The test of a team’s development is how they fair against previous opponents at the end of a season; today’s performance of the U9’s that travelled to the Stratford Festival was testament not only to the efforts of the coaching staff, but more importantly the determination and enthusiasm and obvious development of the players. Match #1 matches saw Bromsgrove, who had previously overpowered OL’s in an earlier fixture, experience a stiff test of their resolve and tackling – a closely fought contest ending in a very narrow 10-5 win for the opposition. Tom Fawcett registering the only OL’s score with a break from halfway .
Match #2 saw an equally titanic struggle against Worcester Wanderers, whose size and pace was well tempered by OL’s ability to tackle hard and maintain a strong forward presence. OL’s were unlucky to leak the only two tries of the game – some stalwart defence limiting Worcester, even though OL’s often threatened to strike back it was not to be.
Match #3 against a side from Brighton ended without score, however the rugby on display was equal to the best OL’s have played all season – a high tackle count and great support work showed how the team has the ability to work as a unit, irrespective of the players involved. Somehow 0 – 0 just wasn’t the right end for this standard of game!
Match #4 was against the hosts Stratford; against whom OL’s have had mixed results this season – this ended up being a rout in the first half, with OL’s running in 5 tries by half time! Tom Fawcett (2), Kai Bailey, Ben McCann and Danni Clutton the scorers. Second half saw OL’s register another 2 tries through Tom Hoare and finally Alex Witchell – the game ending at 35 -10. A thoroughly convincing performance based on forward power and well linked back play.
Sadly, the points for L2, D1, and W1 meant a 3rd place in the pool – so no place in the Finals.
The team had a thoroughly enjoyable day in the