Norval. Sub: Van Dort

17 January 09 - Batterea Ironsides 0 Old Freemens 5

By Tom Innes

A solitary try was sufficient to seal not one, but two wins, for Old Freemen’s in Saturday’s ‘double-header’ clash with Battersea Ironsides.

With the previous weekend’s league fixture having been iced off, Saturday’s encounter in Wandsworth was both a league match, and a first round tie in the Surrey Shield.

Freemen’s began strongly, and it was not long before the hosts began to attract the attention, and whistle, of the referee for repeated infringements. Three of the numerous penalties in the first quarter were within kicking range, but Freemen’s John Ormrod couldn’t take advantage, although one effort from 40 metres dipped inches under the crossbar.

Ormrod was close to engineering a score however, with one pacy run taking him deep into Ironsides’ territory, while an artful cross-kick presented wing Rhys Warren-Evans with a gilt-edged chance that he squandered.

The home team could not, or would not, play within the referee’s demands, and on the half-hour the inevitable sin-binning ensued. Soon afterwards Old Boys’ number 8 Simon Daniels took a close range penalty himself, powered within two metres of the line, and quick ball was whipped left by scrum half Dom Smith for Marcus Hodges to catch and touch down in the corner.

The hosts had one of their better spells to close the half, rumbling close to the Freemen’s line, but were repelled by some determined defence.

The penalty count must have been around 15-3 in Freemen’s favour at the break, and the Ironsides skipper became visibly frustrated by his team’s indiscipline, especially with the first penalty of the second half awarded within 20 seconds of the restart.

Freemen’s were playing into a stiff wind, but could have scored again if the storming runs of Nicos Charalambous, Paul Hart or Daniels had been built on.

The hosts did eventually start to gain more possession and territory, but a 65th-minute penalty shot went wide, and Freemen’s held out sternly for the win that put the Ashtead side second in the Surrey One table and in the hat for the Surrey Shield quarter finals.

Freemen’s 2nd team won a tight merit table encounter against Croydon by 21-16. Christian Georgiou, Mike Arbuthnot and Tom Ormrod scored tries, and Tom Haywood added two penalties. The 3rd XV were put to the sword by an Old Walcountian side who showed the unusual strength in depth of the Surrey Two club in winning 57-0.

This weekend Freemen’s entertain Chipstead for a 1st XV league encounter, starting at 2.15pm while the 2nds travel to Old Emanuel and the 3rds hope for a home encounter against opponents tbc.

• Chipstead and the other remaining Surrey One club in the EDF Junior Vase, Farnham, were both knocked out on Saturday, although Surrey Three side Old Blues kept the county flag flying with a 27-19 win over HAC that takes them into the last 16 of the national cup.

Freemen’s: Charalambous, Shipp, Moodie (Mitchell), Fair, Hart, March (capt), Barnett (Acton), Daniels, Smith, Ormrod, Hodges, Rouse, Wilson, Warren-Evans (Turk), Norval.

10 January 09 - Old Freemens vs Battersea Ironsides - Frozen Off

By Tom Innes

Sporting optimism comes in a variety of guises. It might be the number 11 batsman who tells his partner that they’ll get the 45 runs required to win “in singles,” the non-league football fans who sing about Wembley during the qualifying rounds of the FA Cup, or anybody who finds themselves in the same swimming race as Michael Phelps.

But members of Old Freemen’s RFC would have their own nomination for the optimist of the year so far: the fixture contact at Battersea Ironsides RFC, who told his Freemen’s counterpart at 9am on Saturday that he “could see the thaw happening outside the window.”

Perhaps freak micro-climatic conditions would allow the two teams to contest their Surrey One league game in the balmy heat of Wandsworth while the rest of the country froze? Or maybe the person concerned was being somewhat unrealistic?

Eventually, with the help of an eye-witness account from an expatriate member of the Freemen’s team living in Tooting, who almost broke off his car-key while trying to see if there was any ‘give’ in the surface, sense prevailed. The match was finally called off at around 10.45am, just an hour before the away team were due to muster for their journey. The ‘thaw’ remained conspicuous by its absence until well after dark.

The two teams were in good company: of more than 150 league games scheduled in the London & South East region, just five took place: two in the Channel Islands and three others in the most sheltered parts of Essex. With two Guinness Premiership games also axed, including the one at Bath that Freemen’s players and fans were hoping to watch on television at the clubhouse, it was clear the freeze was a deep one.

The postponement will mean that the repeat trip to play Ironsides in a Surrey Shield game this Saturday, January 17, will now be a double-header, with both league points and a shield quarter final place at stake. With extra time a possibility – for the cup game only – the match is likely to kick-off at 2pm.

Freemen’s 2nd and 3rd teams are also set to take the field in anger for the first time this weekend, with fixture details set to be posted at www.oldfreemens.co.uk later in the week.

03 January 09 - Old Freemens vs Cranleigh - Frozen Off

By Tom Innes

Undersoil heating being a rare piece of kit in the Surrey leagues, there was little chance of the players of Old Freemen’s seeing any action on a weekend when even the Guinness Premiership lost a game to the big freeze.

Friendly games against Cranleigh away for the first team and a 2nd XV home match against Old Whitgiftians were called off on Saturday, with the only action being a quick session of touch rugby against Whits at Ashtead Park for the most enthusiastic members of both squads. The going for these thoroughbreds was officially described as ‘firm.’

Thus far the weather hasn’t affected Freemen’s league fixture list, and the 1st XV, sponsored by Volkspeed Engineering, will be hoping things have warmed up in time for the Surrey One game away to Battersea Ironsides this Saturday, kicking off at 2.15pm. The hosts are currently just a point behind Freemen’s in a congested league table.

Player-coach Paul Hart is set to start at second row in the continued absence of Rob Tyrrell, while John Ormrod is due to play fly-half ahead of Wade Brunsdon who starts on the bench.

