Kilburn 10 - Marlow 15
In their third league game of the season, Kilburn suffered a disappointing 15-10 loss to league new-comers Marlow.
They had several key players unavailable, and were unfortunate to lose winger Millie Paakkola to injury during the warm-up with a painful dislocated shoulder.
Kilburn started the game strongly, matching Marlow for pace and defending well, resulting in a frustrated opposition giving away several penalties within the first twenty minutes. Although the forwards looked strong in rucks and set-pieces, they failed to capitalise and the score remained 0-0.
Halfway through the first half, however, Marlow managed to get the ball out to their pacey winger, and despite a valiant attempted tackle by Cosmos' rookie Louise Challenger, she managed to slip through and score Marlow's first try. A second breakaway try followed soon after, and as the half-time whistle blew, Kilburn looked disconsolate.
After the break, however, Kilburn came out fighting and for the first ten minutes Marlow could not get a glimpse of the ball, despite their best efforts.
The Kilburn forwards looked well-drilled in attack, powering forward and getting the ball out to player of the day Lucy Zaug at centre, who sprinted past the Marlow defence to run the length of the pitch for the Cosmos' first try. Jen Spano narrowly missed converting.
This gave the Cosmos' the kick-start they needed, and for the next ten minutes all the play was in the Marlow half. Again the forwards made ground, with Lee Sinclair at half-back getting quick ball out to Ariana Ropiha at fly-half, who passed out to the aptly named Suzanne Marlow at outside centre. She made a storming run and was only five metres from the try-line when a crunching tackle pushed her out into touch. Despite a great line-out from hooker Liz Frankiln, Marlow had numbers out in the backs and again scored a breakaway try at the opposite end. After the re-start, Kilburn again showed grit and determination with the forwards making ground and exploiting a tiring Marlow side.
Once again it was Suzanne Marlow who used her pace to outrun the opposition, capitalising on a slick pass from lock Kay Smales to run in their second try from the half-way line. Jen Spano's attempted conversion hit the post.
Despite the loss, Kilburn remain third in the league table after 3 matches, and host bottom club Slough in a fortnight's time.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Lord Thorpe announces retirement
In a sad note Lord James Thorpe, esq. announced his retirement(for the 3rd time) after Saturdays game after injuring his troublesome knee playing touch in the warmup and then aggravating a neck injury during the game.
Thorpey is one of the longest serving clubmen for the Cosmos and has been an excellent wing/centre/fullback with a great tryscoring record.
Hopefully he will spend his Saturdays quaffing gin on the sidelines of DS Park and cheering on his teammates rather than in the Thorpe Empire corporate box at Sixways.
We look forward to the retirement/engagement party at Thorpe Manor in the near future
Thorpey is one of the longest serving clubmen for the Cosmos and has been an excellent wing/centre/fullback with a great tryscoring record.
Hopefully he will spend his Saturdays quaffing gin on the sidelines of DS Park and cheering on his teammates rather than in the Thorpe Empire corporate box at Sixways.
We look forward to the retirement/engagement party at Thorpe Manor in the near future
Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV vs Old Actonians - 11th Oct 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 14 - Old Actonians 17
The Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV continued their frustrating season with another close loss to a team that was there for the taking in a narrow 17-14 away defeat to Old Actonians on Saturday.
Kilburns exasperating ability to let teams back into the game and failure to take advantage of their strengths were on show once again with an early 7-0 lead to the Cosmos turning into a 17-7 halftime deficit.
The first 20 minutes was all Kilburn and they should have managed to put more points on the board than a solitary converted try. Centre Pete Donaldson just about scored a sensational try after 10 minutes, beating half a dozen players and dragging 3 over the line before losing the ball. He made amends 5 minutes later bursting through some weak midfield defence, beating the fullback and scoring under the posts. This was converted by Chris Garvey to give them a 7-0 lead. At this stage Kilburn were well in control, the backs were making breaks everytime they touched the ball and were ably supported by the loosies Aly Bursey, Chris Protherough and Shayne Whyte.
Actonians saw the threat and reacted by keeping the ball in their forwards for the next quarter. They tightened the game up and took control. Driving mauls and one off runners saw them control possession and territory and camp in the Cosmos 22. Several attacks were defended well by Kilburn but an unfortunate mistake by Garvey from a mark saw Actonians mount an attack from a scrum close to Kilburns line and a forward crashed over for the try which was converted and the scores tied at 7-7 all after 25 minutes.
Actonians kept up their forwards orientated tactics for the rest of the half and aided by some elusive running from their fly-half close to the ruck controlled the game well. Eventually they scored another converted try from close range through the forwards and a late penalty gave them a 17-7 halftime scoreline.
Kilburn had to strike back immediately in the second half to have a chance and they did just that. Centre Richey Cunninghame ran on to a well weighted kick by Aly Bursey which was left to bounce by the As backs. The ball was quickly shifted out to the wing where hard running replacement Mo Taguri went through his opposite to score. Garvey converted and it made the score 17-14.
