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OLs 2nd XV travelled the short distance to
West Coventry to play Barkers Butts 2nd XV. The players knew this would be a lot sterner test after last weeks one-sided affair with Barkers Butts 1sts Playing in a league 2 divisions higher than OLs. The team was weakened by the unavailability and injuries of several backs and OLs took to the field with only 4 recognised backs in the starting XV, 2 of which were playing out of position.
Starting with an intensity not seen since the early wins of this season, the OLs pack took control of the early exchanges, winning good set piece and open play possession to allow the backs, Keith Jebson and Liam Jones in particular, to make several good strong runs. Having the majority of possession, it was only a matter of time before OLs scored and it fell to Howard Wicks entering the line from full back and taking a short pass from Paul Towey to score under the posts. Mark Foley added the extras.
From the restart, OLs forwards again gained control and took the ball back upfield to keep the pressure on the Barkers line. Several infringements from Barkers eventually led to a simple penalty attempt in front of the posts. Mark Foley easily adding the 3 points.
Half Time, Barkers 0 OLs 10
The second half began with the OLs pack, so dominant in the first half, taking their foot off the pedal a little and allowing their counterparts to gain the advantage in the early exchanges. Rather than keeping to the basics several strange decisions were made and from an OLs lineout the Barkers 2nd row intercepted the throw and ran in from half-way. The try went unconverted. More of the same followed and a further unconverted try was added by Barkers to tie the game at 10-10.
At a stoppage in play the OLs players were reminded of the basics that had served them so well in the first half and the realisation that with a raise in the intensity of the play this game was there for the taking. This seemed to have the desired effect and in fact the next few scrums saw the OLs pack destroy their opposite numbers and cause several turnovers. Ruck balls were being won and the backs again began to run good clean ball at regular intervals. From one strong run by Keith Jebson he fed fellow centre Jon Carnall who was tackled by the Barkers full back. With the back row providing good rucked support the Barkers players infringed and OLs took the penalty from 30m out. Mark Foley again knocking over the 3 points.
OLs held out for the final 10 minutes and in fact were unlucky not to add to their tally when Liam Jones was bundled out to touch a few metres from the try line.
Full Time, Barkers 10 OLs 13
A great result and team performance and in light of recent results for the club, refreshing to see a second half performance full of guts when it looked like all had been lost.
Big thanks should go to Liam Jones, Andrew Hemming and Keith Jebson who all stepped up in positions unfamiliar to them.
Next week is another tough one against Nuneaton Old Eds away. They gave us a stuffing earlier in the season so a chance to repay the favour before enjoying a good few Christmas drinks on a pub crawl back to the crofts. Back to the club for 7pm ready for the Andy Hall Christmas party at 730pm
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