Try of the Season

By Brian Dick on Apr 30, 08 10:35 AM in Rugby

In the last eight months I've watched nearly forty games of rugby in person and countless others on television and, though I can't be 100 per cent sure, have probably seen more than 150 tries scored.

The other day at Goldington Road someone asked me which is the best try I've seen this season and I had to be honest and say I couldn't recall one that stuck out head and shoulders above anything else.

Given the itinerant nature of my job - I watch most sides quite regularly but none week in week out, it occured to me the quest to find try of the season should probably start with the playes, officials and supporters of our local clubs.

Dan Norton has scored a couple of crackers for Moseley as have James Aston and Uche Oduoza for Bees. Of all West Midlands National League sides Coventry probably integrate forwards and backs better than anyone else which means Butts Park must have seen a few quality ones.

And even though Stourbridge's season ultimately ended in the disappointment of missing out on promotion they have had some great fun along the way,.

To me such issues are not easy to decide. It depends whether one's idea of a great try is a piece of outstanding individualism or the work of the whole team.

Context surely comes into it too. It's all very well beating ten tired defenders to claim your team's eighth score of the afternoon but a more modest effort that wins a game has to take precedence.

Then, of course, you have to consider the opposition. I don't mind saying I scored a couple of belters myself just managing to hand off my two-year-old daughter to squeeze in at the corner.

The following selections try to consider all things but work on the proviso that I've actually seen them first hand and for that reason I regret that I can pick neither of Miles Benjamin's tries against Bath. The first a scintillating team score, the second a remarkable piece of strong finishing.

I'll pick a try for each team and then an overall winner. Please feel free to disagree.

Worcester - Kai Horstmann's at Sale. Shane Drahm broke from own posts, made it across halfway and Matt Powell punted to Garvey on the wing who tapped down for the No 8. All in driviing rain.

Coventry - Ronnie McLean's against Bees. Myles Dorrian's beautifully flighted pass invited Donovan Sanders through midfield where his centre partner raced up in support.

Moseley - Mark Foster's first on the opening day of the season at Nottingham. Inspirational scrum half James Ireland stole the ball out of Nottingham ruck on halfway, spun wide for Paul Arnold and the second row moved possession quickly for Foster to race home from 30 yards. A brilliant counter attacking score.

Bees - James Aston at Esher. After a difficult campaign Aston showed some of his old self when he received the ball in his own half, handed off Matt Moore and outpaced the entire defence to score in the corner. A fantastic piece of individualism.

Stourbridge - In their biggest game of the season, at home to Otley, the Stour backline cut the league leaders to pieces in the opening minutes. Jon Hall picked a pass off his bootlaces, Tom Jarvis sped up from full back, used the supporting Rod Petty who fed Alistair Bressington down the sideline. Even better considering the conditions.

Those are mine, my favourite is probably Horstmann's because I love nothing more than to see a fly half have the confidence to make a clean break.

Feel free to nominate your own....