With Donaldson and Taguri creating havoc every time they touched the ball it seemed only a matter of time before Kilburn would score again to take the lead. However scrappy ball from scrums and lineouts meant the backs were not given the ball they needed to win the game. No 8 Shayne Whyte was forced to tidy up and run most scrum ball in the 2nd half that should have been given to the backs.
The Kilburn forwards also seemed to run out of puff during the second stanza with ball runners left isolated by their teammates which allowed Actonians to steal what should have been certain Kilburn ball. The Kilburn backs were also guilty on occasions of not protecting the ball when making promising bursts which led to turnovers. These mistakes and the lack of fitness are the difference between Kilburn winning the tight games or continuing with their run of frustrating narrow defeats.
The penalty count was very even and discipline was much improved on last week but a telling statistic was the fact that Kilburn gave away 3 penalties 5 metres out from the opposition try line and another 2 within the Actonians 22. These penalties were killer blows to Kilburns chances.
Despite spurning these attacking opportunities Kilburn had 2 great chances to win or at least draw in the last 5 minutes. A scrum 8 metres from the As line had fly-half Andy Allan and Cunninghame certain they had the match winning try lined up between then but again the ball didn’t get to the backline. Then a penalty from concerted pressure in the As 22 gave Garvey the chance to draw the game but he just pushed his kick wide.
So once again Kilburn couldn’t do enough to get the 2 points with the score remaining 17-14 to Actonians at the final whistle.
This leaves the Cosmos stuck with fellow cellar dwellers Old Abbotstonians and Old Millhillians on 0 wins from 4 games and a lot of work to do to avoid relegation.
The forward pack had a solid game but lacked a bit of aggression to take the game to Actonians and were a bit slow at times to the breakdowns. Flankers Protherough and Bursey had excellent games and replacement flanker Mike King produced some excellent hits in the second half.
The backline looked good throughout the match but suffered from a lack of good ball in the second half and some sloppy handling and lack of variety at times. Gavin Smith had a very solid game on the wing in his 1st XV debut and Mo Taguri looks like he could be a dangerman out wide with his powerful running.
Man of the match was centre Peter Donaldson who broke the line everytime he touched the ball and was solid on defence. There was a three way tie for 2nd shared by hard running winger Mo Taguri, flanker Aly Bursey and captain Declan Magee who turned in another excellent game.
Kilburn 14 (Peter Donaldson, Mohammed Taguri tries, Chris Garvey 2 conversions) Old Actonians 17 (2 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty)
Team: P Morgan, D Magee(C), H McKenzie, A Butcher, J Fenlon, C Protherough, A Bursey, S Whyte, L MacManus, A Allan, G Smith, R Cunninghame, P Donaldson, J Thorpe, C Garvey. Reserves- R Nunes, M Taguri, M King
The Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV continued their frustrating season with another close loss to a team that was there for the taking in a narrow 17-14 away defeat to Old Actonians on Saturday.
Kilburns exasperating ability to let teams back into the game and failure to take advantage of their strengths were on show once again with an early 7-0 lead to the Cosmos turning into a 17-7 halftime deficit.
The first 20 minutes was all Kilburn and they should have managed to put more points on the board than a solitary converted try. Centre Pete Donaldson just about scored a sensational try after 10 minutes, beating half a dozen players and dragging 3 over the line before losing the ball. He made amends 5 minutes later bursting through some weak midfield defence, beating the fullback and scoring under the posts. This was converted by Chris Garvey to give them a 7-0 lead. At this stage Kilburn were well in control, the backs were making breaks everytime they touched the ball and were ably supported by the loosies Aly Bursey, Chris Protherough and Shayne Whyte.
Actonians saw the threat and reacted by keeping the ball in their forwards for the next quarter. They tightened the game up and took control. Driving mauls and one off runners saw them control possession and territory and camp in the Cosmos 22. Several attacks were defended well by Kilburn but an unfortunate mistake by Garvey from a mark saw Actonians mount an attack from a scrum close to Kilburns line and a forward crashed over for the try which was converted and the scores tied at 7-7 all after 25 minutes.
Actonians kept up their forwards orientated tactics for the rest of the half and aided by some elusive running from their fly-half close to the ruck controlled the game well. Eventually they scored another converted try from close range through the forwards and a late penalty gave them a 17-7 halftime scoreline.
Kilburn had to strike back immediately in the second half to have a chance and they did just that. Centre Richey Cunninghame ran on to a well weighted kick by Aly Bursey which was left to bounce by the As backs. The ball was quickly shifted out to the wing where hard running replacement Mo Taguri went through his opposite to score. Garvey converted and it made the score 17-14.
With Donaldson and Taguri creating havoc every time they touched the ball it seemed only a matter of time before Kilburn would score again to take the lead. However scrappy ball from scrums and lineouts meant the backs were not given the ball they needed to win the game. No 8 Shayne Whyte was forced to tidy up and run most scrum ball in the 2nd half that should have been given to the backs.
