Wild Geese impress in first home game

London Irish Wild Geese 60 - 0 Ruislip RFC

The Geese played their first home game of the 2019/20 season last night against London 1 North's, Ruislip RFC.

Fine weather conditions and a beautiful playing surface gave both teams the opportunity to stretch themselves.

London Irish started brightly, playing with good accuracy, recycling the ball well and challenging the maroon defensive line. A steady supply of good quality, quick ball by the forwards, allowed Johnny O'Hehir to orchestrate some fine rugby.

Two early tries by Chico U'Chong and Jack Brewerton were converted by full back Ollie Turner.

The early pressure galvanised the Ruislip side and they enjoyed some good possession and they took the battle to the Geese for long periods. However, a strong defensive performance from the exiles prevented any reward for Ruislip's efforts.

Further first half tries from U'Chong, Brewerton and O'Hagan saw the Geese go in at half time 36-0 up.

The second half quality of play didn't drop. Ruislip, to their credit, again exerted some good periods of pressure with the ball in hand. The defensive effort though was excellent.

Ollie Turner opened the second half scoring with a try. Alfie Molloy, Oisin Byrne and Henry Pueble also crossed the line. Henry Pueble added two conversions to make the final score 60-0.

Wild Geese Head Coach, John Lacey said "A massive thank you to Ruislip for tonights game, they asked plenty of questions of our defence and the club should be proud of their approach to the game. Our lads will know they've been in a game tonight.

We're very pleased with our performance, the speed we played the game at, was encouraging. The boys have worked really hard with Topsy on our attacking shape, that showed tonight. We're especially happy with our defence, we've simplified things from last season, bringing in some different ideas with Mike Smith leading that. Getting a zero will make him very happy.

We looked fit and well conditioned, that helped us play at a high tempo. We were accurate at set-piece too so all the coaches will be happy with their preseason planning and the boys have bought in to the changes. We've got a really short turnaround with a game tomorrow night. Some of the bench players will top up their game time then. It'll be interesting to see if the lads tomorrow can replicate tonight's tempo".

Edenederry RFC are tomorrows visitors to Hazelwood. Kick off is 19:30, there will be the first social of the season with £10 tickets getting you a free pint and a burger. We hope to see as many of you there as possible, the weather looks set to be great.

London Irish Wild Geese

1. Donkor 2. Townsend 3. Harrison 4. Hobbins 5. Bifield 6. Moore (c) 7. Scott 8. West 9. U'Chong 10. O'Hehir 11. O’Hagan 12, Townshend 13. Pueble 14. Brewerton 15. Turner

Replacements

16. Byrne 17. Gilligan 18. Bushell 19. Donegan 20. Molloy 21. Madle 22. Warner

Scorers

Tries - Brewerton (3), U'Chong (2), O'Hagan, Turner, Byrne, Molloy, Pueble

Cons - Turner (3), Pueble (2)