Merton resume Division Four action in fine form against struggling Old Boys (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Enforced changes fail to deny Merton a good start to the new year

6:00pm Monday 7th January 2013 in Other Rugby News By Jack Canniff

Merton started the new year with a deserved 27-10 win over Surrey Division Four bottom club Old Oundelians. 

With many enforced changes, captain Edgar Barros played scrum-half and Will Hitchcock stepped up from the second XV.

The hosts started the brighter, the front row of Laurence Griffiths, George Hart and Shaun Angell driving well, with the forwards and backs combining to good effect.

The midfield pairing of Glenn Williamson and Rob Bell proved to be formidable in defence, and took advantage of sniping runs from James Newbury and Nick Bentley at half-back. 

And it was Bentley who opened the scoring, notching a penalty after missing a previous attempt.

This galvanised the home side, who put together a great move, finished off by Bell.

And it did not take long for Merton to add a second try, this time hooker Hart going over in the corner. The half finished with the Oundelians scrum half sliding over a try near the posts.

Superb tackling from the home side resisted the rejuvenated Oundelians after the break, the visitors finally settling for a penalty to reduce the deficit further. 

Late on, following a break by Neil Quinn from an opposing line-out, Liam Hayhoe eventually nonchalantly crossed for a brilliant try. Bentley converted the try and added another penalty to complete the scoring.

Merton do not have a League fixture this Saturday, but always welcome new players, of all standards, to join them. 

For more information, call Jack on 07970 166958 or contact him via jointhepride@mertonrugby.org.