The Kilburn forwards also seemed to run out of puff during the second stanza with ball runners left isolated by their teammates which allowed Actonians to steal what should have been certain Kilburn ball. The Kilburn backs were also guilty on occasions of not protecting the ball when making promising bursts which led to turnovers. These mistakes and the lack of fitness are the difference between Kilburn winning the tight games or continuing with their run of frustrating narrow defeats.
The penalty count was very even and discipline was much improved on last week but a telling statistic was the fact that Kilburn gave away 3 penalties 5 metres out from the opposition try line and another 2 within the Actonians 22. These penalties were killer blows to Kilburns chances.
Despite spurning these attacking opportunities Kilburn had 2 great chances to win or at least draw in the last 5 minutes. A scrum 8 metres from the As line had fly-half Andy Allan and Cunninghame certain they had the match winning try lined up between then but again the ball didn’t get to the backline. Then a penalty from concerted pressure in the As 22 gave Garvey the chance to draw the game but he just pushed his kick wide.
So once again Kilburn couldn’t do enough to get the 2 points with the score remaining 17-14 to Actonians at the final whistle.
This leaves the Cosmos stuck with fellow cellar dwellers Old Abbotstonians and Old Millhillians on 0 wins from 4 games and a lot of work to do to avoid relegation.
The forward pack had a solid game but lacked a bit of aggression to take the game to Actonians and were a bit slow at times to the breakdowns. Flankers Protherough and Bursey had excellent games and replacement flanker Mike King produced some excellent hits in the second half.
The backline looked good throughout the match but suffered from a lack of good ball in the second half and some sloppy handling and lack of variety at times. Gavin Smith had a very solid game on the wing in his 1st XV debut and Mo Taguri looks like he could be a dangerman out wide with his powerful running.
Man of the match was centre Peter Donaldson who broke the line everytime he touched the ball and was solid on defence. There was a three way tie for 2nd shared by hard running winger Mo Taguri, flanker Aly Bursey and captain Declan Magee who turned in another excellent game.
Kilburn 14 (Peter Donaldson, Mohammed Taguri tries, Chris Garvey 2 conversions) Old Actonians 17 (2 tries, 2 conversions, 1 penalty)
Team: P Morgan, D Magee(C), H McKenzie, A Butcher, J Fenlon, C Protherough, A Bursey, S Whyte, L MacManus, A Allan, G Smith, R Cunninghame, P Donaldson, J Thorpe, C Garvey. Reserves- R Nunes, M Taguri, M King
Friday, October 10, 2008
Meet the Players - Chairman Phil Morgan
Hello Mr Chairman
First of all – What is happening about our move to Gladstone Park? What’s the story? Any progress?
Its rather frustrating not having proper training facilities and a decent pitch I know - among my first jobs on the committee was arranging and attending a meeting with Brent Council, Middlesex County RFU and Kilburn Cosmos to discuss facilities. This was 6 seasons ago and at that point the plans for a sports development at Gladstone Park were fairly historic and needed updating. I hope it is fair to say it was combined pressure from the Club and from the many schools in vicinity of the park that lack sports fields of their own that got the plans updated. It may seem to us, playing on Tiverton Green and having nowhere to train, as though the development has moved at glacial speeds and at times it has been frustrating. But hats off to Brent Council – there are people there, and in the local community – who have moved heaven and earth to make it happen. Mapesbury Councillors Hayley Matthews and Chris Leaman particularly have been very supportive, along with our Patron John Hoskins and I’m glad to say that through our membership of the Gladstone Park Consultative Committee, the Club is already accepted as a member of the park community.
You can see the progress with the new pitches. The whole development is taking shape and the grounds will be ready for formal sport by June 2009. We want to be the first to hold a big sporting event there – hopefully a Sevens Competition – but the Junior Cosmos have already made a home there and were the first to use the new pavilion! Our efforts to develop Youth Rugby will, I hope, provide the final push to establishing Rugby Union in Gladstone Park.
You can see the progress with the new pitches. The whole development is taking shape and the grounds will be ready for formal sport by June 2009. We want to be the first to hold a big sporting event there – hopefully a Sevens Competition – but the Junior Cosmos have already made a home there and were the first to use the new pavilion! Our efforts to develop Youth Rugby will, I hope, provide the final push to establishing Rugby Union in Gladstone Park.
Now that’s sorted bit of background – how did you end up at the Cosmos? How long have you been at the club? How long have you been chairman for and why did you decide to take up the role?
I joined in the 2001/02 season, like so many others of my Cosmos intake, after meeting Jim Greetham in a pub in Willesden Green. Jim was a real Rugby evangelist – he embarrassed me into coming along and having a go after I admitted I hadn’t played for 9 years but still reckoned I knew how to play. I turned out for the 2xv the following Saturday, went on at half time and immediately gave away a penalty for entering a ruck from the side. Not a habit I have lost, as many will attest. Afterwards I met Mike Maillou who gave me a bit of the club background. I’ve been coming back ever since.