Freemen’s 2nd XV, sponsored by Ashtead’s Shehnai Restaurant, go into the new year top of Surrey Conference Division Two, and are set to entertain seventh-placed Croydon on Saturday. Number eight Richard Butterfield is set to start his first game as he returns to action after a long-running rib injury.

A total of around 70 players have been selected for this weekend’s games, and this will hopefully mean a 3rd XV run-out for some of the more occasional members of the Freemen’s playing contingent.

The Old Boys players did see some action over the holiday period, with the Under 27 vs Over 27 fixture occurring before the sub-zero temperatures set in. An entertaining affair ended with a triumph for experience over youth by 32-22. Tries from Jimmy Williams (2), Theo van Dort, Lee Walstow, Richard Turk and Mike Arbuthnot put paid to the hopes of the youth brigade, although they had four tries of their own from Jonny Sowton (2), Rory Jones and Ed Sayce.

A former international is set to appear at Ashtead Park next week for a one-off coaching session. Fly half Adrian Davies, who won nine caps for Wales in the early 1990s, made the national squad for two world cups and was director of rugby at London Welsh from 2000-05, has agreed to put the Freemen’s squad through their paces on Thursday January 15, and it is hoped a good turnout will ensue, along with some inevitable enquiries about what the 39-year-old is doing on Saturday!

20 December 08 - Old Freemens 9 - Farnham 10

By Tom Innes

The large crowd at Ashtead Park was hoping for some suitably festive rugby. Instead Old Freemen’s served up something about as appetising as a plate of over-cooked sprouts.

For the most part the visitors from Farnham may have resembled a veterans team, with some ‘comfortable’ physiques and receding hairlines. But there were a couple of young, fast backs included in the mix and from one to 15 the team played with a determination that withstood anything that the hosts were able to throw at them.

A blatant offside offence by a visiting prop gave Freemen’s the start to take the lead, John Ormrod nailing the three points from 30 metres out and atoning for an earlier miss.

The turning point of the first half, and as it turned out the entire game, came on 23 minutes when a member of the Farnham midfield successfully read and intercepted one of the flat passes issued by Freemen’s fly half Wade Brunsdon. The recipient made it to the try-line after a 50-metre dash in spite of a valiant chase by Rhys Warren-Evans. The try was converted (3-7).

Ormrod was able to reduce the arrears with a 30th minute penalty, and half-time seemed to offer Freemen’s a chance to regroup. The home team did show greater control in the second half, but rarely sustained any long spells of pressure, with regular handling errors handing possession back to Farnham.

Ormrod was given two shots at goal, scuffing the first but nailing the second from 25 metres in the 70th minute to regain the lead for Freemen’s (9-7). But within five minutes Farnham edged back in front with a well-struck penalty effort of their own from almost 40 metres, and Freemen’s attempts to salvage a positive result as the clock ticked down came to nothing.

Results from Saturday leave Surrey Division One as something of a free-for-all at the halfway point of the 2008/09 campaign. Battersea Ironsides lie seventh with nine points, three teams including Old Freemen’s and Farnham have 10 points each, while Bec OB, Old Paulines and Old Whitgiftians share the lead with 12 each.

Freemen’s 2nd team provided some Christmas cheer, beating Old Wellingtonians 31-10 in a Surrey Conference Division Two clash. Tom Haywood scored two tries, with Jon Bird, Tim Jones and Jimmy Williams also crossing and Andy Catling adding three conversions.

The Under 27s and Over 27s will be doing battle on Saturday at Ashtead Park in the annual Christmas match, starting at 1.45pm.

Freemen’s: Moodie, Shipp, Mitchell (Charalambous), Beech, Fair, Hart, March (capt), Daniels, Smith, Brunsdon, Warren-Evans, Wilson, Reece, Ormrod, Rouse. Sub: Barrett

13 December 08 - Games Cancelled due to waterlogged pitches

By Tom Innes

The Old Freemen’s 1st and 2nd XVs are eager for their final pre-Christmas games this Saturday after last weekend’s games were lost to the weather.

The heavy rain last Friday and Saturday left the Old Boys with little option but to call off friendly fixtures against Cranleigh and Old Blues, with players left to watch Heineken Cup action on the clubhouse TV.

But it is hoped that the improvement in conditions will continue to allow the 1st  team’s home game with Farnham (kick-off 2.15pm) to proceed as scheduled. Farnham’s stint in the London leagues ended in ugly fashion last season, when the team were unable to compete with their London Four SW rivals, lost 18 straight games and were relegated.

But the team for whom England backs Jonny Wilkinson and Peter Richards played as minis have regrouped this year in Surrey One. To date they have won four of their eight games and will be looking for a win on Saturday to join Freemen’s on 10 points and go into the second half of the league programme in the New Year as contenders for promotion.

Farnham are also enjoying a successful EDF Junior Vase run. Having won 17-11 at Kent One side Dartfordians on Saturday, they are one of two Surrey One teams through to the last 32 of the national cup, the other being Chipstead, who won 11-5 at Eastleigh from Hampshire One.

Freemen’s supporters are hoping to see the welcome return of Richard Butterfield against Farnham after a long-running rib injury. ‘Butty’ is among the replacements while the facial injury suffered by lock Rob Tyrrell earlier this month sees a starting berth for Mark Fribbens. Chas March is back to lead the team from the back row in place of Tim Barnett. The back line sees two changes from the last game, centre James Reece and wing Rhys Warren-Evans replacing Matt Lister and Marcus Hodges.

Freemen’s 2nd XV travel the short distance to Ewell to play Old Wellingtonians in a Surrey Conference Division Two game. On paper this is a ‘top against bottom’ clash, but Wellingtonians have won three of the four games they’ve contested in the merit table this season and will be keen to prove the league table wrong.

On December 27 the traditional ‘unders/overs’ game will take place at Ashtead Park starting at 1.45pm, with 27-years-old having been determined as this year’s cut-off line between gnarled veteran and eager young pup.

