Rugby.

Old Rutlishians 11 - Old Tiffinians 20.

Try: Agyarko

Penalties: Sadiq (2)

Saturday, Febraury 7

"Can someone tell me how we managed to lose that?" asked flanker John Bohan in the Rutlishian dressing room after the game. An no one could answer him. Somehow the home side contrived to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in a match they had dominated and led with 10 minutes to play.

The result was typical of Ruts' late season form. Before Christmas they had won 13 out of 15 and looked unstoppable, but since then have lost seven and won only five. Injury to several key players like Graham Blenman and Lee Gregory have had some impact, but such matters affect all teams at this stage of the year. The problem lies deeper and coach Nick Page is already planning an intensive summer training programme to ensure that the players achieve better fitness levels which they retain throughout the winter.

Ruts had started so well, with quick ball taken on by first, Matt Carter and then, Dave Ruddock, and swift hands putting Fred Agyarko in at the corner. A disallowed try upset Ruts' momentum, and then a catalogue of errors eventually let Tiffs in for an easy score. Nevertheless, a Zedi Sadiq penalty ensured that Ruts changed ends 8-5 ahead, and another one soon after the restart extended the lead.

After that, despite the lion's share of possession, Ruts managed to concede a try and a penalty to let the visitors go in front and an injury-time converted try put the result beyond doubt. Rutlishians must raise their game if they are to take anything from their four remaining matches.

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