Thirsty 3s Stage Comeback to Claim Top Spot

The Thirsty 3s arrived in high spirits following a comfortable victory the previous week. Hurlingham was shining in the sun and the crowd was roaring, ready to see some champagne rugby flowing from the boys.

Quintin did not get the memo, coming strongly out of the gates with a physical gameplan. The Thirsty 3s were slow to adapt, finding themselves 17-0 down early doors.

The 3s soon found their rhythm, with Thomas Rochette deciding to scrap every opposition player by himself in the name of liberty and some quick thinking from Sam Waterworth to pick and go to start the comeback. The comeback was short-lived, however, with Quintin scoring another to go 22-5 up.

Following a fiery and passionate half-time team talk, the Thirsty 3s were ready to right their wrongs in the second half, and did just that.

Harry Tate, the impact sub, broke through the line, skinned another off the left and dived over the line to start the charge. Showing great awareness, the 3s capitalised on a quick tap, with Harry breaking the line like he breaks out Daddy’s credit card before offloading to Sam Smith, who sent the fullback to the shops and placed the ball under the posts, 22-17. Game on.

With momentum building, the Thirsty 3s had a scrum in their own half, deciding to ship it wide to Oscar Jeanroy, who backed himself, burning defender after defender to score from 70 metres out and put the Thirsty 3s ahead for the first time, 24-22. The 3s were now in control, playing the champagne rugby they craved. Capitalising on a knock-on, the 3s launched a counter attack, spreading it wide to Lecky, who raced past their defenders to score in the corner. However, the reactions of some dishonourable away fans left the fate of the try in the hands of the TMO. Joe sprinted over to argue our case and, after a tiresome review, the try stood. 29-22.

The war was not over yet, with Quintin battling back for another, only to miss the vital conversion that would have tied the game, 29-27 to the 3s. With seconds left on the clock, the opposition had the ball once more for one final attack at the 3s’ defence, but a miraculous tackle from James McKendry dislodged the ball, forcing a knock-on and bringing about the final whistle.

Full Time: Thirsty 3s 29-27 Quintin