6 December 08 - Bec Old Boys 29 - Old Freemen's 22 (Away League Game)

By Tom Innes

Playing a short distance from HM Prison in Wandsworth, where Ronnie Biggs made it over the wall in 1965, Old Freemen’s failed to play their ‘Get Out of Jail’ card in this top-of-the-table clash.

Matt Lister’s late try left the visitors just two points in arrears, but John Ormrod’s tricky conversion went a foot wide, and there was just time for Bec OB to notch a final try to nail down their win.

Freemen’s played the first half playing down a significant slope and looking for early points. Flanker Paul Hart had come into the team after skipper Chas March withdrew injured, and his fly hack and chase led to a five-metre scrum, the platform for a charge by number 8 Simon Daniels, and quick second phase ball leading to Tom Fair’s scoring pass to Ormrod, who converted with aplomb from the right touchline.

Before a quarter of an hour had been played lock Rob Tyrrell had to replaced after an accidental clash-of-heads with a colleague, and things got worse for Freemen’s when the home team’s backline showed their attacking potential for the first time and claimed a try which was converted (7-7).

Centre John Wilson’s storming run after 37 minutes brought a second try for his side, also converted. Bec missed a penalty chance just before the whistle, but would nevertheless have been content to turn round just 14-7 down.

Freemen’s tackling was solid in the first part of the second half, until the 50th minute when Bec’s fly half sliced through near the posts and the scores were level. Play had scarcely resumed when some more missed tackles saw another try for the hosts, which though unconverted brought them the lead at 19-14.

Ormrod’s well-struck 56th minute penalty reduced the arrears, but Bec then countered with a spell of pressure that brought a fourth try close to the posts. The conversion could have ended the contest, but it was missed and Freemen’s still had a sniff at 24-17.

Lister’s try followed some concerted pressure, with the centre plucking Wade Brunsdon’s flat pass off his shins before crashing over. On another day, this could have meant one point each, but this time it was not to be and Freemen’s slipped to third in the Surrey One table, two points behind Bec and Old Whitgiftians.

Freemen’s 2nd XV earned a hard-fought merit table win over Weybridge Vandals by 8-6 and stayed top of Surrey Conference Division Two. Christian Georgiou scored the only try of the game, with Jem Davies kicking a penalty.

After a reduction in player availability during the November internationals, it was good to see the 3rd XV take the field, although visitors Old Oundelians cruised to a comfortable 39-12 victory.

With no league action this weekend, Saturday’s fixture details will be confirmed online later in the week.

Old Freemen’s: Mitchell (Charalambous), Shipp, Moodie, Fair, Tyrrell (Edwards), Hart, Barnett, Daniels, Smith, Brunsdon, Hodges (capt), Wilson, Lister, Ormrod, Rouse (Norval).

29 November 08 - Old Reigatians Club XV 5 - Old Freemen's Club XV 17 (Away Friendly Game)

By Tom Innes

Although the run of consecutive international weekends can play havoc with player availability, one upside is that it does occasionally allow players from different levels within a club to take the field together.

A mix of first, second and third team players made up the Old Freemen’s Club XV for Saturday’s trip to Old Reigatians. The throw-back to the days of coarse rugby was emphasised with some organisational hitches that saw the team shirts left behind, and several of the squad getting lost en route to Reigate. Nevertheless Freemen’s were just about suited and booted in time for the early kick-off.

With 1st XV captain Chas March opting to play in the ranks for once, the 2nd team skipper Jon Reece was in charge, but his men had an early setback when possession was lost from a five-metre scrum and the home team seized the ball, and a 5-0 lead.

It was all level by half time, thanks to prop Alex Moodie’s galloping run to the try-line, and Freemen’s turned round optimistic of continuing their revival.

The visitors were able to control the game far more in the second half. John Ormrod scored a try from a fine chip-and-chase, and added the ‘extras’ (12-5) before a fine passage of controlled teamwork and handling resulted in a final score for pacy winger Rhys Warren-Evans.

With November now over Freemen’s face some important league commitments in the build-up to Christmas. The 1st XV travel to Bec Old Boys this Saturday, facing a host team who are second to Freemen’s on points difference at the top of Surrey One. After a break from league action on December 13, the 1st XV, sponsored by Volkspeed Engineering, round off the first half of their 2008/09 campaign at home to Farnham on December 20.

Freemen’s 2nd XV, sponsored by the Shehnai Restaurant in Ashtead, host Weybridge Vandals in a Surrey Conference league encounter this Saturday, while the 3rd XV hope to capitalise on greater player availability with a run-out against opposition to be confirmed. All players and spectators will be hoping for some good results ahead of the club’s talent contest which takes place at the OFA Memorial Clubhouse on Saturday night.

22 November 08 - HAC 11 - Old Freemen's 1st XV 10 (Away Cup Game)

By Tom Innes

The remote but enticing prospect of an end-of-season day out at Twickenham was chalked off Freemen’s 2009 wish list.

Of around 400 clubs to enter the EDF Junior Vase all but two are disappointed to fall before the final hurdle. But flying high in Surrey Division One, and having seen neighbours Dorking go all the way in 2005/06, Freemen’s had high hopes of progressing to the latter stages of the competition for the first time.

The draw brought an opportunity to renew rivalries with the Honorary Artillery Company at their splendid ground in the City of London. The sides were regular opponents until league games became the dominant component of the fixture list, but had not met for some years. The Freemen’s squad took the rare option of train travel to reach the City, accompanied by a group of around two dozen spectators.

On a cold day the temperature was already dropping by the time of the 2pm kick-off, but Freemen’s hearts were quickly warmed by a second-minute try, the ball fed quickly wide to the left wing and Marcus Hodges zipping to the line (0-5).

After taking the early advantage, Freemen’s were forced to devote their attentions to defence and were pinned back into their half through the boot of the home team’s fly half, who also had a set of talented outside backs at his disposal.

