Stags triumph against Reading II

National Anthems. What is it about them that evokes a sense of pride and patriotism? We often see big burly tough rugby players and supporters crying when their anthem is sung before rugby matches. Is it the tune, is it the words? Perhaps, but more significantly its about that sense of belonging to something important, of blood, of country, of home, of childhood memories growing up with family and friends and everything that entails. Being in Japan, so far from home will undoubtedly heighten these feelings. No wonder they can be emotive and it is good listening to anthems of all the countries at the World Cup and observing the reactions of the players. Some seem overhyped, some seem reflective, some seem very calm and it is all part of the ritualistic build up to a test match. However the build up to any match at any level is important for the players and on Saturday Stags were in the zone in the build up and carried this forward to the match itself, winning 28-17 against a Reading II side with a significant amount of experience amongst their forwards.

Stags started the game very strongly and within three minutes they were seven points ahead with a well taken try by Will Carlisle after he collected his own chip ahead. Tom Cole was successful with the conversion. There followed a period of Stags pressure with Alex Hawthorn picking up from the base of the scrum and linking well with Joel Cripps at scrum half. A wayward kick ahead relieved the pressure on Reading. Soon after Alex Harris made a strong run but was pulled down just as he was about to score. From this position Stags maintained possession and Harris went over for Stags second try, again converted by Cole. Stags were making very good use of the conditions playing into the strong wind but in spite of this Reading managed to break out of their own half and develop a period of pressure on Stags try line. From this position they scored their first points, a converted try to make the score 14 - 7 to the home team. Stags then needed to defend strongly for a period of time as Reading came again. Prominent in the defensive effort were Alex Hawthorn, man of the match Ollie Spanswick and Joel Cripps, Just before half time Stags took a quick line out in their own twenty two and from this position Ben Armstrong got the ball and scored a long range try showing great change of direction at pace to outwit the Reading defence. Another successful conversion by Cole made it 21 - 7 to Stags at half time. Stags started the second half as they finished the first, with a try by Harry Waye Branch who had a very good all round game and did the basics of hooking and throwing into the line out effectively. Cole again converted the try. That proved to be Stags final score as they battled against the strong wind. Reading scored two further tries and at 28 - 17 the visitors fought hard for another score to secure a losing bonus point, but Stags defence held firm and there was no more scoring.

A number of supporters turned out to watch the game and thanks to them. Thanks also to Joshua Passfield who without being asked took on the role of taking water on for the players in breaks of play. This was a great help. Next week Stags travel to Reading Abbey for their fourth match of the season, having played three and won two. Here's hoping for another strong display from the team.