South London Storm 28 – 20 Guildford Giants
The Giants first game of the London Amateur League ended in a narrow loss on Saturday but Coach Jones was still happy with the result.
Giants started the game with only one available substitute due to the previous week’s injury list and many of the players being on tour with their union clubs. It was therefore always going to be a difficult match against the experienced Storm.
The opening exchanges were fast with some good defence by both sides but it was South London who were first on the score sheet. Giants defence was again impressive but could not stop the try. With both teams completing their sets and few mistakes being made it was an open and exciting game.
South London then made it 8 – 0 with a controversial second try. A cross field kick looked as though it was knocked on by a South London player before they touched it down but the referee awarded the try.
The Giants though were still playing well and hit back with a try from Adam Cox. A second soon followed by full back Andy Lee and both were converted by Doug Lawrence to give the Giants a 12 – 8 lead. Just before half time South London hit back which made it a fair 12 – 12 at the break.
Giants lost 2 players during the first half due to injury and Charlie Maguire became the third to go early in the second period. This meant the Giants were contesting the second half with only 11 players.
Giants fought hard and were playing a great defensive and attacking game. Two further tries, one by Cox and one by the once again impressive Brian Stokes were not enough as the two extra players for the Storm made the difference with the game finishing 28 – 20 in their favour.
Head coach Mark Jones was again pleased with his teams efforts after the match “Once again the team have worked tremendously hard” Jones said, “If we hadn’t suffered the injuries we would’ve gone onto win but we’ll get our revenge at the re-match in two weeks”
Press officer Matt Ward also invited people to the forthcoming home game on Saturday 2nd May 2009 “We’re playing a friendly against Southampton Spitfires and we’re using the day as our official launch. Hopefully the weather will join us and they’ll be a BBQ and bar. It should be a great day out for all the family” The game kicks off at 2.30pm at Broadwater.
More good news for the club was announced by committee member Dean Smith who secured extensive funding from the National Lottery to help the club grow over the next year.
For more information go to
www.guildfordgiantsrlfc.co.uk