The Freemen’s line held firm, with some gutsy tackling, solid work under the high ball especially by full back Anthony Rouse and a competitive lineout, but two penalty chances were offered and accepted by HAC enabling them to forge a 6-5 half-time lead.

Turning round to enjoy the advantage of a north wind blowing down the ground, the Old Boys began to get a grip on the game and enjoy the territory required to score more points. Several chances were passed up until midway through the half when the combative Simon Daniels picked up from the base of a scrum and rampaged to the line, although the conversion went wide (6-10).

Having looked as if they might be whistled out of the game early in the first half, Freemen’s had adjusted to the referee, but then in a key moment lock Tom Fair was harshly yellow-carded as he attempted to challenge for the ball, and soon afterwards HAC crossed the Freemen’s line for the only time to retake the lead.

The 14 men remaining on the park for the Old Boys pressed forward in search of victory, and a shot at redemption was offered in the form of a 25-metre penalty wide on the left. Sadly John Ormrod’s attempt drifted narrowly wide, and Freemen’s were out of time and out of the cup.

Before resuming their league campaigns in December, Freemen’s 1st and 2nd XVs are set to play away friendlies this Saturday against Old Reigatians and Chobham respectively.

Freemen’s: Charalambous, Shipp, Moodie, Fair, Tyrrell, March (capt), Daniels, Barnett (Edwards), Smith, Brunsdon, Hodges, Wilson, Lister, Ormrod, Rouse. Subs: Davies, Owens, Mitchell

15 November 08 Old Freemen's 1st XV 35 - Battersea Ironsides 17 (Home League Game)

By James Tremaine

Freemen’s played their best rugby of the season during a first half five try rout of Battersea Ironsides at Ashtead Park on Saturday.

In near perfect conditions, the home side conceded an early try to go 5-0 down but from then on played rugby straight from the training ground. On ten minutes, the outstanding centres Matt Lister and Jon Wilson produced a penetrating break in midfield allowing Lister to score which John Ormrod converted, the first of his twenty point haul during the afternoon.

Five minutes later, Tim Barnett joined the backs and showed his pace to score near the posts. Ormrod converted (14-5). Five minutes later, Dom Smith, skipper for the day and leading by example, produced two glittering sidesteps to score under the posts which Ormrod again converted (21-5). On twenty three minutes, Matt Lister, went on an arcing run beating two defenders on his way and gave the scoring pass to John Ormrod who converted his own try (28-5).

Freemen’s maintained the high intensity for the remainder of the first half and scored a fifth try after thirty minutes. Fly half Wade Brunsdon put a kick into space behind the Ironsides backs from the half way line and John Ormrod produced a well timed run to collect the ball and score under the posts (33-5). He converted to make the score at the end of the first half 35-5.

The second half should have brought another try bonanza for the Old Boys but the forwards failed to secure decent first phase ball and much of the play was over elaborate with players failing to make crucial passes after having created overlaps. As a result, Ironsides were allowed back into the game and scored two tries, one of which was converted. 

The final minutes of the game saw Tom Fair take the ball from the Ironsides twenty two towards the try line but he decided to pass when a score looked easier. Alex Moodie took the pass but dropped the ball over the line in the act of scoring.

Freemen’s win moves them to the top of Surrey One on points difference ahead of Bec Old Boys, who they meet in December, and Old Whitgiftians. This Saturday the 1st XV travel to the City of London to play HAC in the fourth round of the EDF Junior Vase.

Freemen’s 2nd XV had a thumping 38-5 win away at Croydon in a Surrey Conference merit table encounter. Skipper Jon Reece led the way with a hat-trick of tries, with Richard Turk, Lawrie Gummer and Jon Hess also crossing, and Jem Davies adding four conversions. This week the 2nds are scheduled to have a home friendly against Racal Decca.

Team: Mills, Telford (Walstow), Moodie, Fair, Tyrrell, Barnett, Daniels, Hart, Smith (capt), Brunsdon, Ormrod, Wilson, Lister, Norval (Warren-Evans), Rouse. Sub not used: March

8 November 08

By-line "by Roger Seymour, James Tremaine & Tom Innes!"

Old Freemen's A XV 10 - Old Rutlishians 's 22 (Home Friendly Game) &

Old Freemen's B XV 14 - Old Rutlishians 's 12 (Away Friendly Game)

Poor weather conditions made a lottery of any cohesive rugby at Ashtead Park for Saturday’s friendly fixture, but Rutlishians had bought more tickets in the desire-to-win stakes.

John Ormrod, again impressive at fly half, put Freemen’s ahead with a penalty. Thereafter, Ruts took and held on to the lead with two well-worked tries, as Freemen’s blend of first and second team failed to realise its potential.

Rob Tyrrell’s blasting run to score from 15 metres brought Freemen’s to within two points at half time (10-12) but Ruts scored twice more in the second half to take the spoils. Theo van Dort and Tyrrell both came within inches of scoring to get Freemen’s back into the game but Ruts defence held firm.

Freemen’s ‘B’ XV played well with a scratch team in poor conditions to register a 14-12 away win over their Old Rutlishians counterparts in another friendly. Playing in driving rain and a pitch that soon became waterlogged, Freemen’s tried to run the ball using the half back pairing of Bob and Jem Davies and a new centre partnership of Jon Bird, with a week off from Exmouth rugby, and Richard Hill. The forwards had to contend with a large Rutlishians pack that spent most of the game taking the ball through the forwards.

Freemen’s scored a well-worked try in each half, both through Richard Hill with conversions by Davies snr. Flying wing, Nick Oliver was also close to scoring but the referee adjudged that a pass had been forward. The response from Ruts was four penalties from their fly half and captain.

On Saturday, Freemen’s 1st team return to Surrey League action at home to Battersea Ironsides (provisional k.o. time 2.30pm). Ironsides lie fifth in Surrey One with seven points, just a point behind their hosts. Perhaps it would be overstating things to call the south London outfit a bogey side for Freemen’s, but they won both last season’s games – by margins of one and two points – and have not lost a competitive match against the Old Boys for five years. Skipper Chas March, scrum  half Dom Smith, flanker Tim Barnett and hooker Ben Telford – then playing at centre – are the survivors from a 14-7 Freemen’s win in October 2003.

