Saturday January 28th, 2012
Old Cooperians' hosted Mllwall in this (60 + points ) Essex 1 League game.
Coopers with a much depleted team through injuries were the first ti score on five minutes when centre Jack Bryan caught a high ball on his own 22 and out paced Millwall forwards and backs before slipping a pass to outside centre Harry Fayers to touch down under the post that scrum half Michael Dennis converted. Millwall came back strongly and took the game to Coopers and score two unconverted tries before Dennis touched down for Coopers. With the ball moving fast from one end of the field to the other Millwall caught Coopers napping and scored further unconverted tries in the thirty eight and fortieth minutes.
Score at half time Old Cooperians' 12 pts, Millwall 20 pts.
From the kick off Millwall attacked and extended their lead with their fifth try that was converted. Coopers regrouped and a quick tap penalty by Dennis released winger Mark Newman to score under the posts that Dennis converted. Coopers brought on Simon Powell as flanker for prop Sean Kavanagh with flanker Ray Flowers moving up to prop. Coopers forwards then gained an ascendancy and on sixty five minutes an excellent rolling maul allowed Powell to touch down for Coopers fourth try. Flowers received a heavy blow to the head and Luke Taylor replaced him with Rob Anderson moving into the front row. with only a five minutes remaining Coopers gave away a penalty on their 22 that the Millwall No 8 slotted over but Coopers came back strongly and with only two minutes left Newman was released and flew down the wing to score his second and Coopers fifth try that Dennis converted for Coopers to take a one point lead. From the kick off Millwall drove into Coopers half and a Coopers forward was judged to have handled in a ruck for a penalty and with the last kick of the game Millwall regained the lead by two points.
Final score Old Cooperians' 31 pts, Millwall 33 pts
Old Brentwoods 11 10 0 1 344 132 212 7 47
Maldon 11 8 0 3 306 150 156 8 41
Billericay 11 8 0 3 314 209 105 7 39
Clacton 11 6 1 4 308 222 86 6 32
Bancroft 11 6 0 5 277 222 55 6 30
Old Cooperians 11 4 2 5 257 222 35 6 26
Upper Clapton 11 5 0 6 236 279 -43 4 24
Pegasus Palmerians 11 3 0 8 205 269 -64 5 17
Millwall 11 3 1 7 149 380 -231 2 6 -10
Writtle Wanderers 11 0 0 11 134 445 -311 2 -3 -5
Last Updated: Jan 28 2012 5:26PM
Saturday January 14th, 2012
Old Cooperians travelled to top of the league Billericay for this Essex 1 game and came away with an excellent win to start the New Year.
Coopers kicked off and attacked the Billericay backs and were awarded a penalty however the resulting kick was just wide of the posts. Billericay's heavy weight forwards dominated the scrums but tenacious tackling by Coopers disrupted their play and another penalty by Billericay was slotted over by fly half Adam Kain. With the ball flowing from one end of the field to the other no side was able to cross the try line. On thirty minutes Coopers hooker Ray Flowers was yellow carded for handling in a ruck having been warned by the referee however Billericay missed the kick. Five minutes later Coopers high kick and charge downfield resulted in a scummage on Billericay's five yard line and excellent pressure by the forwards resulted in quick ball to right wing Joe Woodhall who dived over for Coopers first try. Billericay mounted continuous close forward play and with the first half coming to an end they released their right winger to evade two tackles and run round to score under the post that was then converted.
Score at half time: Billericay 7 pts, Old Cooperians' 8 pts.
Within three minutes of the start if the second half Billericay were again caught not releasing the ball following a tackle and Kain slotted over the penalty kick. With Billericay now with the slope in their favour continued to dominate but ferocious tackling by all Coopers players stymied any back row moves. On sixty minutes Coopers brought on subs Fatjon Qela for hooker Ray Flowers and Joe Wyatt for Adam Kain who had suffered a kick in the leg with Joe Woodhall moving to fly half. Midway through the final quarter of the game Coopers achieved a tutn around on Billerucay 222 and flanker Alex Reed picked up the ball broke two attempted tackles and scored Coopers second try under the posts with Joe Woodhall making the conversion. Coopers then made their final change with Rob Lancaster replacing Tom Downey. Coopers held out to sustained pressure as Billericay attempted to maintain their table topping position in the league but not until the final minute of the game were their forwards rewarded with a powerful maul that resulted in their second try that was converted.
Final score Billericay 14 pts, Old Cooperians 18 pts.
Old Brentwoods 10 9 0 1 336 125 211 7 43 0
Maldon 10 8 0 2 299 142 157 7 40 0
Billericay 10 8 0 2 306 172 134 7 39 0
Clacton 10 5 1 4 271 214 57 5 27 0
Bancroft 10 5 0 5 229 214 15 5 25 0
Old Cooperians 10 4 2 4 226 189 37 4 24 0
Upper Clapton 10 4 0 6 207 255 -48 3 19 0
Pegasus Palmerians10 3 0 7 181 240 -59 3 15 0
Millwall 10 2 1 7 116 349 -233 1 1 -10
Writtle Wanderers 10 0 0 10 126 397 -271 2 -3 -5
Saturday 17th December, 2011
Old Cooperians' travelled to Coryton for this Essex 1 game against Pegasus Palmerians and came away with a win and bonus point.
Coopers took the lead in the fourth minute when fly half Adam Kain picked up a loose ball, from a scrum, and with the pack behind him surge over the try line for a try that he then converted. Pegasus came back with three points from a penalty when Coopers backs were caught off side. They extended the lead on twenty minutes with a well worked unconverted try by the outside centre and another three points from a penalty kick for a high tackle to lead at half time by 4 points. Coopers flanker Rob Andersen by yellow carded for taking a man out without the ball on half time.
Score at half time Pegasus Palmerians' 11, Old Cooperians 7
Coopers brought on Josh Taylor for lock Rob Lancaster at the break and with Coopers kicking off won the ball and from the resulting scrum on Pegasus 22 line drove the Pegasus pack back and Josh Taylor was able to dive over for his try. Pegasus had the loose head prop and Coopers No 8 Ross Scott yellow carded following an altercation on six minutes. Play flowed from end to end of the field but another well worked forward move saw prop John Woodhall barrel over for Coopers third try. On twenty minutes Pegasus were reduced to fourteen men when the tight head prop was red carded for stamping at a ruck. The best try came two minutes later when a cross field kick by Kain from the left hand touch line was well caught by full back Joe Woodhall on the right hand touch line to run round under the posts for his try that Kain then converted. Pegasus were not finished and on thirty minutes a back row move saw them break the Coopers defence and score their second try. Dale Mussington came on for hooker Sean Kavanagh with Robert Miller going to hooker for the final quarter which saw no further scoring. With the last play of the game Coopers lock Greg Fox was yellow carded.
