Purley John Fisher RFC Home Page

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Training 2001-02

Every Tuesday at the Club.

Starts at 7.30pm

Lapses prove costly as PJF surrender early lead

Old Emanuel 24 Purley John Fisher 23 (Saturday 6th April 2002)

Purley John Fisher's penultimate London SW Division Four game of the season proved disappointing as they lost narrowly to Old Emanuel on Saturday.

After a cracking start, Purley let themselves down at crucial moments, allowing the opposition back into a match the visitors should have won.

An strong easterly wind made conditions difficult but Purley took full advantage of being made to play with it at their backs in the first half.

They were soon into their stride and some good running rugby saw them open up a 13-point lead.

They opened with two Colin Francis penalties and, soon afterwards, their first try when Karl Wipatene stormed over in the corner. Francis added the conversion.

The wrong option at a lineout on the home side's 22 gave Old Emanuel their first score when a rather unlucky bounce off a player's foot allowed the hosts' fleet-footed winger to sprint for the line. The try, and a subsequent penalty, cut Purley's lead to just three at half-time.

Despite having the wind in their faces, Purley started the second half in bright fashion.

But their strong point, scrummaging, let them down and when a blind-side ball was easily intercepted, Old Emanuel's resultant try took them into a 17-13 lead.

Some creative play led to another try and, seemingly, an unassailable lead.

The visitors, however, replied with two well-taken tries.

The first saw a Jim Brannigan pass from a driving maul put Bob Scarborough over before CJ Wakefield scored from a set move to give his side real hope of victory.

The conversion would have given them the lead but a difficult kick missed the target and Old Emanuel managed to hold on to their single point advantage for the last five minutes.

This Saturday PJF play their last fixture of the season, an away clash against runaway league leaders Richmond.

11:27 Wednesday 10th April 2002

Rampant Purley John Fisher crush old rivals

PURLEY JOHN FISHER 70, OLD REEDONIANS 5 (Saturday 9th March 2002) 

Last week's friendly proved perfect preparation for a rampant Purley John Fisher, as they completely overwhelmed Old Reedonians to record their highest-ever victory in a league match.

PJF's forwards were soon in control, proving much too strong in the set scrums. Lineouts were a different matter, being somewhat hit and miss due to the wind. A brace of tries from Richard Cebreiro and one from skipper Nick Wilson gave the home side a 19-5 lead at half-time.

This was a good all-round team performance in which fly-half Simon Witham marshalled the backs well and, in the back row, Hanlon and Bob Scarborough stood out.

Completing a highly satisfactory day, Purley John Fisher's 3rd XV beat Warlingham III for the second time, thus registering the club's eighth victory at all levels this season against these old rivals.

This Saturday Purley John Fisher are away to Tottonians in a league fixture.

11:39 Wednesday 13th March 2002

Thanks to Croydon Gurdian for the match reports.

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