The 2nd XV, joint top of Surrey Conference Division Two, return to competitive action this weekend with a trip to fifth-placed Croydon.

On November 22nd, Freemen’s will travel to the City of London to play the Honorary Artillery Company of Herts/Middlesex Division Two in the fourth round of the EDF Junior Vase.

Freemen’s: Hess, van Dort, Sowton, Wilson, Reece (capt), Ormrod, Owens, Mitchell, Tabbah (Robinson), Charalambous, Tyrrell, Fair, Moodie, Fribbens, Beeson (Acton S.).

1 November 08 - Chipstead 12 - Old Freemen's 15 (Away League Game)

A game of four quarters at Chipstead’s muddy Meads ground. Although they held sway in just one of these periods, Old Freemen’s determined late burst brought three tries and two precious league points for a victory skipper Chas March admitted his side barely deserved.

On a filthy afternoon the home team showed a willingness to try and run the ball in spite of the conditions, and came close to scoring from the kick-off after a sweeping backs move.

Chipstead had chosen to play with a strong wind at their backs and marginal slope advantage in the first half – they needed points and registered some after 10 minutes when a burst down the left brought a try in the corner.

Freemen’s tactics were mixed. Some aimless kicks out of defence were typically caught and returned with interest, but some strong forward surges brought hope of success, and one 30-metre series of drives saw lock Rob Tyrrell within inches of a try.

The hosts struck again after 34 minutes when a loose kick from Rhys Warren-Evans was run back at pace and a try scored to the right of the posts, with the added benefit of a well-struck conversion (12-0).

The lead at half-time seemed roughly par-for-the-course, but Chipstead then defied the wind with a prolonged siege to the Freemen’s line soon after the break. The defence was solid, although many of the players – from both sides – thought a try may have been scored, although the referee was unsighted on the other side of the ruck, and ruled that the ball was held up.

Galvanised by this near miss, and the steely resolve of a pack bolstered by the arrival of replacements Gary Mills and Paul Hart, Freemen’s finally got into their opponents half, and two of the forwards were rewarded with tries: Tom Fair after 63 minutes and Simon Daniels seven minutes later.

Although there was no joy for fly half Wade Brunsdon with either conversion in the swirling wind, Freemen’s were awarded a penalty for dissent from the restart, enabling them to sustain the pressure. Eventually a tap penalty in the 78th minute was fed to Hart, who charged over in the corner.

Freemen’s managed to close out the game without real alarm, and the final whistle saw the visiting players mud-spattered, drenched but happy. With league leaders Old Whitgiftians losing their 100 per cent record, Freemen’s win moved them to eight points, second in Surrey One and just two points behind the leaders.

After losing their first merit table game for 17 matches last weekend, Freemen’s 2nd XV resumed normal service with a 26-5 win over Old Emanuel. Skipper Jon Reece, Lee Walstow, Andy Catling and Bryn Edwards scored the tries, Jem Davies the three conversions.

With a break from league action this weekend, Freemen’s are seeking two friendly fixtures to ensure all squad members including 3rd XV players see some action. Details will be posted on www.oldfreemens.co.uk later in the week.

Freemen’s: Mitchell (Mills), Telford, Moodie, Fair, Tyrrell, Daniels, March, Barnett (Hart), Smith, Brunsdon, Ormrod (Sowton), Lister, Wilson, Warren-Evans, Rouse.

28 October 08 - Old Freemen's 24 London Exiles 3 (Home League Game)

by Tom Innes

On the night of the club’s Hallowe’en party, Freemen’s gave their supporters a fright before cruising to an ultimately comfortable victory.

Playing into a stiff wind in the first half, the Old Boys seemed largely in control of the game but failed to register a significant lead in spite of some impressive forward drives, and repeated efforts to run the ball in the threequarters.

The platform for Freemen’s only score was a canny 22nd minute kick ahead by fly half Wade Brunsdon, pursued at pace by winger Jon Ormrod who scragged the visiting full-back and secured an attacking lineout. After the ball was won – lock Tom Fair was catching almost everything – scrum half Dom Smith darted towards the corner. His pass eluded Ormrod but Brunsdon was on hand to seize the ball and score.

The game became scrappy and lacking in discipline in the second quarter, but Freemen’s defence held firm against a visiting team who looked potent in the back-line. Exiles’ only success was a penalty after 36 minutes when Freemen’s were penalised for not releasing the ball at a ruck (5-3).

The influence of the wind was evident within two minutes of the restart when Brunsdon kicked for goal from halfway. His effort hit the post and didn’t score, but the distance was clearly no problem.

Freemen’s then controlled the game, camping in the opposition half. Replacement Alex Shipp joined the fray and ensured that live-wire hooker Ben Telford wasn’t badly missed. After 54 minutes Smith was again the provider, feeding Ormrod in the corner. Brunsdon then set up Matt Lister for a fine jinking run to the line 10 minutes later (17-3). After 73 minutes the game was over as a contest when two members of Freemen’s rampaging back-row unit combined for a score. Richard Butterfield was not involved – for once – but skipper Chas March charged clear from a lineout and fed fellow flanker Simon Daniels for the fourth and final try.

To their credit Exiles kept trying to play attacking rugby until the final whistle, but had nothing to show for their efforts. The win took Freemen’s to second place in the Surrey One table, although with six of the 10 teams having either five or six points the division remains tightly-bunched behind unbeaten leaders Old Whitgiftians.

Old Freemen’s 2nd XV lost their first competitive game since early 2007 with a Surrey Conference defeat to Merton. Theo van Dort scored an early try but Freemen’s had little more to offer beyond two Jem Davies penalties in a 20-13 defeat.

