Met New Recruits Run Old Boys Close

The Met 2nd XV took on a powerful Old Guildfordians outfit and were only a goalkicker short of a deserved draw writes Gilbert Ball.
In a fine performance, the Met 2nd XV introduced three new players to the game, and managed to more than hold their own against a much more experienced OGs 2nd XV. It looked like it might have been a disaster as the Met struggled to come to terms with OGs powerful running style. Joe Billyard, making a welcome return at full-back made two outstanding tackles when faced with two attackers that kept the scores the level.
Eventually, the visitors did manage to build a lead with two well-taken converted tries. But this Met XV is already showing great spirit and promises to add some much needed competition for first team places. Ironically, it was when Captain Lawrence Bolton, who hitherto had had an outstanding game, left the field that the Met began to turn the game. Further injuries reduced the forward struggle to uncontested scrums and the Met capitalised on it, scoring three great tries of their own to secure an unexpected but thoroughly deserved 15-14 lead. And it looked like they could do just enough to hold on to it, containing OGs in the visitors half for long periods. Unfortunately, a dangerous tackle relieved the pressure and OGs forced their way up into the Met's half. After a period inside the 22, the Met looked as though they might have relieved the pressure but a loose clearance kick was run back with interest and the visitors eventuall forced their way over in the left hand corner for a try which was beautifully converted.
There wasn't time for the Met to counter and the whistle blew with the home team level on tries but OGs six points to the good.
It was a great performance though for a 2ndXV that is playing for only the second time in many many years. And it bodes very well for MPRFC's future.