Location: Away

Lost 17-15

 

Rewind the clock 24 months ago – to the last encounter!  A brutal undisciplined game fought to the last by both teams.  Lost by Oaks to some fierce lines run by Rossington backs, and nearly won though some inspiring play by Sheffield Oaks forwards.  What would this year bring?!!

Keen to start the season with a win Oaks left for Rossington with an air of confidence.  That said whether the pre season work was going to pay off left a certain edge of nervousness as well. Perhaps due to this mix of confidence and nervousness there were a few less hangovers to contend with this week! 

With Bully away Kev being the ‘old man’ of the squad was given at the helm of the new Oaks squad.  With a light breeze into our faces Oaks kicked off into the unknown.  Knowing that Rossington Hornets were a merit league team until only a few years ago, it was no surprise that Oaks forwards took the initiative immediately applying pressure to their line.  Desperate to get over the line Oaks slightly one dimensional attack broke down short of the line on a number of occasions.  Unfortunately Rossington were able to employ their strength in running play and caught Oaks out with some flowing rugby managed to race ¾ of the pitch to score in the top corner through a forward pass that was not spotted by the ref (or the conversion which dropped 4 meters short but was still given!?)  After this Oaks again responded with some positive play but again and again failed to get over the line.  Fortunately Oaks discipline held allowing a number of penalties to keep Oaks in the game.  Unfortunately Oaks again were opened up in broken play through ball watching and a second try was put into the top corner for Oaks to go into the second half only slightly behind.

The second half was quite an entertaining half of rugby with two teams not at the peak of their game grinding away at each other.  The grinding nature of the game brought out Hornets lack of discipline with them giving away penalty after penalty - amazingly with 4 of them coming from restarts to the game (you can’t blame em too much – they are from the dark depths of Donny).  Unfortunately despite all the penalties it was only the boot of Aaron Brown keeping Oaks in the game.  When Rods scored another runaway try and Oaks had a try disallowed it looked like Oaks had lost but no one had told Oaks this. 

With 5 minutes to go Oaks closed in on Rossington and managed to score a number of penalties to bring the score within 2 points only needing a penalty to secure a first game of the season win.  Obligingly Rossington kept up their penalty giving record and looked to have given the game away when with 1 minute to go they gave a penalty 25 meters out slightly to the right of the posts.  Hearts in mouth Aaron sliced it wide only to receive another penalty directly in front 22 meters out 20 seconds later.  After kicking well all game the building pressure caused Aaron to rush the kick sending the ball into the post and back into play.  After a quick tussle for the ball and a clearing kick Oaks received another penalty this time 50 meters out and despite a valiant effort Damo was unable to make the distance dropping the ball short by only 5 meters to close the game 17-15 to Rossington.

 

Oaks –Anael, Johnny, Simon, Neil, Wardy, Aaron, Hoggins, Joe, Rob, Dan, Kev, Damo, Luke, Trigger, George Subs: Alistair, Matt G, Geoff

Man of the Match – Luke Wheldon

D.o.D – Despite Aaron’s desperate attempts to get it again It went to The French man Anael. After winning a penalty for another dodgy kick off Anael legged it to the half way for a quick tap.  Despite the many screams of  ‘Waaaaait’. He managed to tap off and do a perfect chip (to the opposition who then ran it back at a slightly tired and disorganized defence!! (nothing like team work to win a game!!)

Golden Moment – Again goes to Anael the amazing human block of concrete. Who again showed the Rossington fullback that time travel was possible when he knocked him into next week when he tried to tackle him

Quote of the Day - During a lineout between the Rossington flanker and the ref.

Rods flanker – Sir their flanker keeps pulling me off!!??

(Cue geers from both sides.)

Quote of the Day 2 'Come on lads let's just enjoy this now' George not being fully aware that Oaks were only a score away from  victory ( with 25minutes left to play)

That's Why He's A Dentist - George for attempting to bring Hoggins around by drowning him.

 

I Want To be Like You-oo-oo - George for trying to swap his entire kit with Hoggins in the second half.

 

The One That Got Away Award - Damo for spending the whole evening talking about his "55 metre" kick that fell short.