Elthamians ruin the Ayrton party
Cambridge……17
Old Eltham’s..20
THREE tries from highflying Old Elthamians spoiled the party at Grantchester Road as Cambridge co-captain Mike Ayrton made his 200th appearance in Blood and Sand colours.
Ayrton’s side were behind in five minutes, with visiting full-back Charles Dockery busting through for the score.
As Cambridge fought back, two penalties, both from 45 metres from the boot of Laurence Rayner, saw them ahead. Sam Yawayawa’s try meant the hosts went in 11-5 up at the break.
Evenly matched for much of the first half, a spell of class enabled the visitors to take the lead. Giant lock Fred Hosking’s score was given after consultation between referee Callum Howard and his assistant, much to the consternation of spectators in the corner.
But if there was doubt about that try, there was none at all about the third with six minutes left.
Brilliant interplay, basketball style, led to Alex Brown crossing for what proved to be the crucial moment of the afternoon. Between those two scores, Jack Green had added two penalties for Cambridge, leaving it too close for comfort.
A frantic finish saw the Blood and Sand fail to breach Old Elthamians’ line, but only just, as the visitors hung on for the victory.
