Classy Met Humble Haileyburians

Following a very good team performance against Old Ruts at Imber Court last time out, the Met went to Ruxley Lane to face second placed Old Haileyburians for the second of four big pre-Christmas fixtures.
Lining up for the kick-off, pumped-up and immaculately turned-out, the Met had their best opening 10 minutes of the season. Notoriously slow starters, this time London's Finest started at a ferocious pace and it was not long before the old man of the team, Russell Turner, took a ball from the base of a ruck, sniffing out a gap in the defence before fending-off a defender to score under the posts.
The set-back ignited Old Haileyburians and they were quick to respond with their first successful attack, utilising their lineout options and their big crash centre at 12. The try duly came and it was back to all square.
The Met have shown remarkable composure under pressure this season. Before the home side could capitalise on their quick reposte, the Met took the upper hand, dominating the game mentally and physically. JJ Connolly was utilising the wind and the hill with great kicks to either corner and huge ‘Garryowens’ for Haileyburians' full back to contend with, the Mets' big Welsh number 8 Dylan Richards thundering down upon him as the No.15 looked skyward. The relentless Police questioning brought the inevitable scores and tries from Cormac Healy, Jamie O’Sullivan and Chris Holloway earned the Met a bonus point before half-time. Three converted tries and a well struck penalty from the boot of JJ Connolly gave the Met a lead that really meant the contest was over in the first 40 minutes. The Mets' task in the second half was to make a real statement of intent, utilise the wind which had changed direction and to play the whole half in the home team's 22m.
The strategy was executed to perfection by Connolly, and the defence worked in unison across the field to nullify any counter-attacks. But Old Haileyburians were tiring and began to give away penalties. Connolly gleefully accepted the extra invitations to pin the hosts deep in their own territory. With victory assured, the Met demonstrated high quality running rugby and support play from 1 to 15. Chris Holloway completed his hat trick in the second half and Connolly kept up his 100% kicking record for the day.
It was a great performance by the Police but Coach Richard Hicks will not be happy that Old Haileyburians were allowed a consolation try at the death. Nevertheless, a full 5 points for the victory takes the Met up to second place in the League and they can justifiably set their sights on a promotion challenge.
On Saturday, The Met go to league leaders and undefeated Reeds Weybridge in Whiteley Village. Reeds have targeted Met as a key game and the Met have lived up to expectations. The top of the table clash promises to be a great game. It kicks off at 1415 hours on Saturday 26th November 2016. Don't miss it!