1st XV v Upton upon Severn: 29 - 6

Written by Dennis Fisher

Monday, 22 September 2008

OL’s began the 2008-9 league programme with an emphatic victory over newly promoted Upton on Severn . The first 10 minutes was dominated by OL’s but it was Upton that took the lead through a well worked drop goal from their hooker Heeley after a dazzling run through a number of missed tackles by the Upton man of the match, inside centre Keyte.  The lead was short lived as OL’s played expansive rugby with young scrum half Foley enjoying another fine game providing quick ball from the pack and it was only a matter of time before OL’s scored. The first of four OL tries came from Captain Luke Staton who collected a ball from the base of a loose maul just outside of the Upton 22 and broke several tackles before going over in the corner. Upton defended well against the OL onslaught and the score remained the same until the 35th minute when winger Paul Salvin was put through by a defence splitting move and scored the second OL’s try. Adam Canning converted for a half time score of 12 - 3. The second half was almost one way traffic with OL’s playing delightful open rugby. A long-range penalty kicked by Adam Canning increased the score, but a brief lack of discipline in the OL’s defence allowed Upton to reduce the arrears with a penalty. It was not long before OL’s were again camped in the Upton 22 and an infringement for failing to release the ball provided OL’s with a  penalty opportunity taken quickly by Adam Canning who punted the ball the width of the field into the in-goal area. It bounced perfectly for cousin David Canning to score try number three. Adam Canning kicked the conversion from wide out. OL’s continued to play exciting open rugby with the pack now dominating Upton and providing excellent ball for the backs.  One of many fast flowing moves saw Dan Peart cross the Upton line for try number 4, converted by Adam Canning, bringing the final score to 29 -6. All OL’s players had an excellent game and forward domination allowed half backs Mark Foley and Adam Canning to shine. Adam Canning controlled play from fly half allowing the young threes to show their true potential both in speed of attacking play and defensive duties. This was a team display of some note and if final passes had gone to hand it could have been a rout. Pictured: Mark Foley, in fine form.

 

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