OL's will wonder how they managed to lose this game having
dominated the match for long periods without scoring, particularly in the
second half.
OL's were yet again slow starters allowing Upton to score an
converted try almost from the kick off and a second unconverted try followed
quickly afterwards wide out. Having
given the home side a 12 point start OL's began to come more into the game,
especially the forwards who, despite a heavier opposition pack, began to
dominate providing plenty of good ball for the backs to play off. For once the
young three-quarters had an off-day with a number of scoring opportunities
going begging through a combination of bad luck and slack passing at
times. There was no shortage of effort
but the ball would just not run for the OL's and Upton were fortunate to keep a
clean sheet through the first half. To add injury the home team increased their
lead following a series of dubious forward mauls that resulted in a number of
disputed penalty decisions against the OL's for the defensive play displayed.
Half time score was 19 points to nil.
The second period was dominated by OL's with Upton having to defend
for most of the half. On a number of occasions tries seemed inevitable but
again the combination of bad luck and sometimes over anxious decisions resulted
in the breakdown of very promising play. Upton
only trespassed into the OL's half of the field during the second 40 minutes on
a couple of break out occasions, one of which led to a converted try against
the run of play. It was game that OL's could have won but it seemed that the
young side could have played all day without managing to score.
The forwards were splendid throughout, particularly young
colt Jack Quinlan playing at number 8 in his 1st XV debut. He enjoyed an excellent game and showed clear
potential. His line out work was superb
throughout, providing the backs with good ball.
OL's next game is at
home to unbeaten Dunlop, sat. 30th January. Kick off 2.15pm
The rest of the weekend's results looked like this; Saturday, 23 January 2010