Final score Pegasus Palmerians' 16 pts, Old Cooperians' 24 pts
Coopers 2nd XV played Thames 2nds at the School and won by 88 to 7 with full back Stephen Fletcher scoring five tries and them converting them.
Essex 1 League position following todays game is:
P W D L F A Diff Bpts Pts Adj
Old Brentwoods 9 8 0 1 307 106 201 6 38
Billericay 9 8 0 1 292 154 138 6 38
Maldon 8 6 0 2 259 124 135 6 30
Bancroft 9 5 0 4 211 174 37 5 25
Clacton 9 4 1 4 238 193 45 4 22
Old Cooperians 9 3 2 4 208 175 33 4 20
Upper Clapton 9 4 0 5 188 226 -38 3 19
Pegasus Palmerians 9 3 0 6 171 202 -31 3 15
Millwall 9 1 1 6 78 339 -261 0 1 -5
Writtle Wanders 9 0 0 9 105 364 -259 2 -3 -5
Saturday 3rd December, 2011
Old Cooperians' hosted Old Brentwoods' in this Essex 1 game at the School and despite losing put up a credible performance.
Coopers took the lead in the fourth minute when Old Brentwoods' were caught off side and fly half Adam Kain slotted the kick between the posts. Brentwood with a heavier pack and set of backs pushed Coopers back and on the defence and were rewarded with a successful penalty kick on twenty minutes when Coopers were themselves judged to be off side. Six minutes later Old Brentwoods' scored their first converted try when a kick and run thru' over the Coopers back line was successful. Old Brentwoods' added to their score with another penalty when a Coopers' player went in at the side of a ruck. In the closing minutes of the first half Coopers' reduced the deficit with two penalty kicks by Kain when Brentwoods' players were off their feet at a ruck.
Score at half time: Old Cooperians' 9 pts, Old Brentwoods' 13 pts.
Coopers' made two changes with Luke Taylor replacing hooker Sean Kavanagh with Ray Flowers moving from flanker to hooker and Kieran Kavanagh coming on for lock John Woodhall. Brentwoods' continued to pressurize the Coopers defence and in the fifty fourth minute as the Coopers' were moving the ball out of their twenty two the ball was stolen from the grip of a Coopers' hand and Old Brentwoods' ran through to score their second converted try. Coopers immediately came back with a fourth penalty kick by Kain only for Old Brentwoods' to add to their score with their third successful penalty kick. Coopers' were attacking the Old Brentwoods' goal line following excellent forward play but although Old Brentwoods' players were clearly off their feet the referee, possibly unsighted, decided not to whistle until the ball was cleared. Coopers added another penalty kick by Kain who had an excellent game.
Final score: Old Cooperians' 15 pts, Old Brentwoods' 23 pts.
Saturday 19th November, 2011
Old Cooperians' travelled for this Essex 1 League game against Bancroft.
Bancroft kicked off and kept the ball in Coopers half for the first fifteen minutes of the game missing one penalty kick and scoring a second when Coopers were penalised for holding onto the ball when tackled. Coopers forwards began to counter Bancroft's and on twenty five minutes won a loose ball and good passing gave the opportunity for prop Fatjon Qela to run for the corner before being hauled down around the neck by the Bancroft No 8. Coopers were awarded a penalty try that full back Jack Bryan converted and the Bancroft player was yellow carded. five minutes later Coopers had a line out ten metres from Bancroft the try line. A well worked training ground move saw an excellent throw-in by lock John Woodhall being caught by lock Tom Downey who returned the ball to Woodhall to break thhrough a gap in the Bancroft line to score a try. Bancroft received their second yellow card just before the interval for persistent offending.
Score at half time: Bancroft 3, Old Cooperians' 12.
Coopers sat back at the start of the second half and allowed Bancroft to regain the initiative. They reduced the deficit with a penalty kick when Coopers' were caught offside in their own 22, which was quickly followed with a converted try when a poor pass was fumbled by Cooperas' backs and Bancroft scored their first try. Coopers brought on subs Sean Kavanagh to replace Qela who was stiil feeling the effects of the high tackle and Rob Anderson replaced prop Nathaniel John. A careless kick of the ball in frustration, at a Bancroft line out, resulted in a successful penalty kick by Bancroft to take a four point lead. With five minute of normal time remaining Bancroft scored their second try only to have receive their third yellow card for indiscipline. Coopers' were not yet finished and an excellent passage of play by forwards and backs, for fifteen phases in the Bancroft 22, was finally rewarded when winger Alex Reed forced his way over the line under the posts for Coopers' third try of the game that Bryan converted to gain a bonus point. During this phase of the game Bancroft received their fourth yellow card.
Final score; Bancroft 21 pts, Old Cooperians' 19 pts
Billericay 7 7 0 0 235 108 127 5 33
Old Brentwoods 6 5 0 1 229 56 173 5 25
Maldon 6 4 0 2 160 90 70 4 20
Bancroft 6 4 0 2 126 104 22 3 19
Clacton 7 3 1 3 210 136 74 4 18
Old Cooperians 7 2 2 3 169 136 33 3 15
Pegasus Palmerians 7 3 0 4 142 164 -22 2 14
Upper Clapton 7 3 0 4 125 168 -43 2 14
Millwall 6 0 1 5 49 267 -218 0 -3
Writtle Wanderers 7 0 0 7 83 299 -216 1 -4
Saturday 12th November, 2011
Old Cooperians' hosted Writtle Wanderers in this Essex 1 League game at the School and were worthy winners.
Coopers dominated the first half and Writtle only had the ball in the Coopers half from the kick offs. On ten minutes fly half Adam Kain opened the scoring with a well taken penalty when Writtle were caught offside. Three minutes later outside centre Harry Fayers charged down a Writtle clearance and grounded the ball under the post that Kain converted. Coopers were in full flow and an excellent passing move between five players resulted in flanker Rob Anderson scoring a try by the left corner flag. Another move down the right side of the field gave the opportunity for full back Jack Bryan to score Coopers third try came when Anderson burst over for his second try. On thirty minutes Coopers forwards forced Writtle over the try line for hooker Ray Flowers to touch down. With half time approaching man of the match Adam Kain evaded the Writtle defence to touch down under the post and then convert the kick. Harry Fayers added the seventh try of the half which Kain converted.
Score at half time: Old Cooperians 46 pts, Writtle Wanderers 0
Following some stern talking by the Writtle coach at half time the second half saw Writtle force the pace and score two tries in the first five minutes, one of which was converted, with their forwards forcing Coopers back over the try line. Coopers re grouped and inside centre and captain Luke Taylor ran through the Writtle backs to score a try in the fiftieth minute. However Writtle came back and on sixty fifth minutes their forwards scored the third try. Coopers ninth and final try was scored by scrum half Michael Dennis with a quick tap penalty and a ten yard run to the try line to complete an excellent game and 5 league points for Coopers.
