LLC Play Campian school.... and the referee!
London Leisure College 10 vs Campian School 15
LLC played some of their best rugby of the season to take this game, against a strong Campian side, right to the wire. In perfect rugby conditions the game started at an intense pace with neither side able to take early advantage.
It wasn’t until midway through the first half that the deadlock was broken. A mistimed pass from LLC enabled the Campian centre to intercept and run the ball in to score in the corner. It was clear that LLC had the stronger pack and that score kicked them into gear. Strong driving from the forwards and a rare opportunity to string some phases together allowed the pack to drive over with Charlie Neale emerging from the bottom of the pile with the ball.
LLC went in at half time 7-5 down.
The second half began much like the first with the referee stopping play at every possible opportunity for reasons that neither the crowd nor the players could understand. This stop-start game gave Campian the advantage by not allowing LLC to string phases together and utilise the stronger pack.
A controversial try from Campian came after everyone spotted a forward pass – except the referee. However, this only seemed to encourage LLC and soon after, quick thinking from Charlie Neale enabled him to score his second of the game from a tap penalty. LLC tried in vain to string a few phases together but again the referee would not allow the game to flow. LLC were beaten by a late kicked penalty (and some would say the referee).
LLC can be proud of their performance against a traditionally strong rugby playing school and are looking forward to next years Daily Mail Cup.
