Rugby.

Norwich 5

Staines 17

Saturday, February 7

Staines may still lose out in their determined efforts to secure promotion because it has still to be decided how many teams are promoted from London Division One as a result of the proposed restructure of the National Leagues. This famous victory saw Staines firmly consolidate their second spot in the League table, now only one point behind Norwich, and seven points clear of the third-placed team, with one more League game remaining to be played by each team on Saturday March 14. All eyes will be on the results achieved by Staines, in their home game against Southend, and Norwich, in their away game against local rivals, Sudbury.

This was not just an heroic defensive performance, there were lashings of quality and skill: the dynamic running and swift passing of scrum-half Barry Hathaway, the marvellous continuity of the back-row unit of Paul Clarke, Vince Holden and Paddy Elms, the tactical acumen of captain Roland Davies, the running and handling of Paul Morgan, Will Mould and Paul Miller, the all-round excellence of Andy Tolson and Paul Kightley, as well as the fine work completed by full-back Shaun Terrey under the high ball.

Staines moved the ball wide from deep, and got into space, creating a lot of problems for Norwich as the first half neared its conclusion. A well- worked try, scored close to the posts, was a typical example of this, with a series of perfectly executed passes along the line being finished off by prop-forward Paul Kightley, turning up from nowhere to touch down with a broad grin on his face. The conversion, from Roland Davies, was a formality.

Norwich then replied following a turn-over at the break-down, the ball was moved quickly along their three-quarter line, right-wing McKay, found himself in space and outstripped Staines' defence to touch down in the far corner.

Following a silly line-out infringement, an opportunity was presented to Staines with a 40-metre penalty kick. Shortly after, they missed an easier chance to extend the lead to a two-score cushion as the first half came to an end at 10-5.

A superb Roland Davies try, converted by himself, was the final score, in a breathtaking second half, that will be remembered for a long time to come.

Staines' final London Division One game against Southend takes place on Saturday March 14. KO 2.30pm.

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