At that time the 1xv was very established but the 2xv was struggling to get games. Jim picked it up and made it the social heart of the club, getting sponsorship and discount beers from pubs on Kilburn High Road. The 2xv soon had plenty of players and we entered the Middlesex Merit Table. The 1XV in those days was in Herts-Midd Division 2 having won promotion a couple of seasons earlier. Julian Laugenie was Chairman and although the organization was as haphazard then as it sometimes can be today, Jim, Julian, Mike and guys like Owen Sanders kept it going brilliantly. Much of what we’re doing now is built on their efforts and of the vision of the club founder John Tymon.
I did a stint as Club Captain when Jim Greetham took the Chair. When he decided it was time to move to New Zealand, in my desperation to avoid becoming Club Secretary, I ended up as Chairman.
What do you think you’ve achieved during your time as chairman and what are your aims for the club?
My first season in the Chair was a rough introduction. I knew very little about running a club and the 1xv suffered from a lot of retirements. We stayed in Division 2 on points difference in 2004/05. At that time I felt the club had to grow or it would never prosper so I set a few straight forward objectives – get better facilities, offer better training, play rugby to a higher standard and achieve this by broadening our base – basically, by offering more rugby to more people and establishing the club in the local community.
I wanted to involve more people in the club. Setting up a Cosmos Women’s team was an early target and I’m very pleased to say it’s now in its fifth season. Junior Rugby took a little while longer to get going, but we’re now in our third season and have 50 kids playing regularly across 6 age groups. That is one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my life, let alone in rugby.
Getting to Division 1 was also a target and one we nearly didn’t achieve due to problems with our administration. When the league punished us for playing unregistered players and we missed promotion, it felt harsh, unjust even given the effort I could see everyone was putting in, but it made us sort out the club admin and now I’m pleased to say we are vastly improved on that front. We went on to have a great season in 2006/07 when we won division 2. So much of that we owe to the efforts of guys like Rohan McNaughton and Mike Maillou who do a huge amount behind the scenes, and to others who have lead in training and on the pitch – Hayden Burns, Ian Stewart and of course Shayne Whyte! I’m very proud of what we all achieved in those years and since. Division One is tougher level, but we are now in our second season and we are more than worthy of it.
Overall, my aim for my Chairmanship is simple – to leave the club in a better, stronger position than when I took it on. I will evaluate my leadership on that basis at the end of this season.
And how do you see the club placed looking ahead? – a solid future?
We have a very bright future – we’ve got a great junior section which will grow and grow, the adult men’s have a dedicated and ambitious coach and the Women’s team is going from strength to strength. Off the pitch, more people know about us and are willing to help us achieve our ambitions than ever before. When we move to Gladstone Park (finally!) we will be within 5 minutes walk of a Zone 2 tube station making us one of London’s most accessible clubs – that, and the other opportunities the new home will bring (sevens, mini and youth rugby, real visibility in the local community) mean that we must not be complacent and let these chances pass us by.
We want to bring Regional Rugby to Kilburn and bring Rugby Union to more and more people. We need to adapt and grow to meet the challenges that more people and more rugby will bring.
What do you believe are the strengths of the club? And the weaknesses?
We have always been an international club and I don’t just mean the fantastic tours Jon Church organizes. I have played matches with people in a Cosmos jersey who hail from the farthest corners of the rugby world, Americans, New Zealanders, Australians, French, South Africans, Namibians, Italians, Spanish, Germans, Irish, Welsh, Scots… I know that there have been times when I’ve been the only Englishman playing for Kilburn in some games! I love that about the club – everyone finds a home from home here and has a great time. Mind you, we’ve enough accountants from Southland, New Zealand. No more please. That’s enough…
Our style of rugby also draws people in. We may not be the most structured or the most drilled, but we play with flair and enterprise and can be very good to watch! When we get going, we have a great party. That’s always been a Kilburn strength.
If we have any weaknesses, it’s keeping the admin side up and getting people involved in running the club. It’s too easy to ask the same people to do more and more jobs. Anyone from the club who reads this needs to know just how much of our spare time goes into running the Cosmos and how much more they can do even by just paying their subs on time and getting their registration forms in.
What’s going to happen when you step down as chairman? Its going to leave some big shoes to fill and a lot of pressure on the new person to keep the club improving
I’m not planning to carry on in this role past the end of this season. 5 seasons is long enough, it’s time for someone else to have a go and a new home in Gladstone Park will mean it’s also time for fresh ideas. I hope to stay on in some form or other, especially as coach or referee, and if they’ll have me back, in a committee post as well. I am sure that the progress we’ve made in recent years means the club is now ready for someone to take it on and really make it buzz!
Playing wise you seem to have evolved into a rather decent prop and important part of the 1st XV from a bit part prop/lock from when I first arrived – what do you put the improvement down to?
