Match Report for Lytchett Minster 1 Vs Ellingham & Ringwood on 27 Sep 2003
A Game of Two Halves
Lytchett Minster travelled to third in the table Ellingham & Ringwood at the weekend, looking for a much needed win to propel them into the regulation safety zone.
But the wind played a big part in this game, with it blowing directly down the field, affecting nearly every facet of the game. Ellingham won the toss and decided to play against the wind in the first half. But playing with the wind allowed a defending team a simple kick to safety. One minute Ellingham were attacking and camped on the Lytchett line, but following a clearing kick Ellingham found themselves back in there twenty-two. The match took this form, until Lytchett managed to put some strong phases together and were rewarded with a penalty that was converted by stand-off Tom Dilon. From the restart Lytchett went back on the attack and found some space that centre Daryl Cormack exploited and he crashed over under the posts. Tom Dilon converted the try and Lytchett were leading 10 - 0. Late in the first half Ellingham powered up the field and Lytchett could not win the ball and clear their line. The Ellingham pack drove for the corner and were rewarded with a score. The conversion was missed, but the score had been reduced to 10 - 5 as the half time whistle for blown.
The game changed completely in the second half, as Ellingham were now playing with the wind on their backs. But Lytchett did not give up and despite the strong wind attacked at every opportunity, but when the ball was turned over Ellingham were able to clear their lines easily. The bounce of the ball finally defeated Lytchett, when the ball was kicked through and the Lytchett fullback was beaten by the awkward bounce, allowing the Ellingham centre to gather and score under the posts. The try was missed, but Ellingham had drawn level 10 - 10. With the conditions worsening Lytchett were duped again by a long Ellingham kick that bounced awkwardly and was gathered by their winger, who scored. Again the conversion was missed, but Ellingham were now leading 15 - 10. In a tense last ten minutes both sides had the chance to seal a victory, but it was Ellingham who were awarded a penalty which was converted and victory was theirs 18 - 10.
Lytchett have two remaining league games and must win both of these to ensure that they are not playing in Hampshire Division Three next year.