This weekend Freemen’s renew their rivalry with Chipstead with an away league encounter for the 1st XV, while the 2nds entertain Old Emanuel and the 3rd team are also scheduled for a run-out. All games start at 2.30pm.

Freemen’s: Mitchell (Mills), Telford (Shipp), Moodie, Fair, Tyrrell, Daniels, March, Butterfield, Smith, Brunsdon, Ormrod, Lister, Wilson, Warren-Evans, Norval (Rouse).

18 October 08 - Old Freemen's 32 Raynes Park 12 (Cup Game)

by Tom Innes

Following a poor first half, Old Freemen’s eventually overcame a well-drilled Raynes Park side full of overseas talent in the third round of the EDF Energy Junior Vase.

The Old Boys came close to opening the scoring in the fifth minute when Jon Ormrod, starting at fly half, created an opportunity from the half way line beating three defenders only to drop the ball in the act of scoring. Raynes Park, who had a strong South African contingent in the team, responded almost immediately. From a lineout, their flanker drove towards the whitewash. From a quick ruck the three-quarters created an overlap for the right wing to score.

The next 20 minutes were an even affair with the visiting fly half missing a penalty from the Old Boys 22 metre line. On 35 minutes, the unbeaten Surrey 3 side scored a second try following a mistake in midfield. The Raynes Park centre was able to capitalise and send the winger in for his second try under the posts, which was duly converted (0-12).

The home side struck back within four minutes. Jon Wilson created an opportunity in the centre before passing to Rhys Warren-Evans. The forwards took the ball on, with skipper Chas March to the fore, allowing Simon Daniels to score (5-12). James Reece departed the field soon after to be replaced by Wade Brunsdon, in his return from injury.

In the opening minutes of the second half, the Raynes Park fly half missed a penalty kick from 30 metres out. From then on it was all Old Freemen’s. The dynamic Nicos Charalambous picked up a loose ball thirty five metres out and drove towards the visitors’ line. He was stopped short, allowing Ormrod to put Warren-Evans over (10-12).

Freemen’s edged ahead 10 minutes into the second half. Dom Smith sidestepped his way down the left hand flank, the ball was passed back inside to Andy Catling who put Warren-Evans in for his second try. Again the Old Boys failed to add the points (15-12).

The remainder of the second half gave the Freemen’s faithful, many of whom had enjoyed a pre-match reunion lunch, much to cheer as the home side turned the screw. The Old Boys’ superior tactics and fitness created a try on 58 minutes for Warren-Evans (his third) after the marauding March intercepted a pass, drove to the line and gave the scoring pass. On 66 minutes, from a tap penalty, no.8 Daniels scored close to the posts. Brunsdon converted (27-12). With five minutes to go Wilson capped a fine game by scoring after a typically strong run in the centre. Final score 32-12 which reflected the Old Boys total dominance in the second half.

11 October 08 - Old Freemen's 13 Old Pauline's 3 (Away League Game)

by Tom Innes

Freemen’s played with the cussed determination of a team who had let two valuable league points slip through their fingers the previous weekend. It would not be happening again.

On a summer’s afternoon perhaps better suited to cricket the hosts, back in Surrey One after relegation from London Four South-West last season, took a 10th minute lead from a penalty.

Freemen’s early efforts to get a grip on the game were hampered by lineout problems, but after failing to secure ball from one promising attacking position, the forwards barged the Pauline pack off the ball in the resultant scrum, and Simon Daniels picked up from number 8 and charged his way to the line (3-5).

Jon Ormrod at fly half had a disappointing day with the boot, missing the conversion and a penalty chance soon afterwards, while a back-row change was necessary at the start of the second quarter with Tim Barnett replacing the bloodied Bryn Edwards.

The hosts had the best chances to score during the remainder of the half but missed a penalty and couldn’t capitalise on a powerful break by skipper Will McIntosh that got him within five metres of the try-line.

Freemen’s stepped up a gear after the break, skipper Chas March was becoming increasingly influential at the breakdown, Daniels was everywhere, the lineout began to function smoothly and Dom Smith pulled the strings from scrum half.

Anthony Rouse took on the kicking duties and slotted a simple chance on the hour (3-8). The pivotal moment of the second half came after a cross-kick from Ormrod, a move which his colleagues seemed unprepared for but resulted in a marginal call by the referee saying that the Pauline defender had carried the ball over his own line.

Daniels attacked again from the scrum, and when he was held up just short some canny clearance work by Malcolm Beech allowed prop Nicos Charalambos to pick up and plough over (3-13).

The 10-point cushion allowed Freemen’s to play out the remainder of the game in relative comfort, and leapfrogged Paulines to claim fourth spot in a Surrey One table that already looks tight.

Freemen’s had around 55 players on active duty at the weekend. The 2nd XV won their 17th straight Merit Table fixture, 43-17 over Teddington, with a hat-trick of tries from Jon Wilson and further efforts from Phil Horwood, Jon Reece, Andy Catling and Jonny Sowton. A 3rd XV brimful of talent secured a last-minute draw (24-24) at Old Reigatians thanks to a Richard Hill try, his second, converted by Tom Haywood. Nick Oliver and Iain George also scored tries.

An early-season trophy made its way back to Ashtead Park when a Freemen’s squad won the plate trophy at the annual Jersey Super Tens veterans tournament, beating Jersey United Banks 42-0 in the final.

Old Freemen’s: Charalambos, Shipp, Moodie, Fair, Beech, Edwards (Barnett), March, Daniels, Smith, Ormrod, Hodges (Linsell), Hart, Lister, Warren-Evans, Rouse. Sub: Mitchell

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04 October 08 - Old Freemen's 21 Old Caterhamians 22 (Away League Game)

by Roger Seymour

Days later, Freemen’s are still wondering how they narrowly lost this League game having established a convincing 21-7 half time lead.

In a mad 15 minutes of lost concentration in the third quarter they conceded the lead,  two tries, one a penalty try, and a penalty. Despite a sterling final 10 minutes when they came close to scoring, Freemen’s were unable to get the vital winning score.