Final score Old Cooperians 56 pts, Writtle Wanderers 17 pts.
Billericay 6 6 0 0 196 96 100 4 28
Old Brentwoods 5 4 0 1 176 34 142 4 20
Maldon 6 4 0 2 160 90 70 4 20
Clacton 6 3 1 2 180 96 84 3 17
Bancroft 5 3 0 2 105 85 20 3 15
Pegasus Palmerians 6 3 0 3 120 111 9 2 14
Old Cooperians 6 2 2 2 150 115 35 2 14
Upper Clapton 6 2 0 4 85 138 -53 1 9
Millwall 6 0 1 5 49 267 -218 0 -3
Writtle Wanderers 6 0 0 6 71 260 -189 1 -4
Saturday October 29th, 2011
Old Cooperians' travelled to Maldon for this Essex 1 game and came away without any points.
Coopers fielded a weakened side with injuries and sickness and only one sub available. The majority of play in the first quarter was in Coopers half howevr Maldon were unable to penetrate Coopers defence. Coopers forwards were holding their own in both the set scrums and the lineouts and were rewarded in the twenty eight minute when fullback and new signing Tom Billinghurst slotted over a penalty kick. This was followed by superb passage of play by Coopers that saw quick ball to centre Harry Fayers who beat a tackle and off loaded to flanker Dale Mussington to run under the post for a try that was converted by Billinghurst.
Maldon immediately came back with a quick tap penalty in Coopers 22 and feed to the right wing for a try in the corner. Maldon took the lead just before half time when good ball handling allowed the right wing to run down the line and score under the posts for a converted try.
Score at half time Maldon 12, Old Cooperians' 10.
Coopers tired in the second half and with no forward substitutes and Maldon took the advantage, although receiving three yellows and one red card, and added three more tries to a single penalty kick by Billinghurst when Maldon were caught offside.
Final score: Maldon 29 pts, Old Cooperians 13 pts
Billericay 5 5 0 0 172 74 98 4 24
Maldon 5 4 0 1 138 66 72 3 19
Clacton 5 3 1 1 166 73 93 3 17
Old Brentwoods 4 3 0 1 153 20 133 4 16
Bancroft 4 3 0 1 100 59 41 3 15
Pegasus Palmerians 5 2 0 3 94 106 -12 1 9
Old Cooperians 5 1 2 2 94 98 -4 1 9
Upper Clapton 5 1 0 4 66 133 -204 0 2
Writtle Wanderers 5 0 0 5 54 204 -150 1 1
Saturday October 22, 2011
Old Cooperians' hosted Upper Clapton in this Essex 1 game and were worthy winners scoring seven tries to two and gaining their first bonus point of the season.
Upper Clapton kicked off into a strong wind and it was immediately kicked back towards the left touch line and palmed into touch by the Clapton wing. An excellent lineout by Coopers was then fed along the backs and inside centre and captain Luke Taylor ran through to score the first try. Ten minutes later the Coopers forwards won a scrum on the Clapton 22 line and from the resulting maul pushed Clapton's pack back and left wing Dirk de Villiers who had joined the pack was able to touch down for a try. Coopers forwards were dominating both line outs and scrums and on thirty minutes were rewarded when another maul inside Clapton's 22 resulted in lock Ross Smith scoring Coopers third try. Egiht minutes later outside centre Harry Fayers broke through the Clapton's defence and scored his first try, that he then converted. With the Coopers' forwards rampant prop John Woodhall caught a high ball on the right wing and ran through to score an excellent try that was converted.
Score at half time: Old Cooperians' 29, Upper Clapton 0.
With the wind and slope now in their favour Upper Clapton scored from the kick off when the left wing ran through the Coopers' defence. Clapton pressurised Coopers' for the next five minutes and a loose clearance kick by Coopers' from the five yard line was blown back and caught by Clapton who touched down to score their second try that was converted. Coopers brought on Dave Pudney for fly half Mark Sansom and with full back Brad Tiffin suffering with cramp he was replaced by Mark Newman. With twenty minutes gone Coopers' were once again attacking the Clapton line and following a maul tempers were lost and Coopers' prop Terry Snooks was red carded. Coopers' did not allow the loss of a forward to disrupt their play with De Villiers joining the pack and they were rewarded when John Woodhall touched down for his second try on seventy minutes and Harry Fayers then scored his second try five minutes later.
Score at full time: Old Cooperians' 39 pts, Upper Clapton 12 pts
Saturday October 8th, 2011
Old Cooperians travelled to The Isle Of Dogs to play Millwall in this Essex 1 game.
Coopers started strongly and attacked Millwall for the first fifteen minutes but were unable to get over the goal line. Millwall then broke through the Coopers defence and opened the scoring with a converted try on twenty minutes and extended their lead with a second try five minutes later. On thirty minutes Coopers were awarded a penalty on Millwall twenty two line and a quick tap by newly signed scrum half Michael Dennis and a off load to No.8 Ross Smith for him to run through and score a try. With heavy tackling in the scrums lock Tom Downey took a blow to the head and Dale Mussington came on and just prior to half time prop Nathaniel John suffered an injury to his shoulder with Terry Snooks coming on.
Score at half time Millwall 12, Old Cooperians 5
With the wind behind them Coopers forced the pace but stout defending by Millwall kept them out until five minutes from the end when Inside centre Luke Taylor broke through and with a forty yard run touched down for a try that outside centre Harry Fayers converted.
Finnal score: Millwall 12 pts, Old Cooperians 12 pts
Saturday Oct 1st, 2011
Old Cooperians' hosted Billericay in this Essex 1 game at St Marys Lane.
Within the first ten minutes of the game Billericay had scored three tries with their forwards blasting through the Cooperians defence. Coppers then got into the game and on fifteen minutes centre Harry Fayers received a good ball and broke through to score under the posts and then converted the kick. As half time approached Coopers reduced the points difference when captain and fly half Luke Taylor scored a try. However Billercay came back immediately with a drop goal.
Score at half time: Old Cooperians 12, Billericay 20.
Coopers took the game and pressurised the Billericay goal line but on each occasion were held up. A break away on fifty minutes by Billericay brought their fourth try that was converted, however continuous pressure by Coopers resulted in Fayers scoring his second try by the right hand post. However Billericay put the game to bed with a fifth try and their second win of the season.
Full time score Old Cooperians' 17 pts, Billerucay 32 pts.
Saturday Sept 24, 2011
Old Cooperians' hosted Clacton in this first Essex 1 League game of the season.