Pies, and a strict regime of after-match beers and sambuca with Bernard Knapp and Rick Nunes. Seriously though, Bernard, Rick, Whytie, Kingy… even as far back as Charlie and Owen Sanders and The Father… so many Cosmos players have all been patient with me and shown me what to do when I’ve needed guidance. If I’m playing well now, its thanks to them.
Bernard Knapp, the greatest prop ever to pull on a Cosmos Jersey, once said to me after a hard day on the park “You had a good game today. For you.” And that’s enough for me.
What are the strengths to your game? And what do you need to work on?
My scrummage. I need to work on that still though… I think I need to work on it all, especially my fitness. I can sink a decent pint in the boatrace.
How do you feel about the fact you haven’t scored a try for the Cosmos(must be about 8 seasons) and that anyone who passes the ball to you gets abused?
Props can score tries? I never knew. Is this something to do with the ELVs?
Props can score tries? I never knew. Is this something to do with the ELVs?
Standard questions to finish off –who is your rugby idol? Funniest Cosmo? Most annoying Cosmo? Favorite cosmo to play alongside?
Jason Leonard is, without a doubt, the greatest living sportsman of our age. CB Fry – for anyone who knows their sporting history, is another favourite. Look him up. He played rugby for Oxford University, Blackheath RFC and the Barbarians. He played Association Football for Southampton and England, playing in the 1902 FA cup final. He Captained Sussex County and England Cricket teams, averaged over 50 runs and made 94 first class centuries. He won the 100 yard dash at the first ever international athletics match (Oxford v Yale) in 1894. He was invited to become King of Albania (which he declined) and reportedly could jump backwards on to a mantelpiece from a stationary position.
Funniest Cosmos – Porno Haynes. Most Annoying Cosmos – Sneakers MacMillan. Favourite Cosmos to play alongside - Mello Tripodi or Bernard Knapp.
Jason Leonard is, without a doubt, the greatest living sportsman of our age. CB Fry – for anyone who knows their sporting history, is another favourite. Look him up. He played rugby for Oxford University, Blackheath RFC and the Barbarians. He played Association Football for Southampton and England, playing in the 1902 FA cup final. He Captained Sussex County and England Cricket teams, averaged over 50 runs and made 94 first class centuries. He won the 100 yard dash at the first ever international athletics match (Oxford v Yale) in 1894. He was invited to become King of Albania (which he declined) and reportedly could jump backwards on to a mantelpiece from a stationary position.
Funniest Cosmos – Porno Haynes. Most Annoying Cosmos – Sneakers MacMillan. Favourite Cosmos to play alongside - Mello Tripodi or Bernard Knapp.
And finally can you name your All Star Cosmos XV from your time with the Club?
Charlie Sanders – L/H
Declan McGee - H
Bernard Knapp – T/H
John Fenlon - L
Simon Huxtable - L
Scott Aitken – O/S
Mike King – B/S
Rata Smith – B/R
Ruben Boss – S/H
Jesus Perkins – F/H
Tony Perez – L/W
Ryan Cuthbertson – I/C
Mello Tripodi – O/C
James Thorpe – W
Damien Naughton – F/B
Subs – Cunninghame, Davis, Taitoko, Whitehead, Horsfall – Backs
Nunes, Frethey, Sanders O, Laugenie, Whyte – Forwards
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Kilburn Cosmos Ladies vs Tabard Ladies - 5th October 2008
Tabard Ladies 5 - Kilburn Cosmos Ladies 10
After a disappointing loss in their first game of the season, Kilburn Cosmos Ladies were back on form last Sunday with a 10-5 win over league leaders Tabard. In very wet and windy conditions, Kilburn looked a well-drilled team, with the forwards gaining ground in the scrums early on and winning ball in the rucks. Lee Sinclair at half-back was outstanding, getting to every breakdown and spinning the ball out quickly to Ariana Ropiha at fly half.
It was from one of these rucks that Kilburn scored their first try after ten minutes, Ropiha passing to Lucy Zaug at flanker who used her pace to sprint from the halfway line. Prop Jen Spano narrowly missed kicking the conversion. After this, Tabard began to fight back and Kilburn found themselves defending their own try-line.
Excellent defensive work by the Cosmos forwards, in particular player of the day Trudy Mylrea, meant that Tabard could not break through and their attempt at a try was held up on the line by prop Nikki Burgess. Kilburn turned the game around after this, and were soon back on the attack, with another well-worked ruck enabling Sinclair to get the ball out to Kate Reynolds, playing centre in her first game for the Cosmos. She saw off several attempted tackles and ran in Kilburn's second try of the match, which Spano was again unlucky not to convert.
Tabard doggedly fought back once again, getting the ball out to the wing who found space and powered home for their only try of the game, which was not converted. The second half saw an improvement in the weather, but by now both teams were tiring and despite further pressure from Kilburn, who were unlucky not to score again, the score remained 10-5.
