Read below, or open up atached PDF document in colour. Also see under Media/Abums photos of the game titled: Staghounds away Richmond Saxons 24.01.26

Richmond Saxons (III’s) 43 – CS Staghounds 19

The CS Staghounds (II’s) travelled across London to the Athletic Ground to face Championship team Richmond’s Saxons 3rd XV, on a bright but cold afternoon, with a cool breeze blowing. Having only been there the previous week with a loss to Richmond Vikings (II’s) in the Gauchos ROC London Shield League (Stage 2), it was hoped the Staghounds could repeat their win over Saxons in Stage 1 of the league before Christmas.

The Staghounds more than kept their own in the first half, and held their own in trademark CS defence. In attack, they twice came back to counter Saxons tries in the tenth and twentieth minute. First, on the fifteen minute mark, a strong drive and maul for the line by the pack saw Ugo Eze touch down over the line. And just before the half ended, Matt Harwood ran a good line to level the score with a fine try, and with Alex Edwards converting, Staghounds took a 10-12 lead into half time.

Saxons came out much stronger second half, with some good running, and breakthroughs well backed up. Staghounds did their best defensively, but the pressure told, and at one stage had two men down with yellow cards. Saxons ran in five tries second half in the 50th, 55th, 57th, 70th, and 77th minute mark. To Staghounds credit they never gave up, and came back strongly in the final minutes, Ricky Hollamby scoring a try under the posts, and Alex Edwards converting. 43-19 the final score to Saxons, 7 tries to 3.

The score flattered a bit as to what was a well contested match, and enjoyable to watch. With injuries and unavailability, the coaches had to dig deep this week to get a Staghounds team out for this fixture, so credit and thanks to all for arranging and turning out. It was great to see a few faces who were Staggies regulars in years gone by, and still plying their trade strongly. Even the club treasurer was pulled out of bed on a Saturday morning for this game!

To end, some special mentions and notable performances. In the backs, Josh Wirihana-Tawake at scum half, and Kieran Dunne at fly half, paired well, and endeavoured hard to get the back line moving in attack with some crisp distribution. Alex Edwards at full back had a solid game in both attack and defence, and made some good cutting runs. In the forwards, the front row worked very hard, with Ricky Hollamby at hooker making some strong runs and drives through the opposition defence. Ugo Eze worked tirelessly, and Alfie Dawson was everywhere at number eight. Well done to all the Staghounds squad for this game, and to club captain Emmet McDonnell for managing today’s team, and Dylan Hopwood-Barsacq for physio.

Tries: 15 points (x3) – Ugo Eze, Matt Harwood, Ricky Hollamby
Conversions: 4 points (x2) – Alex Edwards
Penalty: Nil.

The Gauchos ROC London Shield results and tables have not at this time been updated on the England Rugby website, but when they do, you can view them via this link:

https://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/search-results?division=73552&competition=1729&season=2025-2026

Fixtures next week: CS Stags 1863 1st XV travel away to Camberley RFC for match 16 of the season – 2 p.m. kick off at Watchetts Recreation Ground, Park Road, Camberley GU15 2SR. The CS Staghounds 2nd XV have until 14th February for round 3 of the “Stage 2” Gauchos ROC London Shield campaign, with a match at home ground Kings House School Sports Ground against Esher RFC (II’s). Further details to follow nearer the time.

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