Pulsars Bow Out of Middx Cup for Vets

The Enfield Pulsars maiden Middlesex cup run ended on with a brave 29-17 defeat away to current back to back champions Old Streetonians. For large parts of the game there was nothing to separate the teams, who were locked at 10-10 at the interval but three second half tries from the hosts saw them secure a semi-final place.

The sun was out, the winds were still and the grass was mown; perfect conditions for running rugby. As the game kicked off, it was the Streetonians pack that picked up the gauntlet, looking to use their weight advantage immediately. Wave after wave of big carries put Ignatians on the back foot, culminating in Streetonians being held up over the line. From the resulting scrum, the home side again displayed their power, driving the Pulsars' normally dominant scrum over the line for the game's first score. Try converted, 7-0.

Within minutes Pulsars were level. Wing Dale Gardener latched onto a hopeful Streetonians clearance just outside his own 22, hacked it on, hacked it on again, hacked it on again and touched down after outpacing the opposition backline. Fly half Dan Tyerman, who had clearly bought his radar, converted the try from a tough angle to bring the scores level.

What followed was a war of attrition, the game played between the two ten metre lines. Pulsars repelled wave after wave of attack, trying to hold the powerful forward runners of Streetonians, with Shaun Englebrecht formidable in the loose. Neither side gave, or made an inch.

The normally reliable Pulsars' set piece was under threat the entire game but it was from a catch and drive that the game's next score resulted. Rob James found Chris Lyons with a lineout throw and the Pulsars' forward drive drew an infringement from the homeside. Desperate to get their noses in front, Chris Lyons opted for a shot at goal, Dan Tyerman successfully adding to his tally. 7-10.

The pendulum swung swiftly again, as the Streetonians' pack drew a penalty in front of the Ignatian posts – Pulsars being adjudged to have infringed at the breakdown. The penalty was converted and the sides went into half time level at 10-10, which was a fair reflection of a bruising half.

Both sides rang the changes at half time, but it was the home side who got off to a flying start as they ran in a converted score early in the half after to make the scores 17-10. Pulsars, however, refused to be cowed and hit straight back. Captain Chris Lyons intercepted an ambitious pass in midfield and turned on the gas, eventually fed winger James Garman who scored under the posts. 17-17. GAME ON.

Old Streetonians, feeling their grip on the cup under threat, upped the ante. The big runs were matched by Pulsar tackles but, shorn of their set piece and their platform, Pulsars spent significant parts of the game under pressure. The pressure eventually told as the home side racked up a second score in the half to make it 24-17.

Again the Pulsars rallied, creating a golden opportunity to even the scores with a 3 on 1 overlap. When the crucial pass went to ground you got the sense that it wasn't their day. As Pulsars pushed harder, gaps appeared and soon the home side closed the game out with a final try to make the score 29-17.

Another late push from the away team saw Pulsars end the game on the front foot, but the final whistle blew and they were left to think about what might have been.

"It was a great effort from the lads today" said Captain Chris Lyons. "They were a big, powerful side and well organised and current holders. We had to dig in and had our chances: on another day the result could have been different. It's not easy when you are going backwards and we aren't used to that. I'm proud of the way we kept fighting back and stayed in the game "

The Pulsars keep their cup hunt alive on March 24th, away to Cheshunt in the Bradley Knight Cup.

Mario Di Gregorio