Round one of the Grizzlies 2018/19 season brought Berkhamsted 1’s to the real home of Rugby, Old Albanians Grizzlies pitch 6!

It was clear Berko turned up with lots of desire for a win as they all out warming up for more than an hour before kick off. With the Grizzlies old heads strolling out 30min before with a clear game plan of territory and strong defence.

The plan worked a treat as 10mins in the Grizzlies took the lead with a penalty and Berko yet to get out of their half.

It didn’t take much longer for a kick to find space and the angry Berko fullback to be smashed by the chasing defence. Some amazing work by Simon McGuinness turning the ball over giving the backs a fantastic opportunity and James Sykes strolled in for the Grizzlies first try. A second try was on the back of more strong defence and the ball being kicked through from a loose ball. Mick Foley won the race to the ball and slid over the line from 5 meters out.

At half time the Grizzlies had a good lead of 17 – 0.

The second half was more of the same with contact area being won by the Grizzlies forwards. It was fitting after this domination for Simon Huntley to score the Grizzlies 3rd try finishing off a stream of pressure with the forwards pick and drive in the Exeter Chiefs style. The game finished 24 – 0 and it was the strength of the defence lead by MoM Carl Lavin that won the game for the Grizzlies. A great win and a great way to start the league season off.

Last of all the true spirit of the Grizzlies was shown in Simon Huntley’s short speech in the changing room.

“I don’t do speeches, however, I would like to say a something about today. We won because we looked around at the next guy and he put in as much effort as what you were doing. It was ugly it was hard but at no point was there a single Grizzly taking it easy. The 24 is great. The 0 is even better. I’m very proud to be a part of this team.”

Rugby as One

Mick Foley,

Grizzlies Vice Captain