EFFINGHAM & Leatherhead slipped to an opening-day defeat against Old Alleynians on Saturday.
The Eagles travelled to Dulwich Common ground for the opening London South West Two league fixture on a wet pitch and enjoyed early possession with Alex Cox controlling the early play well.
Old Alleynians defended well and momentum swung as they made ground up to the Eagles' 22, the visitors conceding a penalty for offside, duly converted for 3-0.
Marcus Smith snaffled the restart and the Eagles attacked through Charlie Compson and Jimmy Tubasei. With some width being put on the ball, Tony Penney made several threatening breaks only to be denied by excellent last ditch defence by Old Alleynians. Sam Prior finished off a concerted pick and drive by the forwards for the opening five pointer, improved by Tony Penney for 7-3.
The lead swung again as Old Alleynians hit back with some powerful drives ending with a close quarter try by an Old Alleynians flanker for 7-10.
The second half opened with a sharp charge down by Matt Manning leading to a penalty being conceded by Old Alleynians. Penney levelled the scores at 10-10 on 45 minutes.
Further pressure from the Eagles produced a second try as Rob Ellinson crossed after sustained pressure, 15-10.
The match began to drift away from the Eagles as Old Alleynians equalised with a second try and nosed ahead at 15-17, with a further penalty for offside taking the score to 15-20. The Eagles then took the score to 18-20 but it ended at 18-27 to Old Alleynians.
The Eagles: Ellinson R, Compson, Quinn, Makinson, Prior, Joyce, Tubasei, Smith M, Cox, Ralph E, Smith R, Manning M, Penny, Haynes, Foster.