Clacton with a heavier pack put Coopers under pressure from the kick off, although both teams ran the ball along their backs at every opportunity. A long kick by the Clacton scrum half down the right touch line into Coopers 22 was followed up and from the ensuing ruck Clacton managed to get the ball over the goal line and although the ball was clearly held up by Coopers flanker Rob Anderson the referee awarded a try. Both sides continued to play aggressive rugby and penalties came thick and fast but no points came from them. Just before half time an excellent cross field kick by Coopers fly half Scot Sarson was caught by left wing Dirk De Villiers who beat his man and passed inside to centre Alex Raymond and on to scrum half Dave Pudney to score under the posts with Sarson adding two points with the conversion.
Score at half time Old Cooperians 7 Clacton 5.
Fifteen minutes into the second half Coopers extended their slender lead with a forty yard drop goal by Sarson. Coopers made two substitutions with Joey Wyatt replacing Pudney at scrum half and Luke Taylor for De Villiers. Clacton bounced back and closed the gap with a break away try under the post on thirty minutes but the conversion kick was missed. Clacton took the lead in the second minute of injury time when awarded a penalty on the 22 line with Coopers were again caught offside. However with the last penalty kick off the game from just inside Clacton half Sarson landed a magnificent kick to bring the game level on points
Full time score: Old Cooperians 13 pts, Clacton 13 pts.
Saturday April 9th, 2011
Old Cooperians' hosted Millwall in this last game of the season.
Millwall got off to a flyer from the kick off and only strong defesive play kept them out. On seven minutes a loose ball was picked up by the Millwall centre who made twenty yards before releasing the left wing to score their first converted try. Coopers came back strongly, with flanker Terry Snooks carrying the ball at every opportunity, but could not penetrate the Millwall defence over the next thirty minutes. With half time approaching a well worked ball along the Millwall back row saw them touch down for their second converted try.
Score at half time Old Cooperians' 0 pts, Millwall 14 pts.
Coopers were awarded a penalty kick that fly half Mark Sansom slotted over when a Millwall forward went into a ruck from the side. With sixty minutes gone Coopers No8 Rob Anderson was yellow carded for a tackle off the ball and four minutes later Millwall scored their third converted try. Coopers brought on Dirk de Villiers for centre Brad Tiffin and Adam Watts for winger Mark Newman. Coopers were still playing attacking rugby and on seventy five minutes inside centre Alex Reed finally broke through the Millwall defence to score Coopers only try that Sansom converted. With the last play of the game Coopers fumbled a ball in their own goal area that was touched down by Millwall for their fourth converted try and a bonus point.
Final score Old Cooperian' 10 pts, Millwall 28 pts.
Final League Table P W D L F A Diff B/P P Adj
East London 20 18 1 1 700 188 512 16 90 0
Millwall 20 16 0 4 666 277 389 14 73 -5
Maldon 20 12 0 8 533 358 175 12 60 0
Billericay 20 13 1 6 414 277 137 7 53 -8
Old Cooperians 20 10 0 10 282 389 -107 7 47 0
Old Brentwoods 20 8 2 10 322 367 -45 10 41 -5
Pegasus Palmerians 20 7 1 12 328 413 -85 9 39 0
Clacton 20 6 1 13 257 332 -75 8 34 0
Brightlingsea 20 6 0 14 280 570 -290 6 30 0
Thames 20 5 2 13 246 530 -284 4 28 0
Dagenham 20 4 2 14 299 626 -327 6 22 -4
Last Updated: Apr 9 2011 5:54PM
Saturday March 276th, 2011
Old Cooperians travelled to Billericay for this Essex 1 return game.
Coopers smarting from a heavy defeat the previous week were once again behind on eight minutes when the Billericay pack which had a considerable weight advantage won their own lineout on Coopers 5 yard line and from the ensuing maul pushed Coopers back over the goal line for the first try. Coopers full back Dale Mussington had to come off having twisted his ankle in the warm up and Alex Reed took his place. Coopers missed a penalty kick on fifteen minute but reduced the deficit ten minutes later when fly half Joe Woodhall was successful with his second penalty kick. Prop Terry Snooks was yellow carded for an infringement and just prior to half time another Billericay maul repeated their earlier success with a second try.
Score at half time Billericay 10 pts, Old Cooperians 3 pts.
With the slope now in Coopers favour they put Billericay under severe pressure with outstanding play by the forwards and backs that kept Billericay in their 22 for some twenty minutes but were unable to get the ball over the goal line despite numerous attempts. Following a long clearance kick Billericay won the line out and quick ball along the backs saw the right winger go over for Billericay's third try. Aggressive play from both sides resulted in No 8 Rob Anderson being yellow carded on seventy minutes and Terry Snooks receiving red card for retaliation three minutes before the end of the game.
Score at full time: Billericay 15 points, Old Cooperians' 3 points
Team P W D L F A Diff B Pts Pts Adjust
East London 18 16 1 1 630 147 483 14 80 0
Millwall 18 14 0 4 621 254 367 13 64 -5
Maldon 18 11 0 7 504 311 193 12 56 0
Billericay 18 12 1 5 312 244 68 5 47 -8
Old Cooperians 19 10 0 9 272 361 -89 7 47 0
Old Brentwoods 19 8 2 9 315 357 -42 9 40 -5
Pegasus Palmerians 18 6 1 11 265 377 -112 7 33 0
Clacton 19 6 0 13 241 316 -75 8 32 0
Brightlingsea 19 6 0 13 263 544 -281 6 30 0
Dagenham 18 4 2 12 277 496 -219 6 22 -4
Thames 18 4 1 13 204 497 -293 3 21 0
Saturday March 19th, 2011
Old Cooperians' hosted Billericay in this postponed Essex 1 fixture and suffered their biggest loss of the season.
Old Cooperians attacked from the kick off and had two opportunities to score from scrums in Billericay's 22 but were held by a resolute defence. On six minutes Billericay opened the scoring with a back row move that saw the left wing out pace the Coopers defence to score a converted try. Coopeers tackling was lacking and two further tries were scored in the first half.
Score at half time: Coopers 0, Billericay 17 pts.
Coopers were out paced in the second half and Billericay added four further tries of which two were converted to complete a fine result
Score at full time: Old Cooperians' 0 pts, Billericay 41 pts
Saturday March 12th, 2011
Old Cooperians hosted 2nd place Maldon in this Essex 1 and were worthy winners.
Maldon struck in the fifteenth minute with an excellent back row move that released the left wing to score their first try, that was converted. Coopers could not get into the opponents half and only stout defensive tackling kept Maldon at bay. However on thirty minutes a replica back row move by Maldon backs saw their second try scored by the left wing. Just on half time Coopers were awarded a penalty when Maldon were judged to be holding onto the ball following a tackle and full back Harry Fayers slotted the ball between the posts.
