Old Midwhitgiftian 28 Old Alleynians 22

London Three South West

Old Midwhitgiftian 28 Old Alleynians 22

OLD Midwhitgiftians continued their winning streak but were fortunate to do so after a below-par performance.

They opened the scoring when fly-half Dan Crouch kicked a penalty, but the visitors had by far the better of the first half.

Poor home tackling in midfield allowed winger Mike Thomas a clear run to the posts for a try converted by Jamie Docherty. The Alleynians attack were lively and, despite stout defence by the home side, Thomas went over in the corner for his second try which was unconverted.

Two penalty goals from Crouch got Mids back to within three points at the break but they had been well outplayed up to this point, with Alleynians ruing missed kicks that left them just 12-9 ahead.

Mids did improve in the second half and Crouch tied the scores with another penalty.

A strong drive by the forwards set up the platform for the same player to score under the posts and Mids went further ahead when Crouch dropped a neat goal.

Docherty slotted a penalty after Mids were offside but soon after his side handled in the ruck to give Crouch another opportunity which he duly took. He then punished Alleynians with another goal when they were penalised for not binding. Mids looked comfortable at 28-15 but loose defence allowed Docherty to run in virtually untouched for a try, which he himself converted.

The visitors now threw everything into the final minutes, but Mids held out for a victory they scarcely deserved. Crouch scored all his side's points with a 'full house': try, conversion, drop goal and six penalties.