St Beater's
St Peter's were not flawless in their victory over Keble, especially in the mundane drivel of rugby that was on show in the second half, but were certainly formidable enough to exert a strong case for their credentials as Cuppers winners 2003. The game ended up a non-contest. Keble, without their Blues forwards, were unable to win a scrum, line-out, ruck or maul and managed to concede twelve points, being dominated like a whore in a cheap S&M movie.
St Peter's tight five were thus the collective men of the match, powering runs from the props were matched by leaping line out takes by the second-rows and invincible in the scrum. This combined with excellent support play from their open side Okell, who controlled the loose, meant Peter's could not lose.
The first half was a score fest, Peter's backs finished of the hard work done by the forwards, converting the possession to points. Botcherby grabbed himself a brace with direct running. Palmer, Clayton and Okell also got over the line for a try each. The second half was like watching women box; strangely arousing at first, yet lacking the power, grace and beauty of their male counter-parts, leaving a hollow empty feeling in your gut.
Peter's did score at the start, a well-taken try set up by strong play through the cenres. At thirty-six nil, it seemed like Peter's would demolish Keble by a massive total. They did not. Keble imporved, even managing to break throughthe fearsome SPC tackling mid-way through the second half, with an excellent consolation try.
27th Feb 2003