Match Day 3- Los Tordos

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The trip to Mendoza saw RGS challenged on many fronts. Mendoza is a hot bed of Argentinian Rugby famous for its tough forwards, scrummaging and its hospitality. The hosting was exceptional with a full barbecued chicken dinner on arrival at Los Tordos Rugby club. This was after an overnight Cama coach experience with the whole party enjoying the snoring of one or two individuals that shall remain nameless. 
The language barrier was soon overcome with a joint training game run by Mr Huelin. Match day three on Weds 25th July meant that the 2nd XV kicked off first in beautiful sunshine with the Andes providing a stunning backdrop. The 2nds lost 26-19 conceding a try in the dying seconds after pressing for the winning try at the opposite end of the pitch. Try Scorers Will Howells, Tim Wraight, Max Jankiewicz, conversions Oli Stonehouse (2). Tim Wraight scored an incredible solo effort and all the boys battled gamely against a well organised Mendoza side. special mentions for Alex Russell with his incredible work rate and tenacity at the breakdown. Whilst the result didn’t go our way there were some great performances and the team will have leant a lot from that defeat. we definitely need to play with greater speed to overcome bigger opposition. 
The  1st XV kicked off and from the off were on the front foot dominating possession and creating opportunities. Los Tordos scored first against the run of play and  RGS bounced back to lead 19-7 at the break. Tries from Sam Mark (2) and James Tunney were spectacular and RGS were playing some exceptional rugby. Injury to Matt Bowen deprived the RGS of  one of its best Line out operators for years and RGS were put under sever pressure in the latter stages of the first half. As the second half progressed RGS were drawn into a forward battle with several driving mauls putting the lads under immense pressure. an interception try and  another driving maul gave the Argentinian side a 21-19 lead. RGS rallied and almost scored before a breakaway in the dying seconds saw Los Tordos score again to win the match 28-19. Stand out performances from Efan Morris, Matvey Boguslavsky, and Sam Mark. Head Coach Honeyben ‘We played some fantastic attacking rugby in the first half and our intent to play at a high tempo was exceptional. We came under a lot of pressure in the second half and probably need to be a little more composed in high pressure situations.’


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