COMEBACK VICTORY KEEPS WINNING STREAK GOING!

DISCLAIMER -   At the end of the match, myself, the OAs coach and the ref had three different scores - we all agreed to go with referee's score, but this report is written based upon my notes and scores - as such the tries and conversions will not add up to the above score but to a result of 38-45 in our favour (OAs coach scored it 42-44 so either way it was a unanimous decision - an away win!).

The first ten minutes of this match saw both teams very evenly matched, much of the game being played in the centre of the field before OAs broke the deadlock scoring a converted try down the right. Stortford responded immediately, some good passing between the backs gave Will S a chance to find a gap and score beneath the posts, successfully converting his own try to make honours even again. OAs then retook the lead scoring a further converted try before an injury to Cameron saw him limp off temporarily, Murray C taking his place in the front row. Once again, our boys responded positively and after a few attacking phases of play, camped out on the five-metre line, the strength of our forwards paid off and when the ball broke lose and rolled over the try line with Luca C the first to react, diving over the line to gain control and score; the position out on the left proved too challenging for the kicker and the first-half ended 14-12.

The second-half saw OAs come out much stronger and stretch their lead, scoring four tries and two conversions without reply to take a 38-12 lead. Admirably though, heads did not drop and the return to the field of play of Cameron and Ayo to replace Frasier and Sam W, who had both put in strong performances from the start, saw the tide turn back in our favour - Cameron's voice and leadership bringing more shape and control in the forwards. Nathan, having been awesome in defence throughout the game, making countless important tackles, finally got his reward with a try that brought belief back to the team and the conversion from Will made it 38-19. Cameron then dragged himself and several OAs players over the line in front of the posts to give Will another 'easy' conversion (38-26). Sensing the opposition tiring and backs started to dominate, Paidi, Ellis, Dillon and Jacob stretching OAs defense before Will seized the opportunity to get his kicking boots on and launch the ball up the field to chase, what he didn't expect was for Monty to steam past him to take the ball on the bounce and run half of the pitch leaving players in his wake before bending his run around behind the posts to give Will another conversion (38 - 33). A converted try needed, Will launched another kick up the field, this time Ayo was onto it and placed it down in the corner - leaving a challenging kick (38-38). On the touchline we would have settled for that, but the boys were not finished. Winning a scrum five meters out, Cam positioned himself at No8 and dutifully picked up and charged over the line, scoring the winning try and handing Will his fifth conversion of the match (38-45).
Another fantastic team effort, every player putting in a shift; special mention has to go to Nathan for his tackling but also not getting injured and Will for some great decision making, but star player nominated by OAs was Cameron.

Tries : Will S, Luca C, Nathan A, Cameron B x2, Monty W, Ayomide S
Conversions: Will S x5

Richard