Kilburn 10 (L Zaug, K Reynolds tries)
Team: J Spano, L Franklin, N Burgess, N Barton, T Mylrea, K Smales, L Zaug, J Charlton, L Sinclair, A Ropiha, M Paakkola, K Aikenhead, K Reynold, A Gallagher, S Marlow(C). Reserve: H McKenzie
After a disappointing loss in their first game of the season, Kilburn Cosmos Ladies were back on form last Sunday with a 10-5 win over league leaders Tabard. In very wet and windy conditions, Kilburn looked a well-drilled team, with the forwards gaining ground in the scrums early on and winning ball in the rucks. Lee Sinclair at half-back was outstanding, getting to every breakdown and spinning the ball out quickly to Ariana Ropiha at fly half.
It was from one of these rucks that Kilburn scored their first try after ten minutes, Ropiha passing to Lucy Zaug at flanker who used her pace to sprint from the halfway line. Prop Jen Spano narrowly missed kicking the conversion. After this, Tabard began to fight back and Kilburn found themselves defending their own try-line.
Excellent defensive work by the Cosmos forwards, in particular player of the day Trudy Mylrea, meant that Tabard could not break through and their attempt at a try was held up on the line by prop Nikki Burgess. Kilburn turned the game around after this, and were soon back on the attack, with another well-worked ruck enabling Sinclair to get the ball out to Kate Reynolds, playing centre in her first game for the Cosmos. She saw off several attempted tackles and ran in Kilburn's second try of the match, which Spano was again unlucky not to convert.
Tabard doggedly fought back once again, getting the ball out to the wing who found space and powered home for their only try of the game, which was not converted. The second half saw an improvement in the weather, but by now both teams were tiring and despite further pressure from Kilburn, who were unlucky not to score again, the score remained 10-5.
Kilburn 10 (L Zaug, K Reynolds tries)
Team: J Spano, L Franklin, N Burgess, N Barton, T Mylrea, K Smales, L Zaug, J Charlton, L Sinclair, A Ropiha, M Paakkola, K Aikenhead, K Reynold, A Gallagher, S Marlow(C). Reserve: H McKenzie
Kilburn Cosmos 2nd XV vs Hammersmith & Fulham 4th XV - 4th October 2008
Kilburn Cosmos 2XV 12 - Hammersmith and Fulham 4XV 14
Kilburn were unlucky to lose a very even game against Hammersmith and Fulham in the Middlesex Merit Table. The sides slugged it out with two tries apiece and Kilburn missed out by a conversion kick.
The game started well and was played with great spirit throughout, with more of an atmosphere of a pre-season friendly than a league game. Simon Huxtable, skipper, ably led from the second row and the tempo was lively throughout.
Kilburn had a clear advantage in the scrum but lacked aerial superiority in the lineout. Outwide, they were disadvantaged by a slightly weaker back line which tried its best but failed to exploit advantages won by solid forward play at the break down. Man of the Match Jared Horsfall organised from fly half and later full back but struggled to match the strategy to his own superb tactical breaks. His frustration boiled over into a brilliant try from 5 metres when H&F conceded a penalty on their own line. Horsfall seized the ball and smashed over.
The second Kilburn try came from a similarly devastating move off a penalty in the Hammersmith 22 10 minutes into the second half when the forwards took a tap penalty and drove the ball through the H&F pack to cross the line with Huxtable holding on as the ball was grounded. Unluckily it went unconverted.
Hammersmith's tries by contrast came from well run backs moves which Kilburn struggled to counter. Although the Cosmos managed to keep the ball in the forwards where they dominated play, H&F managed to smuggle it out wide and Cosmos defence scrambled to keep up. Great efforts were made but unfortunately H&F broke the line twice and kicked the conversions giving them a 2 point margin.
In the last minutes, Kilburn failed to secure enough ball to take the lead back, and H&F missed a penalty which would have put the game beyond reach. In the final analysis, Kilburn were evenly matched with the opposition and unlucky not to have won.
Kilburn 12 (J Horsfall, S Huxtable tries, A Hirani conversion)
Team: P Brides, E Horn-Smith, S Hughes, A Butcher, S Huxtable, J Gill, S Murphy, K Shrubsole, W Groat, J Horsfall, A Koporo, A Hirani, G Smith, A Gbinigie, JP Le Rouzic, B Larby, G Bothomley, T Ross, N Coghlan, L MacManus
Kilburn were unlucky to lose a very even game against Hammersmith and Fulham in the Middlesex Merit Table. The sides slugged it out with two tries apiece and Kilburn missed out by a conversion kick.
The game started well and was played with great spirit throughout, with more of an atmosphere of a pre-season friendly than a league game. Simon Huxtable, skipper, ably led from the second row and the tempo was lively throughout.
Kilburn had a clear advantage in the scrum but lacked aerial superiority in the lineout. Outwide, they were disadvantaged by a slightly weaker back line which tried its best but failed to exploit advantages won by solid forward play at the break down. Man of the Match Jared Horsfall organised from fly half and later full back but struggled to match the strategy to his own superb tactical breaks. His frustration boiled over into a brilliant try from 5 metres when H&F conceded a penalty on their own line. Horsfall seized the ball and smashed over.