Score at half time: Old Cooperians 3 pts, Maldon 12 pts
With scrum half Matt Cumbers injured James Edgar moved from flyhalf with Fayers taking his place and Adam Watts coming on at fullback. From the kick off Coopers forwards took the ascendancy and dominated the Maldon pack. With some good fly kicking by Fayers and Edgar Maldon were put on the back foot and on fifty minutes Coopers forwards won a scrum against the head and pushed the Maldon pack back some fifteen yards and over the goal line for flanker Jack Relph to touch done for Coopers first try that Fayers converted. From the kick off Coopers caught the ball and quick ball to Fayers gave him the space to accelerate through the Maldon forwards and backs to score Coopers second try and the lead by three points. Coopers third try came on sixty five minutes when another excellent passage of forward play in Maldon 22 saw lock George Wilkins pick up and drive over the goal line. Coopers then brought on Alex Reed for lock Rob Lancaster and Kieran Kavanagh for winger Mark Newman and contained Maldon attack for the last fifteen minutes to score an excellent victory.
Final score: Old Cooperians 20 points, Maldon 12 points
Saturday March 5th, 2011
Old Cooperians hosted Old Brentwood in this Essex 1 League game and were worthy winners.
Both sides played attacking rugby from the kick off, on ten minutes Coopers won the ball and quick ball to fly half Mark Sansom saw him gain some twenty yards only to be stopped by a heavy tackle that put his shoulder out and Jack Bryan replaced him. On twenty minutes Coopers forwards won a scrum on Old Brentwood 5 yard line and quick pick up and feed down the back line allowed outside centre Dale Mussington to glide through for a try under the posts that Bryan converted. Full back Harry Fayers caught a high ball on thirty minutes and gained forty yards before off loading to flanker Jack Relph who touched down for Coopers second try. Old Brentwood put their first points on the score sheet just before half time with a penalty kick when Coopers were judged to be holding on to the ball following a tackle.
Score at half time Old Cooperians 12 pts, Old Brentwood 3 pts.
Twelve minutes into the second half Coopers brought on Nathaniel John as prop with Sean Kavanagh moving to second row. Two minutes later Coopers forwards set up a rolling maul and pushed Old Brentwood pack back fifteen yards before lock Rob Lancaster broke free with the ball and went over the goal line for his first try of the season. Old Brentwood added 3 points with another penalty kick for holding. Coopers then brought on their final sub with winger James Edgar replacing Tom Simmonds.
At the start of the fourth quarter Coopers forwards were pressurising Old Brentwood and replacement prop Nathaniel John made an excellent thirty yard run through the defence to then pass to Dale Mussington to score his second try that Bryan converted to give Coopers a bonus try for scoring four tries in a game. With full time beckoning Brentwood scrum half made an interception in their own half of the field and ran some sixty yards to score their only try that was converted.
Score at Full time Old Cooperians 24 points, Old Brentwood 13 points.
Saturday February 26th, 2011
Old Cooperians' travelled to Dagenham for this Essex 1 league game and came away with a creditable victory.
Both sides played attacking rugby on a very heavy and wet pitch. On eleven minutes Dagenham launched an attack down the centre of the pitch but a timely interception by outside centre Mark Newman on the half way line saw him accelerate past the Dagenham full back and score a try under the posts which was converted by flyhalf Scott Sarson. Dagenham retaliated and with thirty minutes played, following some loose play by Coopers in their own 22, a fly kick by was grounded for a try. Coopers missed an opportunity to increase their lead but the penalty kick was missed..
Score at half time: Dagenham 5 pts, Old Cooperians 7 pts.
Coopers brought on Nathaniel John for prop Chris Nicholls and Tom Wheatley for No 8 Tom Downey who had received an injury to his hand. Within five minutes Coopers had to make their final change with an ankle injury to scrum half Joey Wyatt, Scott Sarson switched to scrum half with Adam Watts on the wing and Richard Symes moving to fly half. Dagenham took the lead with a successful penalty kick midway through the half having missed one a few minutes earlier, that had rebounded off the post. Coopers then missed a second penalty kick, however with five minutes of normal time remaining a well executed back row move resulted in full back Harry Fayers bursting through two tackles to score a try near the corner flag. Dagenham exerted continual pressure but excellent defence by all of the Coopers forwards prevented them getting over the goal line. With time running out Dagenham missed a second penalty kick of the half and Coopers had returned to winning ways.
Score at full time: Dagenham 8 pts, Old Cooperians' 12 pts.
Saturday February 19th, 2011
Old Cooperians hosted league leaders East London in this Essex 1 game, and what a cracking game it was.
From the kick off Coopers surged into East London territory and threatened the goal line only for the left wing in clearing to be bundled into touch and sustained a dislocated shoulder. On fourteen minutes Coopers took the lead when from a ruck in East London 22 lock John Woodhall picked up fed his partner Ross Smith who slipped the ball to scrum half Ben Snooks to touch down for the first try which fly half Mark Sansom converted. East London fullback was yellow carded for blocking Coopers No 8 Tom Downey as he entered the 22 with the goal line beckoning and no other defender in sight. East London came back and on thirty five minutes an excellent movement of the ball along the backs ended with the full back receiving on the left wing to score a converted try. Coopers immediately came back into East London 22 and on two occasion crossed the goal line only for the referee to decide that the ball was held up and not grounded, albeit he was on the wrong side of the action for the second attempt when right wing Richard Syme touched down. Not to be beaten Woodhall moments later drove over for Coopers second try.
Score at half time Old Cooperians 12 pts, East London 7 pts.
Within three minutes of the second half East London forwards secured the ball from a 5 yard scrum and the No 8 fed his scrum half who scored their second converted try to take the lead. On fifty minutes Coopers had to regroup when prop Tel Snooks was injured and Scott Sarson, just back from Afganistan, came on at centre with Woodhall moving to prop and Dale Mussington at flanker. Mussington was then yellow carded for an infringement, however Coopers were awarded two opportunities to retake the lead with penalty kicks in East London 22 but the clinging mud had the ball drop short on both occasions. On sixty five minutes East London scored their third converted try. With the pulsating game drawing to a close an infringement near the touch line saw a East London player lose it and strike Woodhall and Coopers scrum half retaliated leaving the referee no option other to send both players off with red cards. With six minutes still remaining Coopers forwards exerted strong pressure in their opponents 22 but could not get over the goal line. Finally Sarson made a cross field kick to winger Mark Newman but despite an excellent effort East London touched down and from the ensuing 22 drop out charged up field with a break away and scored their fourth try.
Final score Old Cooperians 12 pts, East London 24 pts.
Saturday February 12th, 2011
Old Cooperians travelled to Maldon for this Essex 1 game.
Maldon opened strongly and within two minutes had scored their first try. Coopers reduced the arrear soon after when Maldon were judged to have handled in a ruck and fly half Jack Bryan slotted the kick over. Both sides shared the play for the next twenty minutes with Coopers unable to break the Maldon defence. With half time approaching Coopers were caught with a hand in a ruck on their five yard line and with a tap penalty Maldons were over the goal line for their second try.
