OPRFC Thundercats got their hands on the Middlesex North West Floodlit Cup trophy after defeating Uxbridge in the final at Ealing Trailfinders, running in eight tries in the process, with hat-tricks for both Matt Ilube and Harry Hanley.

In what was a largely dominant display, OPs had to overcome some resolute defence and well-coordinated forward play from their West London opponents, who did well to keep the score to 15-6 at half time.

The difference lied mostly in the skill set and speed of the Thundercats backs. Racing into a 15-0 lead within fifteen minutes of the kick-off, Ilube benefited from quick passing following controlled phases by the forwards, with scrum half James Young linking very well with fly half Will Taylor, whose distribution and deftness was a highlight of the fixture. Ilube’s raw pace couldn’t be matched by the Uxbridge back line, exposing their defensive flaws on several occasions.

However, the Thundercats would have been frustrated by the number of penalties they gave away during the middle period of the first half, which allowed Uxbridge back into the game, fly half Elliot Wake choosing to take the points ; this may well have been motivated by two factors – any points are crucial in a final including taking the three, along with the generally stubborn and strong OPRFC defence, which performed well all evening and wasn’t able to be breached.

A much better second half for Old Priorians gave them the opportunity to run in a further five tries, Hanley and Alex Gribbon both excelling and crossing the line, with Hanley bagging the hat trick ; both are in possession of tremendous acceleration and the number of line breaks made was impressive, hopefully a sign of things to come for the club as they rise to a higher level for both the 1st and 2nd XV.

Whilst the forwards were given short shrift in the scrums by an experienced Uxbridge pack, the recycling, tackling and taking of hits was of a high standard, with James Porter making yards from number 8, as well as Daniel Moore at prop. His fellow front rower, Funbi Osuntoki, had opened the scoring early on and is very threatening in the loose, able to play like a back when needed.

A deep squad gave opportunities for the subs to impress too and Luis Gomez-Rose interchanged well with Wilf Hoskyns, both accurate with their throwing and providing suitable ballast to support the likes of Mishka Fibbens in the front row. The Eds – Moss and Page – secured good ball and were ably supported by Porter and his back row companions, Matt Delargy and Inder Sohi.

The team gelled very well considering the occasional nature of the cup competition, and this has as much to with a genuine community spirit within the club this year ; the hope will be - given the fact the Thundercats operate as an Under 25s – that this sets a firm foundation for the 2022/23 season and beyond, with the signs encouraging for a club that has had a tremendous campaign in 2021/22.