Lordswood 15 v 6 Sidcup

Rugby Union London League 3 SE

SIDCUP travelled to Chatham to play Lordswood, a team well known for their impressive home record, writes Alison Couldridge.

The visitors started poorly with three penalties given against them in quick succession, one was converted.

But a penalty from a scrum on Lordswood's 22 allowed Sidcup's Richard Pilgrim to level the scores.

Sidcup followed this with a long spell of possession and the hosts soon felt the pressure and brought down a rolling maul, allowing Pilgrim's boot to grab the lead.

Sidcup's Callum Thomson was sin-binned on 34 minutes for being offside at a ruck.

Lordswood capitalised to make the half-time score 6-6.

Thomson returned soon after the second half, only for Lordswood's scrum half to be sin-binned for an identical foul.

Lordswood used their small pitch to their advantage, playing a kick-and-chase game and not allowing Sidcup to pass the ball wide when in possession.

The visitors soon went behind through a massive drop goal by Lordswood from the halfway line.

Sidcup's frustration caused them to be marched back 20 yards during a Lordswood penalty, which allowed them to add another three points.

Another drop goal 15 minutes before time ended the scoring.

Sidcup club president Phil West said: "Lordswood clearly know how to play to their small pitch and we were unable to use our pace."