Different week, same attitude and determination for UCSOB despite London French loss

UCSOB's Mert Zabci looks for a gap against London French. Picture: NICK COOK (Image: Archant)

The change from sub-zero to sub-tropical temperatures was the least of the changes as the result was different too, London French taking the spoils in a 34-20 win.

But with third-placed French currently the Herts Middlesex One form team, one thing that remained very similar for the Old Boys was the attitude and determination, which was exemplary.

Two early tries for the visitors, thanks to a couple of clever inside passes, looked like trouble for the Hampstead-based rugby club.

But a huge scrum effort following the restart, opened up the blind side and good hands showed this would be closer than first advertised.

Will Jones in action for UCSOB. Picture: NICK COOK (Image: Archant)

UCS continued to plug away at the French chipping away at the score board with a couple of penalties but London French finished the half 22-14 in front through some great tries from some less-great defence.

UCSOB were not done though and dug-in during the second half, taking the game to the opposition.

Two more penalties were kicked but depsite the scrum being on top and a great energy throughout the side, pressure could not be turned into points.

A yellow card turned the tide, giving the French the chance to run a couple more tries.

Arthur Coates looks on as UCSOB's Tom Arnold goes forward against London French. Picture: NICK COOK (Image: Archant)

That said there were still a couple of standout moments for the hosts; Nathaniel Breakwell’s penalty kicking, a few charging runs by big Will Jones and a fantastic chase by winger David which stopped a certain try.

It bodes well for UCSOB’s remaining games, starting with the trip to Old Actonians on March 4.

UCSOB: Ghanem, Warner, Sewell, Boulden, Turton, Jones, Zabci, Filip, Coates, Arnold, Bromley, Oulton, Hughes, Breakwell

UCSOB's Sam Turton breaks forward against London French. Picture: NICK COOK (Image: Archant)

Replacements: Bahl, Cohen, Sargeant