BSRFC 20 - 14 OA's

The fixture was well attended with over 100 supporters cheering both teams on in what was a keenly anticipated local derby.

With both teams boasting an array of representative rugby talent the score was always going to be tight. BSRFC exerted early pressure only for OA's to wrestle the initiative and camp out on the Stortford line. Dogged defence and self belief saw Stortford repel the threat posed by a physically bigger side and after 19 minutes, Alfie Perring went up the left hand wing to score the opening try. This was converted by Hudson Rees-Jones who then added a penalty on the stroke of half time and a lead of 10-0

The Stortford players knew the significance of the next score but poor concentration on the resumption of play saw OA's winger Liam Hagley score a try within 3 minutes, converted by Charlie Ringland. Battle lines drawn the match pressed from one end of the pitch to the other as both teams sought an opening. BSRFC were judged to have made a forward pass when Jack Nicholls went over and the score remained 10-7.

The clock ticked down in a nerve racking period where the home team suffered at the mid point of the half as OA's Jacob West scored a try converted by Ringland to make it 10-14.

Within 2 minutes of the re-start, the Stortford forwards advanced on the OA line with Luke Bury going over for a try. 15-14 and advantage BSRFC.

Still too close to call until Connor Mak increased the lead with a try and 1 minute left to play. OA's pressed again but with Stortford turning over the ball and winning a final scrum, a kick to touch and victory was assured.

A fantastic game of rugby played expansively by both teams. William Barker was man of the match.