Stevenage Town RFC

Apart from some defensive lapses, which OMT’s took full advantage of, this was an excellent performance by the whole Stevenage side, with everyone playing their part in an emphatic victory.

In fact, four of the visitor’s tries were run in from distances ranging from seventy to ninety yards, with three of those scored by the elusive full back, Naca Kinikinilau who has been a thorn in the Stevenage side for a number of years. His massive stride, swerving runs and great acceleration mean he is a danger from anywhere on the pitch.

Despite this, it was Stevenage’s day with six tries in each half, six of which were converted by Lachlan Kirk and a seventh, right on the final whistle by replacement second row Adam Amos. Kirk also added a penalty, which was the first score of the match in the 3rd minute.

After Kirk had landed that early penalty, OMT’s actually took the lead with the opening try, when a Stevenage attack was brought to an end by an interception and a kick infield from which Richard McCabe scored.

From that point on, Town dominated the proceedings as OMT’s had no answer to the home sides powerful carries gaining yards as they took the ball into contact, and swift movement and great running lines when the ball was unleashed on their backs.

By half time, Stevenage had secured the try bonus point and a lead of 41 – 12 with tries from Phil Pearson, Alex Banna, Todd Dawson, Gareth Lewis, Ben Hodge and captain Scott Quarmby. Stevenage’s total dominance and exhibition of flowing rugby was marred only by the first of Kinikinilau’s tries, requiring the least effort by him as he only had to run this one in from seventy yards.

Stevenage seemed to take their foot off the gas at the start of the second half, not helped by being down to 14 for eighteen minutes and 13 for two minutes as both Banna and Pearson were sent to the bin for tackle offences. During this time, OMT’s responded with two tries from Kinikinilau (90 yards) and fly half Toby O’Toole.

Normal service was resumed from the 57th minute as Town ran in a further six tries in the final 23 minutes. Perhaps the best of these was a well executed team try, finished off by George Turvey as Stevenage moved the ball quickly from left to right and then back again to open up the gap for Turvey.

Other tries were added by Michael Wilson, Ian Crompton and there were second tries for Turvey, Banna and Hodge to complete the scoring.

Kinikinilau completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute (80 yards) and despite his try scoring heroics it was Stevenage’s day and they completed a resounding victory.

Stevenage Town Team: Michael Wilson, Gareth Lewis, Ian Crompton, Todd Dawson, George Turvey, Lachlan Kirk, Alex Beaumont (Tom Sellwood 25 mins), Reece Crucefix (Ramen Farahani 32 mins), Darren Outram, Bradley Cook (Reece Crucefix 49 mins), Scott Quarmby (Adam Amos 52 mins), Phil Pearson, Ben Hodge, Wes Moore, Alex Banna

Subs not used: None

Tries: Phil Pearson
Alex Banna (2)
Todd Dawson
Gareth Lewis
Ben Hodge (2)
Scott Quarmby
Michael Wilson
George Turvey (2)
Ian Crompton

Conversions: Lachlan Kirk (6)
Adam Amos

Penalty: Lachlan Kirk