Rugby practice heats up in preparation for the next round of matches as Andy Simmons and Mike Royal tussle for the Rugby Football at the A. O Shirley Grounds

TSC win secures title

With one round of matches left to play, Tortola Sports Clubs 6-4 victory over Harneys meant they had an unassailable lead at the top of the table and as such took home the championship. It is a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for a team that failed to record a victory in the autumn league. Furthermore last year’s championship match between Sea Meadow House and Harneys now becomes the wooden spoon decider. Rich Reading’s second try of the night settled TSC nerves two minutes from the end when Harneys were camped on their try-line, a point behind. Once again it was a victory that was won in vibrant fashion, seeking to run the ball and attack from all positions. On occasions this policy backfires on them, but in the long run their cavalier attitude has worked wonders.

With a few regulars missing Harneys still put up a good fight and at one point appeared poised to claw their way back into a match that in fairness they had dominated, at least in terms of possession. As has often been the case their early pressure allowed them to race into an early lead, Les Elliott once more the beneficiary as he scooted over in the corner.

As has so often been the case with TSC this year, it has taken them some time to get going, but when they have it has been mightily effective. With Neville Sorrentino and Mark Chapman punching holes and Caroline Dubois and Raven Johnson linking play, Reading and Joe Chapman have been the usual beneficiaries. In this instance it was their tries in response to Elliott’s that meant they turned around at half-time leading 3-1.

With only a few minutes registered on the clock in the second half, Chapman’s second of the match appeared to put the match beyond Harneys’ reach. However, strong minds from Harneys allowed them to come back and set up camp on the TSC try-line. Firstly Tineke Sweiss, then Duncan Brown crossed the line, leaving them a point behind with the minutes running down. Despite great pressure they were unable to get over the line and when Reading pounced on a loose ball to race away there was no way back and the title was TSC’s.

Earlier in the night defending champs, Sea Meadow House slumped to a 1-7 defeat to the Waterbabies. With both teams campaigns having come off the rails in recent weeks a victory was crucial to keep their hopes alive ahead of the final week.  Tony Spencer quickly put the Waterbabies into the lead, his break on the outside giving him the chance to use his pace and go over for the opening score. Moments later he picked a great angle of running to break through the defense for number two.

Rob McIntyre blew a great opportunity to bring SMH back into the match, forgoing a scoring opportunity in an attempt to put Cara Tyrell in for a score. Casper Inson’s covering back and quick thinking allowed him to push the ball away from danger.

Nonetheless McIntyre made amends seconds later, his mind focused solely on scoring as he touched down his first of the season. Waterbabies superiority was re-established late on the half when Damian Pearson burst through the defense and put Sarah Cockburn in for a score and a 4-1 half-time lead.

In the second half, with both teams increasingly tired, Spencer with his hat-trick try and Chrissie Mackay with her sixth of the season put the seal on a victory. However, with TSC winning later in the evening it was all in vain.

Next week, the final week, TSC play the Waterbabies at 6pm, whilst the wooden spoon decider is between SMH and Harneys at 6.30pm. Following the matches will be the presentations of the cup, winner’s medals, leading try scorer and woman and man of the tournament. Food and refreshments will be available.