The second Kilburn try came from a similarly devastating move off a penalty in the Hammersmith 22 10 minutes into the second half when the forwards took a tap penalty and drove the ball through the H&F pack to cross the line with Huxtable holding on as the ball was grounded. Unluckily it went unconverted.
Hammersmith's tries by contrast came from well run backs moves which Kilburn struggled to counter. Although the Cosmos managed to keep the ball in the forwards where they dominated play, H&F managed to smuggle it out wide and Cosmos defence scrambled to keep up. Great efforts were made but unfortunately H&F broke the line twice and kicked the conversions giving them a 2 point margin.
In the last minutes, Kilburn failed to secure enough ball to take the lead back, and H&F missed a penalty which would have put the game beyond reach. In the final analysis, Kilburn were evenly matched with the opposition and unlucky not to have won.
Kilburn 12 (J Horsfall, S Huxtable tries, A Hirani conversion)
Team: P Brides, E Horn-Smith, S Hughes, A Butcher, S Huxtable, J Gill, S Murphy, K Shrubsole, W Groat, J Horsfall, A Koporo, A Hirani, G Smith, A Gbinigie, JP Le Rouzic, B Larby, G Bothomley, T Ross, N Coghlan, L MacManus
Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV vs Saracens Amateurs - 4th Oct
Kilburn Cosmos 24 - Saracens 36
The Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV blew a great opportunity to knock over Herts Middlesex 1 league leaders Saracens Amateurs on Saturday at Tiverton Green. After establishing an 18-0 lead during the first half a lack of fitness and composure on attack lead to the Cosmos being overrun by Saracens in the second half who ended up taking a comfortable 36-24 victory. This leaves Saracens firmly established at the top of the table and confines Kilburn to the bottom three with no wins from three games.
The first half was relatively even with both sides having long periods of possession in the oppositions 22. Both teams were strong and committed on defence but it was Kilburn who was able to make the most of their opportunities. Hooker Declan Magee proved unstoppable close to the line to score Kilburns 1st try after excellent pick and gos by the forward pack took them close to Saracens line. Chris Garvey missed the conversion but soon knocked over a penalty to give Kilburn a handy start. When openside Scott Aitken capitalised on some sloppy lineout work and Saracens not playing to the refs whistle to steal a loose ball and scoot over under the posts for the Cosmos second try, converted by Garvey, it looked like Kilburn could be on the verge of a major upset. Another penalty to Garvey took the score out to 18-0 late in the first half. However some late pressure from Saracens saw them camp close to the Cosmos line and eventually score through the forwards to close the gap to 18-7.
A huge blow to Kilburns chances occurred late in the first half when impressive blindside Mo Taguri took a head knock and had to go off. Already suffering from the absence of regular no 6 Aly Bursey through injury this left Kilburn down on aggressive defenders around the rucks. Skipper Aitken knocked Saracens back all day but lacked allies and this proved a major factor in the second half with Saracens making inroads close to the rucks through Kilburns tiring defence.
Kilburn were full of confidence going into the second half but a sloppy start saw Saracens score almost immediately and the Cosmos heads drop. 2 Kilburn penalties to Garvey and another try to Saracens, from a turnover on the Saracens 22 after a promising Cosmos attack broke down, saw the game tied up at 24 all but with Saracens definitely in the ascendency. Kilburns fitness or lack of was showing with tackles being missed, passes misdirected and balls dropped.
Saracens took full advantage racking up another 2 tries to take the score to 36-24. The final 10 minutes saw Kilburn frantically attacking and they looked like scoring on a number of occasions but excellent scrambling defence by Saracens and a bad pass or wrong option by the Cosmos saw the chances go begging with the final whistle going with the score remaining 36-24.
Kilburn had plenty of opportunities on attack in the second half to take the game but lack of protection for halfback Chris Protherough saw terrible ball coming to fly-half Andy Allan who could do nothing with it but try to secure possession. This was a wasted opportunity as centre Peter Donaldson and wing Hayden Wilson had looked dangerous every time they touched the ball and not getting decent ball to them was a major part in Kilburns downfall.
Lineouts were a problem for Kilburn with Saracens dominating. Any ball won from the lineout was always untidy and offered no attacking platform. The scrum was also a problem with Saracens employing wheeling tactics to disrupt Kilburns possession which was not dealt with by either the referee or the Kilburn forwards.
Saracens backs offered little attacking threat from the set pieces but were brilliant from the counter attack and broken play with their speed, fitness and support play with the Saracens loosies also popping up causing Kilburn no end of trouble.
Once again Ehi Alonge put in an excellent 80 minutes in the front row and locks Ledington and Fenlon were great round the park though Fenlon was not as prominent in the second half after a storming first 40 minutes. In the backs centre Peter Donaldson again stood out on attack and provided a solid midfield with Richey Cunninghame while 1st XV debutante Hayden Wilson looked dangerous but suffered from the lack of decent ball being given to the backs.
