Bradshaw’s return can’t save UCS Old Boys from another defeat
UCS Old Boys' player-coach Carl Bradshaw made his first appearance of the season and scored two tries against Old Priorians. Pic: Nick Cook/UCS Old Boys - Credit: Archant
UCS’s search for their first points of the season continues after they slipped to the foot of the table following a 74-12 defeat at the hands of promotion challengers Old Priorians in London North-West Division Two.
The visitors had smashed London Nigerian 104-0 the previous weekend so UCS were fully aware of the power of their opposition – but they were punished for lax tackling in the opening five minutes as the visitors took an early 10-point lead.
Carl Bradshaw’s first appearance of the season offered some hope after he broke the Priorians’ line on a number of occasions, but the player-coach couldn’t prevent the visitors from running in three more tries.
The visitors’ efficient use of the ball prevented the Old Boys from getting a hold of the game, but Bradshaw eased the pressure with a try as his side pressed to narrow the gap before the break.
However, normal service was resumed after the restart in a near mirror image of the first half as the Old Priorians strolled over for another try following more weak tackling.
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Things then went from bad to worse for the Old Boys when former skipper Dave O’Dwyer was sent to the sin-bin for a professional foul to prevent yet another score – and his efforts were in vain as the Priorians added to their tally just five minutes later.
As in the opening period, UCS found their feet following a shaky start, with the boot of Alex Lowe giving them good field position, and when they spread the ball wide, Bradshaw crashed over from two yards for his second score.
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A fightback was never forthcoming though, and the game ended much the way it had started, with Old Priorians running in a further four tries from deep within their own half to secure a comfortable victory.