Score at half time Maldon 10 pts, Old Cooperians 3 pts.
With injuries to prop Terry Snooks brought on Michael dela Fuente as lock and revised the pack line up with Rob Anderson moving to prop George Wilkins going to No 8. Coopers could not contain a rampaging Maldon and four further tries were conceded in the last quarter of which two were converted.
Final score Maldon 34 pts, Old Coopertians 3 pts
Saturday January 29th, 2011
Coopers travelled to Fobbing for this Essex 1 game versus Pegasus and lost 12 -6.
Coopers opened the scoring on five minutes when Pegasus forwards were caught offside and fly half Jack Bryan slotted the kick over for 3 points. Coopers forwards were putting the Pegasus pack under considerable pressure and on fifteen minutes No 8 Dale Mussington from a five yard scrum was held with the goal line beckoning. With half time approaching Bryan extended Coopers lead with another well taken penalty kick.
Score at half time Pegasus 0, Old Cooperians 6 pts.
Coopers did not maintain the forwards pressure in the second half and Pegasus were fired up when a hospital loop pass by Bryan in Coopers 22 was intercepted and Pegasus player ran through and touched down for their first try which was converted. Coopers backs continued to run the ball at every opportunity but good defence by Pegasus prevented any further score. With tfifteen minutes to go Coopers brought on Rob Lancaster as lock for flanker Tom Wheatley but to no avail and In injury time Pegasus forwards won a five yard scrum and their No 8 picked up and scored their second try to earn them the victory.
Score at full tim2 Pegasus 12 pts, Old Cooperians 6 pts
With Maldon losing at Thames, Coopers remain in third place 2 points behind Maldon
Saturday January 22nd, 2011
Old Cooperians hosted Clacton for this Essex1 game and narrowly edged out the visitors.
Cooperians were immediately under pressure from the Clacton attack and did not get into their opponents half for the first ten minutes, however strong scummaging by Coopers forwards prevented Clacton making any headway. On eighteen minutes a loose ball was picked up by scum half Joey Wyatt who fed an inside pass to outside centre Harry Fayers on a superb diagonal run which broke the Clacton defence to score the first try. Clacton fullback and kicker had to be substituted when he aggravated a back injury. Coopers played some delightful moves but were unable to put points on the board.
Score at half time Old Cooperians 5, Clacton 0
Ten minutes into the second half Coopers flanker Dale Mussington chased a fly kick itowards Clactons goal line and only a quick pick up by the Clacton fullback and kick put the ball into touch on the 5 yard line. Coopers fprwards won the line out and in the following maul pushed the Clacton pack over their goal line for Coopers skipper and prop Terry Snooks to touch down by the corner flag. Coopers made three changes of personnel with Ben Snooks replacing scrum half Joey Wyatt, Tom Wheatley for lock George Wilkins and Tom Knight for full back Adam Watts. Both sides continued to play attractive moves and Clacton were rewarded in the second minute of injury time with a forward move that resulted in a converted try under the posts and a bonus point.
Score at full time Old Cooperians 10, Clacton 7
Saturday January 15th, 2011
Old Cooperians travelled to Brightlingsea for this Essex 1 hard fought game and finished the victors.
With a gale blowing from the south west Coopers playing against the wind took the lead in the third minute when they won a 5 yard scum in Brightlingsea 22 and No8 Tom Downey picked the ball up and drove over for his first try. Flyhalf Jack Bryan was unsuccessful with the conversion but made amends with a well taken penalty kick five minutes later to give Coopers an eight point lead. Brightlingsea came back strongly and put Coopers under severe pressure with long range kicks and excellent lineouts. Coopers retaliated by running the ball at every opportunity and some excellent passing between both forwards and backs culminated with prop Rob Anderson crossing the goal line for Coopers second try. Brightlinsea were rewarded for their effort when they burst through the Coopers defence for a try that was converted. A further penalty kick brought them within three points of Coopers at the break.
Score at half time: Brightlinsea 10, Old Cooperians 13.
Coopers made two changes bringing on Joey Wyatt for scrum half Ben Snooks who had taken a heavy blow to the shoulder in the first half andKieran Kavanagh for winger Dirk de Villiers. However Brightlingsea maintained their pressure and took a two point lead with their second try however they were giving away penalties and and Bryan was successful with his third attempt in the second half to restore Coopers lead by one point. Coopers made their third tactical change with Chris Smith replacing Bryan at fly half who moved to outside centre replacing Richard Symes. Both sides were putting extreme effort into maintaining their defences however with four minutes to go Coopers forwards made ground into Brightlinsea 22 and again prop Rob Anderson was in the right place to collect the ball and barrel over for his second try and seal a Coopers win.
Score at full time: Brightlingsea 15 pts, Old Cooperians 21 pts.
Saturday January 8th, 2011
Old Cooperians hosted Thames in this Essex 1 fixture after a five weeks lay off caused by frozen pitches and ran out winners by 6 tries to 3 tries.
Coopers immediately went on the attack and on twelve minutes fullback Harry Fayers burst through to score under the posts with fly half Jack Bryan converting. Thames forwards forced their way into Coopers 22 and only a timely kick by Bryan relieved the danger. On seventeen minutes flanker Dale Mussington broke the Thames defence to score a try that Bryan converted. From the kick off Coopers caught the ball and a quick passing movement along the backs saw Bryan cross the line for a Coopers try.
Thames got on the score board with a penalty when Coopers forwards were caught offside. Five minutes before the interval Fayers collected a ball on the half way line at pace and out stripped the Thames full back to score Coopers fourth try that Bryan converted.
Score at half time Old Cooperians 26 pts, Thames 3 pts
Thames forwards came out full of spirit in the second half and reduced the deficit when they score a converted try in the fiftieth minute. Coopers made two changes with Keith Duffy replacing lock Rob Lancaster and Kieran Kavanagh on for winger Dirk de Villiers. Coopers won a scrum in Thames 22 and Dale Mussington picked up the loose ball and broke three tackles to score his second try under the post with Bryan converting. Coopers made their third change with Sean Kavanagh replacing the injured prop Tel Snooks and their sixth try came five minutes later when excellent passing from their own half allowed winger Mark Newman to score with Bryan converting. Thames did not give up and pressure from their forwards saw them score two further converted tries in the last seven minutes.
Final score Old Cooperians 40 pts, Thames 24 pts
Saturday Nov 20th 2010
Old Cooperians switched the venue for this game home game against Old Brentwood in this Essex 1 encounter to Old Brentwood ground as the School pitches were not available.Both sides fielded strong teams and it was Coopers who opened the scoring on five minutes when outside centre Harry Fayers received the ball at full speed and burst through the opposing defence to score under the posts with full back Tom Knight converting the kick. Old Brentwood pressurised the Coopers defence but could not cross the goal line. On twenty minutes Coopers won a turn over in their own twenty two and lock Rob Lancaster picked up the ball and fed Fayers who sprinted the length of the pitch for his second try. In spite of constant attacks by Old Brentwood Coopers extended their lead when the forwards following five phases of plays in the opposing twenty two saw scrum half Joey Wyatt feed lock Michael de la Fuente who powered through the Old Brentwood back line to score an excellent try. Old Brentwood back line finally broke through the Coopers backs on half time to score a converted try under the posts..
