2nd Half Dominance finally rewarded with last gasp try

A strong end to end wind ensured it would be a classical game of 2 halves. Captain Ed Goodman won the toss and chose to take the wind on in the first half

The starting line up:
Jordan Moorby, Ben Law, Charlie Harris
Bob Brownlees, Jack Fellowes-Prynne
Alex White, Jago Madsen, Ed Goodman
Ed Tinney, Calum Doherty
Eben Becerra, Brad Moreton
Charlie Stewart, Jordan Albert
Teddy Treble

Bench: Mattie Carey, Chris Wright, Brad Chew, Dougal Polson, Steve Eacott, Callum McDonald

The pitch despite the previous 6 weeks of rain was in good condition but a very strong wind dictated that it would be all played in one half.

OA's kicked off deep and that set the tone for the next 10 minutes as the Colts fought their way out of the 22 and as soon as the ball was turned over driven straight back.

The OA's pack was heavier and very focused on driving close to ruck and maul. Very strong and determined tackling kept them out with Brownlees, White, Madsen and Goodman to the fore.

Good line breaks by Madsen, Law and Goodman from drives off the rucks started to give the backs better, quicker ball allowing Tinney and Doherty to get the back moving into space.

After the initial 10 or 15 minutes surge by OA's the Colts grew into the game and tried to use the faster backs and mounted a number of attacks with Albert on the right wing making 30 metres and reached close to OA's 22.

Another attack lead to a kick chase which lead to the OA's fullback receiving ball and 3 Colts which resulted in a injury which required him to leave the pitch and the Colts being called back for an offside.

The final surging attack of the half went down the right, a high ball was put up and from the resultant drop ball Albert sprinted away to the line. The ref unfortunately saw an infringement against Goodman and the half ended scoreless.

The second half aided by the wind allow the Colts to dominate territorially but not gain the quality of ball to release the backs to score. The penalty count against the Colts rose alarmingly as poor discipline at the breakdown kept giving away good field position and continuity

OA's defended strongly and maintained the forward drives around the fringes but never threatened to breakout.

All the subs were used during the 2nd half of this very attritional game and as OA's started to tire the scrummage improved disrupting OA's and allowing the Colts half backs to drive the ball back into OA's 22.

With the match grinding to an end quick ball was produced and a surging run by Goodman set up Dougal Polson to darive to the line and touch down with 2 defenders clinging onto him. The referee however judged there was a double movement and the try was chalked off.

Despite the frustration, the Colts focused won the lineout and drove the ball back into the OA's 22, moving the ball quickly to the right twinkle toes Doherty ducked under tackle burst past another and dived to score. The referee awarded the try to the delight of the travelling support and the dismay of the extremely vociferous home support. Teddy Treble calmly stepped up and slotted the conversion 1o metres in from the touch line.

With 2 minutes left OA's drove allow restart at the feet of the Receiving Colts who gathered successfully and played down the clock to complete the win.

Well done the squad for defending fiercely and ensuring an away win at OA's in the cup for the second year running.

Tring Academy at home is the next Herts Cup pool game.