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

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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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