Epsom had a very successful afternoon in the Natwest Cup Champions Trophy quarter-final, going to St John’s and winning 27-14.
Epsom opened positively, winning two penalties in the St John’s’ half, which Jack Jesty (G) duly kicked through the posts. At 6-0 up, St John’s fought back to find themselves camped on the Epsom five-metre line for what felt like an eternity. The squad stayed strong, absorbed the pressure and turned the ball over.
Theo Alexis (P) then scored a tremendous individual try, with Jesty converting to make it 13-0 at halftime. A few minutes into the second half, Jesty put through a tremendous grubber kick that bounced up fortunately over the St John’s winger for Bertie Bamber (Fa) to dot down skilfully in the corner, Jesty converting to make it 20-0.
Epsom then allowed St John’s back into the game, making two mistakes, which led to two tries and a 20-14 scoreline. However, Epsom managed to calm the game down and began to control the ball, working the ball patiently down the pitch with Riley Milsom (C) eventually scoring. Jesty converted again and Epsom held out for the remaining five minutes to win a very physical game. The team looks forward to welcoming St John’s for the return trip in December in the final block fixture of the season.
Tries: Alexis (P), Bamber (Fa), Milsom (C)
Player of the Match: Theo Alexis (P) – outstanding work in both attack and defence.
