40 - 0

Played one, won one: Uppsala men's team win their first game of the season decisively with seven scores, a conversion and penalty; halftime score was 20–0, full time 40–0

With the disappointment of the cancelled game vs Södertalje over, Uppsala turned their attention towards a robust Karlstad team. As this would be both teams' first game it was imperative both came out with a win to give this season some steady foundations.

The pent up aggression and nerves seven months in the making were evident from the moment the game kicked off with some ferocious collisions administered from both sides. The forwards were mostly involved in the action and a few errors from Uppsala meant that the Plebs were camped at their own line defending in a frenzy. Karlstad pounded the ball using their lumbering forwards but the old adage ''bend but don't break'' rang true as we cleared our lines and held without conceding a point.
Uppsala''s tactical play has been the focal point of the past few training sessions and during the game it was phenomenal to see the combinations and plays really come together. The robust running of captain Stewart Devine was well complimented by the direct approach offered by Jeremy Shore in the inside centre channel allowing Plebs to make some great yards. The tireless rucking from the forwards allowed enough quick possession for a high tempo offence. Dan Naylor's command of the forwards was evident as their positioning eventually allowed the back line to put Niklas Larsson over for the first try of the season. 

The tactical kicking of Vance Thomsen once again placed Uppsala in the oppositions 22, close to the very corner where Larsson scored. Some pick and goes from the forwards put enough pressure on Karlstad that they infringed and were penalised. Dan Naylor brilliantly spotted a gap and took it, scoring a deceptively cheeky try. Conversion a success and Plebs lead 12-0.

The oppositions handing became erratic after the pressure inflicted by Stewart and the hard hitting centre combination of Jeremy and Warwick Kendrick. The ensuing scrums all but allowed the Uppsala forwards to test their mettle against a physical Karlstad pack. Coming on top more often than not, this was often the route taken when given the choice in a penalty situation.

Karlstad's defence held true despite the angry running of Vance Thomsen who was always supported buy the evergreen Henrik Viberg and tenacious Fredrik Bergvall. In an effort not to be outdone, Brad Fagan and Ryan Mintz seemed to be wherever the ball ended, allowing the backs to make that extra pass and keep the play alive. Jeremy Shore was cruelly denied a try in what the referee judged to be a forward pass. David Bergvall seemed to take this call personally and decided he would simply power over and score, eerily close to the spot Jeremy was denied. With the conversion missed but a penalty kick scored Plebs led the scoring 20-0 at the half.

The second half was a much closer drawn affair, as Plebs seemed to at times lack the focus necessary to maintain the high standard set. Some clever and ingenious kicking from Justin Casimir paid off when wing Erik Sandin remarkably recovered a high ball in circumstances that had to be rewarded as play of the day. The presence of big Philip Denbaum and a cohort of forwards drove over and allowed Naylor to present Ryan Mintz with a peach pass and the burly front rower carried himself, and a few opponents, over for the score. A just reward for a tireless player who was rightly named Man of the Match.

The importance of pressure was never more evident than when Karlstad, whilst camped in their own 22, tried to clear their lines, but only for the kick to erroneously land in the arms of Stewart, who raced for his 5 points.

It should be noted that amidst the sometimes brilliant passages of play, Plebs did at times struggle with some anxious play and first game nerves. It should also be noted that Karlstad were a formidable opponent and their defensive line was hard to penetrate. 

Hendrik Robers and Mat Curry came in to bring some dynamism to the forwards and their impact was noticed, as was the play of Marc Delgado, our replacement scrum half, who injected his own flair into the proceedings. Warwick Kendrick took his leave after injury and was replaced by Pascal Rapon. He combined very well with the backs and through some more clever kicking and interlinking, allowed Uppsala to play a good portion of the half inside the opponents half. Mats ''KG'' Karlsson came on and took control of the forwards. His presence seemed to have a calming effect and the forwards regained their composure. A great strength of this Uppsala team seemed to be mobility of the forward pack, who seemed fitter and quicker than their counterparts. Rikard Eklund was brought on to replace hooker Jorge Campos to add his veteran savvy.

With the forwards doing their part, Erik Wärnberg showed some sheer speed when he got the ball, running for 60 metres, beating at least 3 cover tackler on his way to what would've been a magnificent try, but for a tap tackle! The final ten minutes allowed Niklas Larsson to show off to the crowd and score 2 more tries, making the final score 40-0.

The true testament of this team was the replacements bench, who gave us the ability to have options, play 100% without worry for injury or fatigue. When they were called upon they added to the team in their own ways and contributed mightily to this victory. Karlstad for their part, can feel unlucky for the scoreline. They only came with 16 players and did not have the luxury of substitutions that we did, and a 4 hour away trip is always a disadvantage. A good team and a good game, Uppsala for their part came away happy with the game.

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Point scorers:

•  5–0 Niklas Larsson
• 10-0 Dan Naylor
• 12-0 Vance Thomson
• 15-0 Vance Thomson
• 20-0 David Bergvall
• 25-0 Ryan Mintz
• 30-0 Stewart Devine
• 35-0 Niklas Larsson
• 40-0 Niklas Larsson