The game got off to an intense start with both teams on the field, eager for a win. It was a rocky start for the 3s, after they conceded consistent penalties in the first few minutes of the game. The Fresh 1s were persistent with their attack in the opponents’ ’22, forcing pressure, but a strong defensive line from the 3s side held them out.

It wasn’t until sixteen minutes into the game that the 3s entered the ’22 for the first time, as Jack Park's kick was expertly collected by Isaac Gleave, leading to a try. The conversion was successful from Park and the 3s had seven points under their belt.

The pressure was back on as the Fresh 1s were back in the attacking ’22 moments after the conversion was taken. The 3s conceded a penalty for not rolling away and the possession of the ball was back in the Fresh 1s hands. The drama continued as Boniface Nehatta went down injured which took him out the game after a big collision.

After a yellow card for Charlie Turner for a deliberate knock on, the 3s were down to 14 men, putting them under the pump as the Fresh 1s were not going down without a fight.

However, the 3s turned it around and Tom Giglio scored under the posts after an impressive line break. Another successful conversion from Park extended the 3s lead to 14 points.

The game quickly turned around with minutes to go until half time, when Joe Baker for the Fresh 1s powered down the right wing and touched the ball down. A missed conversion for Orson James meant the score stood at 14-5 going into half time.

Just when we thought the intensity and action of the first half was over, a quick offload from James to Patrick Beale gave the Freshers side another try, going into the second half.

Unfortunately, another conversion was missed for the Freshers, as a result of a Gleave charge down, leaving the 3s with a narrow advantage heading into the half-time interval.

HALF-TIME SCORE: EURFC FRESH 1s 10-14 EURFC 3s

The second half of the clash started stronger for the 3s, after a missed lineout from the Fresh 1s side. George Prest made a striking interception at the lineout relieving pressure for the 3s, after a series of strong, direct carries towards the ’22 from the Fresh 1s.

However, it was only a matter of minutes before the Fresh side regained possession and Dylan Power made a break, finding Orson James on the inside, to score under the posts. A successful conversion from the try scorer gave the fresh side their first lead of the game.

The intensity and pace of the game increased, with both sides making ground and dynamic movements, in order to get the win. An obvious space opened up down the wing for the 3s, but there was a missed opportunity due to a passing error.

The Fresh 1s worked their way back in their opponents ’22, yet a penalty was awarded to the 3s as a result of Harry Chamberlain’s work over the ball.

Searching for a way back into the match, Chris Ballard tapped from ten metres out which led to a series of carries around the fringes and a successful second try for Giglio. Despite the conversion being sent wide, the 3s were back in the lead in a pulsating encounter.

With the minutes ticking down on the clock, the Fresh 1s were awarded a penalty which they slotted to edge back ahead, as the game headed towards a grandstand finish.

The strong determination for a win was evident from the side and Sebastian Pym chipped the ball, chasing his own kick with an impressive finish under the posts. A crucial conversion secured the seven points for the Fresh side, as they looked to take the game away from the 3s.

With all to play for and only a few minutes left for both sides to fight for a win, the possession was back with the 3s. Eager for a try, Harvey Beckerleg chipped the ball across the field for Turner to collect and score. The try was converted leaving the sides with one point difference between them.

Hungry for one last try to take the win, the 3s threw everything they had at the Fresh defence. However, they conceded a penalty a few metres out from the try line, losing the opportunity and the final whistle was blown shortly after.

A well fought battle from both sides with the Fresh 1s narrowly taking the win.