Skipper Scott Aitken and Declan Magee were judged joint MVPs with both players having brilliant games and Andy Allan picked up 1 point after a very solid game under a lot of pressure.
Kilburn 24 (D Magee, S Aitken tries, C Garvey 4 penalties, 1 conversion)
Team: H McKenzie, D Magee, E Alonge, P Ledington, J Fenlon, M Taguri, S Aitken(C), T O'Connor, C Protherough, A Allan, H Wilson, R Cunninghame, P Donaldson, C Coane, C Garvey. Reserves: B Zaug, J Trout, R McNaughtan
The Kilburn Cosmos 1st XV blew a great opportunity to knock over Herts Middlesex 1 league leaders Saracens Amateurs on Saturday at Tiverton Green. After establishing an 18-0 lead during the first half a lack of fitness and composure on attack lead to the Cosmos being overrun by Saracens in the second half who ended up taking a comfortable 36-24 victory. This leaves Saracens firmly established at the top of the table and confines Kilburn to the bottom three with no wins from three games.
The first half was relatively even with both sides having long periods of possession in the oppositions 22. Both teams were strong and committed on defence but it was Kilburn who was able to make the most of their opportunities. Hooker Declan Magee proved unstoppable close to the line to score Kilburns 1st try after excellent pick and gos by the forward pack took them close to Saracens line. Chris Garvey missed the conversion but soon knocked over a penalty to give Kilburn a handy start. When openside Scott Aitken capitalised on some sloppy lineout work and Saracens not playing to the refs whistle to steal a loose ball and scoot over under the posts for the Cosmos second try, converted by Garvey, it looked like Kilburn could be on the verge of a major upset. Another penalty to Garvey took the score out to 18-0 late in the first half. However some late pressure from Saracens saw them camp close to the Cosmos line and eventually score through the forwards to close the gap to 18-7.
A huge blow to Kilburns chances occurred late in the first half when impressive blindside Mo Taguri took a head knock and had to go off. Already suffering from the absence of regular no 6 Aly Bursey through injury this left Kilburn down on aggressive defenders around the rucks. Skipper Aitken knocked Saracens back all day but lacked allies and this proved a major factor in the second half with Saracens making inroads close to the rucks through Kilburns tiring defence.
Kilburn were full of confidence going into the second half but a sloppy start saw Saracens score almost immediately and the Cosmos heads drop. 2 Kilburn penalties to Garvey and another try to Saracens, from a turnover on the Saracens 22 after a promising Cosmos attack broke down, saw the game tied up at 24 all but with Saracens definitely in the ascendency. Kilburns fitness or lack of was showing with tackles being missed, passes misdirected and balls dropped.
Saracens took full advantage racking up another 2 tries to take the score to 36-24. The final 10 minutes saw Kilburn frantically attacking and they looked like scoring on a number of occasions but excellent scrambling defence by Saracens and a bad pass or wrong option by the Cosmos saw the chances go begging with the final whistle going with the score remaining 36-24.
Kilburn had plenty of opportunities on attack in the second half to take the game but lack of protection for halfback Chris Protherough saw terrible ball coming to fly-half Andy Allan who could do nothing with it but try to secure possession. This was a wasted opportunity as centre Peter Donaldson and wing Hayden Wilson had looked dangerous every time they touched the ball and not getting decent ball to them was a major part in Kilburns downfall.
Lineouts were a problem for Kilburn with Saracens dominating. Any ball won from the lineout was always untidy and offered no attacking platform. The scrum was also a problem with Saracens employing wheeling tactics to disrupt Kilburns possession which was not dealt with by either the referee or the Kilburn forwards.
Saracens backs offered little attacking threat from the set pieces but were brilliant from the counter attack and broken play with their speed, fitness and support play with the Saracens loosies also popping up causing Kilburn no end of trouble.
Once again Ehi Alonge put in an excellent 80 minutes in the front row and locks Ledington and Fenlon were great round the park though Fenlon was not as prominent in the second half after a storming first 40 minutes. In the backs centre Peter Donaldson again stood out on attack and provided a solid midfield with Richey Cunninghame while 1st XV debutante Hayden Wilson looked dangerous but suffered from the lack of decent ball being given to the backs.
Skipper Scott Aitken and Declan Magee were judged joint MVPs with both players having brilliant games and Andy Allan picked up 1 point after a very solid game under a lot of pressure.
Kilburn 24 (D Magee, S Aitken tries, C Garvey 4 penalties, 1 conversion)
Team: H McKenzie, D Magee, E Alonge, P Ledington, J Fenlon, M Taguri, S Aitken(C), T O'Connor, C Protherough, A Allan, H Wilson, R Cunninghame, P Donaldson, C Coane, C Garvey. Reserves: B Zaug, J Trout, R McNaughtan
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