Score at half time Old Cooperians 17, Old Brentwood 7.
Coopers made two changes ten minutes into the second half with Ray Flowers and Joe Woodhall replacing Sean Kavanagh and Kieran Kavanagh. Old Brentwood had two penalty kick opportunities but were only successful with one. With Old Brentwood still attempting to break the Coopers defence by running the ball it was Coopers who sealed the game in the dying minutes when Fayers scored hid third try.
Final score Old Cooperians 22pts, Old Brentwood 10 pts
November 13th. 2010
Old Cooperians travelled to top of the league East London for this Essex 1 game and were well beaten by six tries to none.<br /><br />Coopers had the opportunity to take the lead but two misssed penalty kicks in the first twenty minutes, as East London committed numerous offences. East London opened the scoring when their backs broke the Coopers line and allowed the outside centre to go over under the posts for the first of three tries in the first half.<br />Score at half time East London 19, Coopers 0<br /><br />Coopers forwards were a match for their opponents and put up a gallant effort in both scrums and rucks but possession by East London's well drilled backs saw them cross Coopers goal line for a further three tries.<br /><br />Final score East London 38. Old Cooperians 0<br /><br /><br />
November 6th, 2010
Old Cooperians hosted Southwold from Eastern Counties 1 in this 2nd Round London & S E Junior Vase Competition<br /><br />Coopers opened the scoring on nine minutes when winger Dirk de Villiers won a crash ball on Coopers 22 and offload to No8 Dale Mussington who passed to hooker Rob Anderson who carried for thirty yards before slipping the ball back to Mussington and onto inside centre Harry Fayers who running a superb diagonal to collect and steam over under the posts for his first try that he then converted. Southwold hit back quickly with two penalty kicks when Coopers were judged to be offside. On thirty minutes Coopers forced Southwold back into their 22 and despite four penalties by Southwold leading to their No 8 being yellow carded for persistent offending Coopers could not get over the goal line from the ensuing scrums and lineouts. With the half time beckoning Coopers forwards again won a ruck and released Mussington to score his try.
Score at half time Old Cooperians 12, Southwold 6
Fifteen minutes into the second half Coopers brought on prop Sean Kavanagh to replace Terry Snooks, who had taken a heavy knock, and Kieran Kavanagh to replace flanker Brad Tiffin. Play was evenly matched and was sealed for Cooper on seventy minute when Fayers caught a ball in his own half chipped the ball over the advancing Southwold backs and ran through to collect his own kick and out pace the full back to score his second try under the posts and then converted the kick.
Score at full time Old Cooperians 19 pts, Southwold 6 pts.
October 30th, 2010
With the 1st XV without a game our 2nds played Romford & Gidea Park 1V th at Crow Lane.
ld Cooperians fielded a mixture of young and older players in this Merit Table 7 game and ran out worthy winners by 76 pts to 8 pts. Coopers opened the scoring in the tenth minutes when they won a ruck in the corner and prop John Woodhall picked up the ball and forced his way over the line his try. Tries then came every five minutes with centre Mark Newman, lock Ian Milroy, fullback Dirk de Villiers each scoring and outside centre Richard Symes running two tries in. Winger Sam Nicholls slotted four conversion kicks.
Score at half time: Romford & Gidea Park 0, Old Cooperians 48.
With R&GP sustaining injuries Coopers evened the teams up by loaning players throughout the second half. Coopers ran in a further five tries From lock Greg Fox, flanker Tom Wheatley, Sam Nicholls and wing Dan John with Nicholls converting three of the kicks. R&GP never gave up and were rewarded with a drop goal and try by two of the Coopers players who had been loaned.
Final score: Romford & Gidea Park 1Vth 8 pts, Old Cooperians 2nds 76 pts.
Team: Dirk de Villiers, Sam Nicholls, Mark Newman, Richard Symes, Dan ?, Warren Hood, Jack Relph, Ian Milroy, Tom Knight, Rob Lancaster, John Woodhall, Tel Snooks, Greg Fox, Kieran Kavanagh, Tom Wheatley. Subs Sean Kavanagh, Adam Watts and Mic Chambers.
October 23rd, 2010
Old Cooperians hosted Pegasus in this Essex 1 game and were worthy winners.
The game's first ten minutes was a hectic period with both sides kicking and chasing the ball into their opponents half of the field. Coopers opened the scoring with a well taken penalty kick by flyhalf Jack Bryan when the Pegasus flanker entered a ruck from the side. Hard tackling from both side was bringing its toll and The Coopers scrum half Ben Snooks had to be substituted after taking a heavy blow to the shoulder with full back Joey Wyatt moving to scrum half and Richard Symes coming on for his first run out of the season. With half time approaching Coopers extended their lead with another successful penalty kick by Bryan.
Score at half time Old Cooperians 6, Pegasus 0.
Coopers made their second substitution at the start of the second half with Dirk de Villiers replacing winger Adam Watts. With the slope in Coopers favour their backs were soon running the ball with some deft kicks over the advancing Pegasus defence and on twelve minutes outside centre Dale Mussington had the opportunity to out pace the defence for a try in the corner. Coopers continued to attack and the No 8 George Wilkins was tackled as he dived for the line but quick ball by Wyatt opened up the backs and Mussington went over for his second try. Pegasus did not give up and only stout defence by Coopers kept them out. With five minutes remaining Pegasus were rewarded when a penalty kick in Coopers 22 was taken quickly and the forwards went over for a try.
Final score Old Cooperians 16 pts, Pegasus 5 pts.
October 16th 2010
Old Cooperians report this week is the 2nd XV Merit table game against Westcliff 1V as the 1st XV had a bye in the Cup.
With two past captains in Niall Kelly at scrum half and Danny Dawes as inside centre plus prop Chris Nicholls it was a scene from the past for Coopers. The game was fast and furious with strong tackling from both sides. Coopers opened the scoring with excellent ball passing that was rewarded with a try by flanker Adam Felgate that was converted by winger Sam Nicholls. Felgate was then substituted having received a heavy blow to the shoulder. A well taken penalty kick by Nicholls increased Coopers lead to 10 points. A further try was added by winger Kieran Kavanagh following quick ball thru the backs that left Westcliff at a standstill.
