In a thriller of a pre-season game the Balmoral faithful got to see a strong performance, and hopefully a bit of what the Men’s 1XV season will be all about.

We saw some much anticipated “back in blue and gold” appearances from Jake Caddy in the centres, Freddie Latouch at lock, and Kareem Swandells into the back row, and all on home turf to make it that bit more exciting.

Also we’re happy to see Fin Kennedy back with us after his travels last season, and Craig Thomson back on the teamsheet after some time off last year.

Old Alleynians, who were promoted last season made the short trip over from Dulwich. They had interviewed their players on their socials about what game they were most looking forward to, Friday night lights against us featured heavily, so hopefully the game lived up to expectation.

KO- OA’s came out firing, and scored from a rolling maul within the first 5 mins of the game. We answered quickly however, with some great backs play resulting in crowd favourite Geordie Boyce going over in the corner. Extras taken by Lewis Bunton.

The game bounced back and forth, both teams trying to settle in, but our set piece was working well and we scored then on the 20 min mark from a line out, ball straight to Tom Ward, who directed the forwards towards the line, with Craig Thomson pulling the strings. It was our turn to show our forward power in getting to the line. Apologies that I don’t know who actually got the ball down, my suspicion is Lamar Sinclair.

Geordie Boyce took the third try, again into the corner after a perfect assist from Jake Caddy.

We were treated to many strong performances across the board, including from skipper on the night Andrew Knowles, who took a cheeky little pick and go from a penalty and set up Liam Caddy who handed off two OA’s to power to the line.

We stayed in the lead into the second half, and out last try of the night went to Tane Feldhaus-Davies, in his classic style of crashing over the line taking a few defenders with him.

The game ended 31-21 in our favour, and in the dark. A power cut on Balmoral Ave meant we finished a little early.

Whilst it was a strong performance, there are of course things to work on this week as we move into the first league game of the season next Saturday (7th) at home to Reeds & Weybridge.

What was apparent was the enjoyment that the players got from that game, and in playing at home infront of the blue and gold faithful. So, the benchmark has been set for the start of league season and there are lots of reasons to be excited about what this team can do.

Thanks to Alleynians for making the short journey over, and to our home crowd for packing out Balmoral Ave!