On Saturday we welcomed high-flying London side Rosslyn Park to Park Lane. Sitting fifth in the league and pushing for a top-four finish, they had beaten us convincingly earlier in the season, so we knew the size of the challenge, particularly after the disappointment against Leeds the previous Friday. Despite that, our home record against Rosslyn in recent seasons had been strong and we were confident of a positive performance.
It was a lovely sunny afternoon and the pitch was in excellent condition despite heavy rain during the week. Playing up the hill, we started well and took play into the visitors’ half, but a missed tackle allowed Rosslyn to break the line and flanker George Orchard scored under the posts. Fly-half Stefan James converted and we were 0–7 down after six minutes.
Both sides played with tempo, but Rosslyn struck again after sustained pressure in our twenty-two, centre Sam Kennaugh finishing a well-worked move for their second converted try. We responded strongly but lost key line-outs that might have produced points, and Rosslyn added a third try from a powerful forward drive to lead 21–0. Just before half-time hooker Adam Mallinson scored from close range, converted by full-back Oli Glasse, leaving us 7–21 down at the break.
The second half was more even, but Rosslyn extended their lead with a tap-and-go try from replacement scrum-half Murray Redpath, converted by James. They then capitalised on a loose ball, winger Benjamin Mario racing forty metres to make it 33–7.
The final minutes saw a strong Tigers response. Replacement hooker Jack Ellam crossed after a driving maul, and winger Rhys Henderson finished a brilliant sixty-metre solo try under the posts. Glasse converted to leave the final score 19–33.
It was another loss, but a much improved performance against a top side. Rosslyn were more clinical, while our errors and missed opportunities proved costly. We remain ninth, with only a few points separating several teams, so the final seven games are crucial.
Thanks
Steve Hazz