Score at half time Old Cooperians 15, Westcliff 0
Westcliff pack continued to pressurise the Cooperians forward and only stout defending by both forwards and backs kept then from scoring as on four occasions Westcliff got the ball over the goal line but were held up each time. Excellent kicking by Niall Kelly continued to relieve the pressure on Coopers when the pack managed to turn the ball over in the rucks. Midway through the half Westcliff broke the Coopers defence on the blind side of the scrum and scored a try in the corner. Coopers brought on flanker Kane Ward and backs Jack Abbot and MIchael Muscat in place of Dawes, Kavanagh and Edgar and with five minutes remaining a break away try by centre Muscat sealed a fine win for Coopers.
Final score Old Cooperians 2nds 20 pts, Westcliff 1V 5 pts
October 9th 2010
Old Cooperians travelled to Clacton for this Essex 1 encounter.
Coopers opened the scoring with a well taken penalty kick by inside centre Scott Sarson. Coopers attempted to run the ball but were thwarted by a resolute Clacton defence. On thirty minutes a Coopers back row pass in the middle of the pitch was intercepted by the Clacton centre who ran thru to score under the posts with the conversion being successful. Both sides missed penalty kicks in the gusty wind and the first half finished with no further scoring opportunities.
Score at half time Clacton 7 pts, Old Cooperians 3 pts.
Coopers forwards were meeting fierce pressure from a Clacton pack that was much heavier and dominating the scrums. Some fifteen minutes into the second half Clacton forwards pushed Coopers back in the right hand corner of the 22 and were successful in getting the ball over the line for their second try of the game. Both sides continued to play good rugby but excellent tackling prevented any further scoring.
Full time result Clacton 12 pts, Old Cooperians 3 pts
October 2nd 2010
Old Cooperians hosted Brightlingsea in this Essex 1 encounter.
Brightlingsea opened strongly and on two minutes opened the scoring with a penalty when Coopers were caught offside from a 22 kick to restart game following a missed penalty. Coopers retaliated and on six minutes quick ball released wing Adam Watts to score a try in the corner and centre Harry Fayers kick from the touch line sailed over the crossbar for the extra points. Coopers were again penalised for not releasing when going to ground but the kick was missed. On twenty minutes Brightlingsea centre intercepted a back row move by Coopers on the half way line and ran thru to score under the post with the kick being successful.
Score at half time: Old Cooperians 7, Brightlingsea 10.
At half time Coopers brought on lock Greg Fox to replace Rob Lancaster and on three minutes Coopers had taken the lead with a excellent twisting run by Harry Fayers to score a try. Coopers made a further change with flanker Ricky Hawkridge replacing Dirk de Villiers and on ten minutes extended their lead when following excellent forward play in Brightlingsea 22 No 8 Tom Downey forced his way over for his try. Coopers made their final change with flanker Alex Reed replacing Rob Lancaster. Brightlinsea forced their way back into the game with some strong runs by the backs but could not break the stalwart Coopers defence, however, two successful penalty kick by them reduced the Coopers lead to one point. The final ten minutes were frenetic with both sides desperate for the next score and it fell to Coopers forwards to seal the win with a last minute try by prop Terry Snooks and gain a bonus point, for Coopers four tries.
Final score Old Cooperians 22 pts, Brightlingsea 16 pts.
September 25th, 2010
Old Cooperians were away to Thames in this Essex 1 encounter and recorded their first win of the season.
Thames with a strong wind behind them put Coopers under pressure and on six minutes took the lead , when Coopers flanker was judged to have broken his binding in a scrum, and the penalty kick was successful. Penalty kicks were exchanged by both sides in the first quarter but both attempts failed. On thirty minutes Thames were penalised when playing the ball back into a scrum and inside centre Scott Sarson slotted the kick between the posts. With half-time approaching Thames forwards gathered the ball in Coopers 22 and drove for the line and were rewarded with a try that was converted.
Score at half-time: Thames 10, Old Cooperians 3.
With the wind now behind Coopers numerous attacks were launched but with final passes going astray and Thames defence holding strong it was some twenty five minutes before any further score was posted. Coopers had made three changes to personnel at twenty minutes with Alex Reed and Dean Foley replacing Dan Self and Dirk de Villiers in the forwards and Joey Wyatt taking over from Ben Snooks at scrum half. The changes worked as following constant attacks by Coopers forwards, flanker Alex Reed dived over for Coopers first try that Sarson converted. Three minutes later another move by the forwards released the backs and good passing saw fullback James Edgar release flyhalf Jack Bryan to run round and score under the posts with Sarson converting the kick. Thames forwards continued to attacks but Coopers defence held and with five minutes to go Coopers sealed the game with a well taken penalty by Sarson.
Final score Thames 10 pts, Old Cooperians 20 pts.
September 18th, 2010
Old Cooperians hosted Dagenham in this Essex 1 league game.
Old Cooperians suffered two blood injuries with gashes above the eye in the first six minutes to centre Brad Tiffin and second row Michael de la Fuente. De la Fuente required hospital treatment and John Woodhall came on as substitute. Winger Matt Cumbers hit the post with a penaty kick before a well worked move saw centre Scott Sarson beat two men and score a try under the posts that was converted by Cumbers. On fourteen minutes Coopers again penetrated the Dagenham defence and winger Mark Newman ran through for Coopers second try, Cumbers again hit the post with the kick. On twenty five minutes Cumbers received an elbow in the eye and had a ten minute blood substitution. Dagenham came more into the game and split Coopers defence to score a converted try under the posts. Coopers missed two further penalty kicks as the first hlf came to a close.
Score at halftime Old Cooperians 12pts, Dagenham 5pts
Within three minutes of the start Dagenham had drawn level with another try by there centre, and took the lead with two successful penalty kicks. Dagenham incresed their lead further with a third converted try in the sixtieth minute. Coopers rallied during the fourth quarter and fullback James Edgar scored a try following good work by the forwards which Sarson converted. Dagenham scored their fourth try in the closing minutes however Coopers were not to be denied their fourth try when substitute scrum half Ben Snooks touched down for a try.
Final score Old Cooperians 24, Dagenham 30.
Both Dagenham and Coopers gained bonus points for four tries each and with Coopers being the losing side by less than 7 points collect a further bonus point.
September 11th, 2010
Old Cooperians travelled to Millwall for this first game of the 2010/11 season in Essex 1 and with three first team players injured were no match for a strong Millwall side.
Two penalties in the first fifteen minutes were slotted over by MIllwall to take a 6 point lead. Cooperians came back with a well worked try that saw centre Mark Newman touch down with Jack Bryan converting the kick. Millwall then scored with their first converted try and the 1st half finished with Millwall leading by 6 points.
Score at half time Millwall 13, Old Cooperians 7.
Millwall backs ran the ball throughout the second half and scored from a penalty and three tries to earn them 2 bonus points with Cooperians responding with a late try by prop Terry Snooks that was converted by Ben Snooks.
Final score Millwall 35, Old Cooperians 14