Woodrush started this game with a strong wind at their backs and a game plan that kept OL’s on the defensive for the first quarter despite the OL’s pack again dominating the forward play. Having said that good ball won by the forwards was too often kicked away into a strong wind yielding possession to a fast moving Woodrush back division. After 20 minutes Woodrush opened the scoring with a well worked try following good work by the Woodrush back row providing quick ball for the centre to cross for the first score.  The try was converted to give Woodrush a deserved seven point lead.

OL’s continued to defend well and began to disrupt the Woodrush game plan with some fine running moves but it was a cross kick from Adam Canning to full back Jack Secher that brought OL’s back into the game.  The perfectly placed kick enabled the smallest player on the field to catch on the run from his full back position and shrug off two defensive tackles to cross the line in the corner.  The remainder of the first half followed a predictable pattern with OL’s defending against the strong wind and making positive runs into the Woodrush half but being unable to break down the woodrush defences. Shortly before half time a penalty awarded to Woodrush for an offside infringement gave the number 10 an easy conversion.  Half time 5 – 10.

Playing the second half with the wind at their backs OL’s began to trouble the Woodrush defence with well placed kicks to secure territorial advantages but despite the forwards dominating Woodrush they were unable to create a score.  OL’s now began to bring their backs more into the game and following a good movement through the backs across the field, speedy winger Steven Dealtry outstripped the defence and ran round to score beneath the posts.  Adam Canning converted. OL’s now began to dominate play and a well placed kick ahead by hooker Jon Carnall was chased by scrum half Mark Foley who, having gained a narrow advantage over the retreating full back, was tripped resulting in a penalty try, again converted by Canning.

Probably the best try of the game was still to come.  Winger Dealtry collecting the ball 30 metres out in a tight position left the Woodrush defence wondering where he had gone.  His dynamic take off and speed saw him go over the goal line with Woodrush simply looking on. The conversion by Canning saw OL’s stretch the lead to 26 points to 10. And that remained the score until the final whistle.

OL’s travel to top team Dunlop next week with confidence high after two wins on the trot.

Timescale

-1hr
Yorkie ticks off names in the absence of the follically challenged skipper
-30mins
The Greganator tries to find a shirt that fits-unsuccessful.
-5mins
Players re-enter changing room to warm up. Hirsute stand in skipper Andy Hall addresses the troops.
0 mins
Receive kick off playing up hill and against a gale.
10 mins
The solid platform provided by the forwards gives the backs fast ball which is quickly moved from one side then to the other for Shaggy Haired Linfield to scamper in at the corner. Side parted Mould slots the conversion from an acute angle.
20 mins
Forward power allows the young tyro scrum half to slot a drop goal.
30 mins
Hairy fleet footed Mould intercepts and runs over half the pitch to score and convert.
35 mins
Yet more quality ball from the forwards is quickly moved through hands for the Abominable Murray to scoot over.

Half Time

40 mins
Playing with the conditions we again consolidate our position within the oppositions’ half.
50 mins
Well coiffured Tom Kerr unleashes his power on the opposition.
60 mins
After 20 mins of less structured play The Bin Man plucks the ball out of mid air and plunges over.
70 mins
The Greganator who after giving his youthful scrum half an armchair ride decides that it is time to explode as he powers over from 35 yards of the back of another awesome scrum.
80 mins
Full time whistle. An excellent game with opposition who upped their game in the second half. Surely you can’t change a winning team?!