Old Oundelians 12-12

Streatham-Croydon A disputed knock-on by Patrik Kowalski with the try-line at his mercy denied Streatham maximum points as they drew 12-12 with Surrey Three’s bottom side Old Oundelians.

With the scores tied at 12-12 Streatham’s lightning fast Polish open-side failed to take a pass cleanly but re-gathered without the ball hitting the floor; with open space in front of him, he looked sure to score before the referee pulled him back for the harshest of knock-on decisions.

Streatham looked a little rusty after having the last three Saturdays off and they will look to improve with testing derby games coming up in December against Merton and Mitcham.

Streatham found themselves 12-0 down early in the first half as Old O’s opened with by far the better start, quick ruck ball and good off-loading by their back row creating the space for a converted try.

They then pounced on some poor ball control by Streatham to extend their lead to 12-0 after half an hour.

Streatham’s pack were beginning to boss matters in the tight though, pressuring Old O’s at the scrum and denying their backs quality ball.

It was through this pressure and well-controlled mauling that created the platform for Oliver Goldsmith to burrow over for Streatham’s first try.

Charlie Greenhill converted to send the visitors in at half-time 12-7 behind.

Streatham continued to out-muscle their opponents in the second-half but could not turn their possession into points.

It took a carbon copy of their first try, once they got within range, for Goldsmith to once more cross for a try thanks to good work from the pack.

This time Greenhill could not convert and both side had to settle for a draw.

Saturday sees Streatham host Merton in the first of two December derbies at Frant Road, kick-off 2.15pm.