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1st XV v Kings Norton: 54-3 |
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Written by Dennis Fisher
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Tuesday, 18 November 2008 |
A welcome return to form saw OL’s dominate a game that was evenly balanced for the first 20 minutes of play. Two converted penalties by Adam Canning gave OL’s a six point lead after 20 minutes but then saw the lead reduced by a long range penalty by Kings Norton. From this point on OL’s took charge of a game with a balanced display of forward rugby and speedy movement of the ball from the pack by scrum half and captain Luke Staton.

Fly-half Adam Canning began to tactically move the ball, either along the line or with well placed kicks over the Kings Norton defence. There is no doubt that the tactical play of OL’s was causing disruption to the visitors and it was not long before OL’s increased the lead. A further penalty converted by Canning preceded an excellent three quarters move that saw winger Robbie Ridler carve through the Kings Norton defence to provide an excellent feed to number 8 'Mave' Davies to go over for a try. The conversion by Canning took the half time score to 16 – 3.
The second half was all OL’s. Ten minutes into the half scrum half Staton broke through from the back of a rolling maul and scored a try to take the home teams tally to 21. The conversion was missed but there followed a period of intense pressure by the OL’s. The forwards were dominating in the tight and loose providing good ball for the backs who began to spin the ball proving too fast and penetrating for the Kings Norton defence. From one move a long kick to the corner by centre Marr saw the speedy winger Steven Dealtry outpace his defenders to touch down the first of his three tries. Another fine three quarters move saw the opposite winger Ridler outstrip his defenders and with a good supporting run from full back Jack Secher he was able to dummy the full back to score.
A try by back row forward Liam Jones extended the score before speedy winger Dealtry swept past the Kings Norton defence to score his third try. With Canning converting four of the second half tries the final score was 54 – 3.
This was a fine performance by the OL’s once again displaying the speed and abilities of the young three quarters who can produce excellent rugby when provided with opportunities from the good platform of forward play now being produced..` It is difficult to identify individuals from this all round display but Staton and Canning at half back, Dealtry, and Jones particularly had very good games.
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