On paper, Freemen’s pack had looked on the light side but they belied this with a storming first half which wrecked Cats’ possession. Nicos Charalambous and Alex Moodie were the pillars of this effort but Bryn Edwards and Tom Fair were also rampant, led by skipper Chas March.

Alex Shipp helped secure Freemen’s line-out and this dominance allowed their backs to run from deep to create scoring positions. The impressive Jon Ormrod at fly-half was on target with three penalties and was the pivot giving Rhys Warren-Evans and Chris Linsell room to roam on the wings.

A deft switch from Linsell to Marcus Hodges gave Freemen’s their first try as the full-back hugged the touchline from his own 22, evading all attempts to overhaul him. Ormrod’s conversion attempt from the touchline grazed the outside of the post.

Dom Smith set up the second try, a crash ball by Ben Telford, just before half-time, converted by Ormrod. Freemen’s had the benefit of the first half penalty decisions and when Cats were awarded one, it was frequently reversed by back-chat.

The tables were turned in the second half as Cats got the majority of the decisions. Freemen’s defence against the wind became disorganised and some careless play gave Cats the field-position to launch their winning comeback.  

A penalty try against Warren-Evans, allegedly for tripping, brought Cats back within range and a fine overlap on the right gave them the lead. Freemen’s fight back in the final quarter yielded no points and they left the field down-hearted and empty-handed.

Freemen’s seconds Merit Table clash at London Media was comfortably won with tries from Hess (2), Georgiou (2), Sowton, Horwood, Barnett. Jem Davies slotted three conversions.

Freemen’s: Hodges, Warren-Evans, Rouse, Hart, Linsell (Wilson), Ormrod, Smith, Charalambous (Walstow), Telford, Moodie, Edwards, Fair, Daniels, March (capt), Shipp.

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27 SEPT 08 - Old Freemen's 52 Old Mid Whitgiftians 7 (Friendly)

by James Hutchison

Prolific winger Matt Lister stole the show in Ashtead Park on Saturday as Old Freemen's 1st XV cruised to victory in a friendly match against Old Mid-Whitgiftians 2nd team.

Disappointingly, each side was reduced to thirteen men before the match began since the visiting team could not muster enough players. Nevertheless, Freemen's were not too sympathetic to the plight of their guests and subjected them to a 50-point defeat.

The atmosphere at Ashtead Park was particularly relaxed as the stresses of league rugby were put on hold for both teams to play with width and imagination. Admittedly, the carefree attitude led to a number of unnecessary errors, but at times the pitch was lit with fast-paced rugby, clever offloading and crafty play from the likes of John Ormrod, Marcus Hodges and particularly Lister.

The game was barely five minutes old when the home side broke down the left flank through second row Tom Fair. Subsequent drives took Freemen's within yards of the line and as the ball was recycled quickly, scrum-half Dom Smith fed Ormrod who jinked past his opposite number to score under the posts.

A second try shortly afterwards set the tone for the afternoon, and the Mid-Whitgifitians must have known they were in for a long one. Chas March carried strongly through midfield and linked well with Hodges who found space on the left. Some clever angles and intricate passing enabled Richard Turk to show his speed and scuttle over for another five-pointer.

The game then stagnated for some time, with both sets of forwards trying to wear each other down. Alex Shipp grafted unselfishly in the back row, whilst captain March was his usual uncompromising self. Towards the end of the half, it was time for Lister to step up and impose himself on the game - receiving the ball on the right wing, he created space out of nowhere with his trademark sidestep beating three men and leaving him clear to touch down under the posts.

From then on, the visitors were never really in the game. The second half saw tries from Anthony Rouse, Nicos Charalambous, Smith and another two from Lister, whilst Ormrod had a successful day with his place-kicking.

How much can be learnt from such a fixture is questionable, but if Freemen's can apply some of that inventiveness at the right times against league opposition, they should be a force to be reckoned with this season.

They'll have a chance to do just that as they travel to Old Caterhamians next week. With one win from two so far this season, a victory would be welcome to confirm their position in the top half of the table.

Freemen’s 2nd XV, defeated 38-10 by a surprisingly strong Chipstead XV last weekend, travel to London Media this Saturday, and Freemen’s ‘Saga’ squad will also be travelling overseas to take part in the annual veterans tournament in Jersey.

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20 SEPT 08 - Old Freemen's 5 Old Whitgiftians 11 (League)

by Tom Innes

No points, at least until a consolation score in injury time, meant no prizes for Old Freemen’s in their first home league encounter of the new season.

After scoring five tries in the season’s opener at Croydon the previous week, Freemen’s misfired badly against a team they defeated twice last season by narrow margins. The home team’s endeavour was not in question, but execution in attack was poor and a horribly malfunctioning lineout proved an insurmountable handicap.

The first half featured some committed defence from both teams, with the visitors coming closest to breaking the deadlock only to miss both penalty chances that were offered. A charge through the centre by Rob Tyrrell was arguably Freemen’s highlight, but the giant lock was hauled down just as he shaped to deliver what may well have been a scoring pass.

Whits broke the stalemate after 49 minutes, when fly half Bloxham sliced through and found replacement Todd to touch down in the corner. Freemen’s had meanwhile been obliged to make three changes because of injuries, and couldn’t sustain any attacking threat. A lone chance to reduce the lead was lost when fly half Wade Brunsdon missed a penalty kick, and soon after the visitors pulled a score clear with a penalty of their own after 74 minutes (0-8).

The result was beyond doubt when another penalty made it 0-11 before Brunsdon shimmied through a defensive gap after a powerful burst by Paul Hart.

Old Freemen’s 2nd XV won their second Surrey Conference Division Two game of the season, beating Law Society with tries from John Wilson (2), Tom Ormrod, Rhys Warren-Evans and Chris Blacketer. The boot of Jem Davies contributed the remainder of the points in a 34-12 scoreline.

