A welcome return to winning form saw OLs dominate a game in which they scored seven tries. The pack dominated play and put intense pressure on the home side from the kick off. Playing with the wind in their favour OLs used the elements to create good attacking positions. After only five minutes desperate defence by Edewardians conceded a penalty 10 metres from their goal line that captain Luke Staton took quickly and crossed for the first try. A second try followed shortly afterwards, again from intense forward pressure that saw second row Luke Cobb force his way over. Neither conversion attempt was successful. Edwardians responded with a penalty conversion by their outstanding player, number 9. But this only stirred the visitors to increase the pressure on the home defence and further forward dominance resulted in a rolling maul to provide Andy Davies with the first of his three well taken tries. The game followed a similar pattern with OLs aided by the wind advantage continuing to dominate the game, mainly through the forwards and well placed territorial kicks deep into the home defence. Edwardians only response was two further penalty conversions before the half time whistle. Half time score Edwardians 9 - OLs 25. The second half saw Edwardians with the wind advantage and pressure was put on the OLs defence but it was OLs that extended the lead with the first score in the second half, Andy Davies going over after crashing through after more excellent work by the forwards. OLs now began to use their backs with more ball being thrown along the line and it was only some strange offside decisions by the match official that brought promising moves to a halt. A try by Edwardians following a defensive lapse reduced the deficit to 16 points, but this reduction was closely followed by the best try of the game. A long clearance into OLs territory was collected by full back Rob Ridler who the jinked his way through the oncoming Edwardians, exchanged passes with his winger and then having collected the return inside pass crossed over to score. Not to be outdone, captain Luke Staton collected a well won ruck ball some 40 metrrs out and swept through a number of desperate defensive tackles to add his second try and OLs seventh. With the game well sewn up OLs relaxed and Edwardians scored a consolation try with the last move of the game. With winger Mark Foley converting two of the tries and adding a penalty, the final score was 19 - 42 in OL’s favour. The final league game of the season is on 18th. April – kick off 3.00pm, against local rivals Shipston.
