Uxbridge 18

Old Millhillians 0

For Milhillians, it was a bit like going back to the relaxed attitude of pre-league days when all games were friendlies and rugby was just a prelude to beer.

Four of the side were away skiing, two others were due at the game straight from the airport, and there was not a backs replacement in sight.

Uxbridge contributed to the Corinthian spirit by declaring their main pitch flooded and transferring the game to windy hill top plot with more undulations than the Alps.

Once the game started, it was Uxbridge who quickly looked the more interested in winning as Millhillians struggled to find some shape.

There was not much in it for 20 minutes, but then a period of home pressure was rewarded with a penalty under the posts.

Bravely eschewing the simple kick, the Uxbridge forwards took a quick tap and barged over. The conversion was charged down by an alert Oni Akpofure who had a lively game throughout.

Then Millhillians got their act together and, with the pack asserting itself, plenty of chances were created.

Sadly, they could not get the points on the board, but changed round a modest five points adrift.

The second half followed much the same pattern. Plenty of OM ball, but an inability to capitalise on their possession.

Instead, Uxbridge kicked a couple of penalties, leaving the visitors trailing, when they should have been ahead.

Akpofure and winger Phil Lee made good breaks which withered through a lack of support, and as Millhillians chucked the ball around frantically in the dying minutes, Uxbridge latched on to an interception and sealed the game with a converted try. One to forget, except for that view across London.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.