Rye lose out in top of table clash

Rye Squad 1 Husk 2 Cooper 3 Clark 4 Bibby 5 B Emberson 6 Cooke 7 Sim 8 Lucke 9 Charles 10 Harvey 11 Sheppard 12 Vetara 13 J Emberson 14 Lane 15 Nunn 16 Brisbourne 17 Langridge 18 Perkins

Rye made the journey to South London to face fellow unbeaten side Old Colfs on the back of a strong start. However, the storm conditions meant that Rye’s favoured expansive style was likely to be less effective. Ambitious attack has characterised Rye all season and a swashbuckling centre Josh Emberson darted through the defence to finish a 40 metre run. This brought the hosts to life, and they played the conditions well. While both sides were strong defensively exemplified by dogged tackling by Solly Cooke and Dan Lane, the hosts were sharper at the break down and this provided them with key possession. Uncharacteristic errors also gave possession away and this led to a number of scores. Rye were dangerous throughout though. As always the scrum was a solid platform, and Ben Emberson coped well with wet conditions at the line out. When Rye did get the ball in hand they were dangerous and Will Nunn, debutant Henry Sheppard and Lane all made line breaks. Rye were also strengthened from the bench but could not add to the early score.

Head coach David Wiggins was realistic about the outcome “This was a tight game and the opposition scored from Rye errors rather than creative rugby. It has to be said that our defence was superb and can only give us great confidence for the future”.

While Rye did not gain the win a number of the players showed real strength. Debutant Sheppard was a dangerous runner, and was his opposite winger Dan Lane. However, the player of the match award went to Solly Cooke who was a rock in defence throughout.

Rye host Beckenham 3rd XV next Saturday 31st October in their next league game.