This weekend the 1st XV have a break from league action with a friendly at home to London Four SW outfit Old Midwhitgiftians. The ‘Midwives’ have recently added former England international and coach of Ebbw Vale Alex Codling to their coaching team, and have begun their league season with a 60-0 win over Andover and an 18-40 loss to Freemen’s long-time Easter Tour hosts Ellingham and Ringwood. Freemen’s 2nds have an away merit table encounter with Chipstead, while the 3rds entertain a Chobham XV. All games start at 3pm.

Old Freemen’s: Charalambous, Telford, Moodie, Tyrrell, Daniels, Shipp (Edwards), March (capt), Butterfield, Smith, Brunsdon, Hodges, Hart, Reece (Rouse), Ormrod, Norval (Mitchell).

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DATE 13 SEPT 08 - Old Croydonians 5 Old Freemen's 27 (League)

by Tom Innes

Freemen’s started the season in fine style at Croydon, scoring five tries on a warm afternoon. The pre-season training showed throughout the game in which the forwards dominated and the backs played an expansive game, with half backs Dom Smith and Wade Brunsdon pulling the strings.

The opening 15 minutes were error-ridden with Croydon’s fly half missing a penalty following a late tackle. The Old Boys opened their account after 18 minutes. Brunsdon picked up the ball 30 metres out and jinked his way towards the line. He was tackled just short, but hooker Ben Telford was on hand to score.

The second try followed almost immediately. From the half way line Brunsdon passed to Paul Hart, who found Richard Butterfield who in turn linked with Reyno Norval. A deft inside pass from the full back gave the pacy John Ormrod a run to the line, Brunsdon converting (12-0). After 24 minutes, Freemen’s scored a third try, Smith kicking down the left hand touchline and Marcus Hodges following up to score in the corner. The fourth try came at the end of the first half, when Hodges and Matt Lister combined to put Norval over. The conversion was missed, but the Old Boys thoroughly deserved their 22-0 lead after 40 minutes.

The second half continued in the same vein, with the away side totally dominating the play with their superior fitness and organisation. After 46 minutes, Telford took a scrum against the head which allowed Butterfield to unleash the flying Hodges for his second try (27-0). The third quarter was scrappy due to injuries and some idiosyncratic refereeing decisions which confused both sets of supporters. Skipper Chas March, who had a typical foraging game in the back row, was sin binned after 70 minutes.

Two minutes from time, Croydon scored a consolation try after a lapse in the Old Boys defence. The attempted conversion hit the post and referee blew for full time soon after with a convincing 27-5 win to Freemen’s against a team that finished fourth in the league last year.

Everyone at Freemen’s was heartened by the club fielding three teams on the first ‘proper’ weekend of the season. Not only that, but all the sides won, a great early season fillip that followed the recruitment of several new players and the addition of the Shehnai restaurant in Ashtead as a club sponsor alongside the established support of Volkspeed Engineering.

The 2nd XV won their opening Surrey Conference Division Two game against Old Walcountians by 40-24 with Bryn Edwards and Jon Reece scoring two tries each, Anthony Rouse and Rhys Warren-Evans one apiece and Jem Davies nailing five conversions. The thirds trailed Old Suttonians 5-3 at half time but eventually won 22-10 with tries by Peter Lyons, George Webb and Rob Reynolds.

This weekend Freemen’s 1sts are at home to Old Whitgiftians (3pm) while the 2nds host the Law Society and the 3rd XV also aiming to have another outing. Anyone wanting to play please email oldfreemens@gmail.com

Charalambous, Telford (Shipp), Moodie (Mitchell), Beech, Tyrrell, March, Butterfield, Daniels, Smith, Brunsdon, Hodges, Hart, Lister, Ormrod, Norval (Barrett)

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Pre Season Report 2008 by Tom Innes

After a solid first year back in Surrey Division One and some “hard yards” put in during pre-season training, the players of Old Freemen’s RFC are chomping at the bit for the start of the 2008/09 rugby season this Saturday.

Freemen’s travel to Croydon for their first league encounter, with hopes high of improving on last season’s sixth place after promotion in 2006/07.

The Old Boys head of playing James Tremaine said the club was “quietly confident” of a good season, and paid tribute to the work put in by the coaching team of Paul Hart and Simon Crane during July and August, ably assisted by fitness coach Sam Tomkins.

“There’s been a good turnout both at training and for our warm-up matches, and there are some new faces at the club as well as some people who are back in the area after university,” he said.

Freemen’s took part in a pre-season tournament at Haslemere before playing games against a Chobham squad and Old Wandsworthians.

The Chobham game saw 27 players see action on a day where the temperatures topped 80C. Tries from skipper Chas March and Reyno Norval kept the vistors in contention before Chobham eventually won 19-12.

A week later and the meteorological conditions had switched to heavy rain, but there were still 39 players kitted for action and Freemen’s eventually won by three tries to one with Jon Reece and Nicos Charalambous among the scorers.

Surrey One has four new clubs this season. Chipstead and Bec Old Boys won promotion from Surrey Two last year, while Farnham and Old Paulines, who meet this Saturday, both struggled at London Four level and were relegated.

The division is made up by Freemen’s, this weekend’s opponents Croydon, Old Caterhamians, Old Whitgiftians, Battersea Ironsides and London Exiles.

Fly half Wade Brunsdon is a key new face and will be looking to nail the kicks that regularly made the difference in a series of tight encounters last season. Threequarters James Reece and Matt Lister are back in contention while Freemen’s also have their usual strength-in-depth at back row which sees player-coach Hart selected at centre for the first game.

The Freemen’s 2nd XV start their season at home to Old Walcountians having been promoted to the Surrey Conference Division Two reserve league after going unbeaten last season. Playing numbers are strong, and the Old Boys will also be looking to have the 3rd XV in action before the end of September and playing regularly thereafter. Some of the more mature – in age terms anyway – players are also gearing up for the annual veterans’ tournament in Jersey which Freemen’s have graced for the past three seasons.

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