Gareth Evans left frustrated by Shelford finishing
No luck for Shelford at Park
Gareth Evans was left to rue interception tries and a lack of clinical finishing as Shelford lost 40-14 at Westcombe Park in National League Three London & SE.
Tries from second row Dave Hill and Richy McIver, both converted by Simon Hrbek, had Shelford leading 14-10 after 28 minutes, but Park hit back to lead 20-14 at half time and then pull clear after the break.
“It was a tough day at the office, we were probably second best all the way round,” said Shelford head coach Evans.
“They will be at the top end of the table at the end of the season.
“There was lots of endeavour from the players, we’re working hard, we’re creating opportunities but we’re just not executing.”
Compounding Shelford’s woes was a red card for Ben Matalau, but there was better news with the return of Will Lawson in the centres.
And with Tom Lucas, Junior Koresi and Shingai Chiwanga out injured, Ollie Jones made the step up to the first team.
“We put Ollie Jones, the young Nomads player in, and that’s the way we want to do things, promote players from within,” said Evans.
“It’s the whole ethos of the club, Rory Finlayson is fantastic at developing players and we will continue to do that.”
Shelford continue on the road this weekend with a trip to Dorking, their fourth away game in six matches.
“We’re looking forward to it, but realise it will be another tough game,” said Evans. “Two years ago, Dorking were the top end of National League 2.”
Cantabrigian registered their first win of the season in London League 2NE, beating Rochford Hundred 31-24.
The visitors, who are also without a win, took the lead through a 10-minute penalty, but Cantabs responded almost immediately.
Drew Tilley touched down twice and David Bloxsum got one try, all converted by James Hayward, to give Cantabs a 21-3 lead at half time.
And despite a rally from Rochford to reduce the deficit to two points at one stage, tries from Dave Evershed and Bloxsum secured Cantabs’ first win of the season.
