RAF VULTURES VETERANS XV VS WEST MIDLANDS - Wed 15th Jan 09

The RAF Vultures entertained what was believed to me a West Midlands Police Veterans team last night at DCAE Cosford.

On a bitterly cold night, which was peppered by sleet showers, the Vultures took on the full West Midland Police Representative team. The Vultures short of a number of key players, started brightly but a failure to capitalise on winning lineout ball cost them dearly.

With the Police side pressing the Vultures line, ball they did win, was lost by static drives into the ruck and maul situation. Outside-half Si Cooper made some piercing runs into the police half and was rewarded by the award of two penalties for killing the ball; sadly they were not converted into points.

The Vultures defence was excellent and despite some excellent Police three-quarter line work, it took 25 minutes to see the first score – a converted try to the Police. The score remained 0-7 until half time.

The Vultures made a number of changes for the second half, but were unable to pierce the visitor’s line. There game seemed to lack structure and as the game progressed the Vultures started to miss some first up tackles and it was only sterling work by winger Craig Farrington that saved the RAF on a number of occasions.

Into the last 20 minutes and despite the efforts of Kenworthy, Cooper and Fisher the Police superiority and fitness told when they ran in four tries without reply.

Final Score 0 - 38 to the West Midlands Police.

The Vultures took a lot of positives from this game and must now concentrate on these and prepare for their next match which is against the British Prison Service...Veterans(!)