Erdington traveled to Veseyans for their next Merit Table clash, from the kick off Erdington looked in the mood for a physical battle and took the game to Veseyans, after some impressive driving from the forwards the backs were released and Sean Eltringham scored in the corner after only a couple of minutes, a tough conversion was duly kicked by Tom Findon from just off the side line great start.
Erdington didn’t take the foot off the gas and were relentless in their physicality and put a lot of pressure on Veseyans this culminated in some dominant forward play close to the try line and wave after wave of pick up and go’s from the forwards with one extra nudge Chris Jones crossed the white wash nearly under the posts a simple conversion, Erdington 14 points up.
Again the forwards dominated up front and the scrum was really paying dividends with secure ball releasing the backs gaining some great territory. Another scrum awarded to Erdington and with a solid shove and a pick up from the number 8 taking on the Veseyans back row Ross Graham found his way to the try line unfortunately the try was not converted.
This spurred Veseyans into action and they scored in the corner after turning the Erdington defence. The sides turned around at half time at 19-5.
The game then seemed to even out with possession about 50/50 but again some close support play from the forwards released the ball to the backs the move was on, quick ball to Jay saw him run around half of the pitch evading some solid tackling and dotting the ball under the posts, try converted. Veseyans then scored again in the corner unable to convert. There appeared to be more gaps opening up as both teams were working really hard and tiring, the ball was kicked to Erdington and this saw the ball taken by the back line some lovely support play between the backs and forwards saw Dan Moran score a great team try in the corner, try unconverted. Erdington could sense the win and again another powerful run from Ross Graham with support from the forwards saw him score again try unconverted. The game then changed with Erdington’s centre receiving 10 minutes in the sin bin for a high tackle, this allowed the very quick Veseyans backs to take advantage of the overlap and ran in two try’s and that was the conclusion to the game Erdington winning 36 -24.
Man of the Match was Dan Thewlis at scrum half who controlled the game throughout and even went on a few runs himself. That being said every man put in a proper shift and MOM could of gone to any number of players proving a very difficult decision in the end for the coaches. Special mention must go to the 3 debutants Olly, Ryan and Dave who acquitted themselves exceptionally well and we are looking forward to seeing them on their next outing.
Erdington welcome Old Saltliens next week for a home fixture at Spring Lane 2:15 kick off all welcome.