Mosborough (A)
Lost 26-14
Oaks emerged from Saturday's warm up defeated but not beaten as new partnerships gelled and the team gathered momentum throughout the match. In a casual game played over 25 minutes quarters Mosborough were able to field 1st and 2nd XVs whereas Oaks, depleted by holidays had limited numbers to call on. As both sides looked to shake off summer cob webs and lose the extra beach pounds what was evident from early on was the Oaks dominance at the scrum with balls repeatedly won against the head, with no small thanks to Jamie Grace who was returning to the rugby field for the first time in 3 years.
It was Mosborough however who grabbed the upper hand, after Oaks had a squandered a penalty chance in front of the posts. In the the second period Oaks were beaten by the more experienced pairings in the Mosborough back line as well as being humiliated by one driving maul. Previously this would have been the point for Oaks capitulation, however learning from last seasons mistakes and greater unity within the team lead a fight back. After a kickoff of the third period failed to make ten metres, Oaks forced a penalty at the scrum. Aaron Brown, attempting to bury it deep in the corner, just missed his touch and returning Tristan Clarke picked up the bounce and went over with fly half Brown scoring the extras from the touchline. Pressure continued throughout the period and Oaks were awarded a Penalty try for a high tackle that Oaks own 'High Tackle Steve" would have been proud of.
Though far from a complete performance Oaks will be able to take several positives forward and hopefully will be able to hit the ground running when the league season starts in a fortnight.
Oaks - Wardy, Chris, Anael, Alastair, Donny, Hoggins, Aaron, Kev, Joe, Dan A, HT Steve, Psycho Bob, Trigger, Bully (c), Damo. Subs- Matt Goldstone, Jamie, Tristan, Stu, Jonny
T - Tristan Clarke, Penalty
C - Aaron Brown (2)
Man of the Match - Anael Brunet
D.o.D - Aaron Brown for scoring a conversion from the right touchline yet missing a penalty in front of the posts.
Golden Moment - In the opening seconds of the 3rd quarter Aaron missed touch completely but the bounce of the ball allowed Tristan to pick up his first Oaks try.
Quote of the Day - 'You!!!!!' A Mosborough player completely forgets why he was upset in the first place and focuses all his energy into getting angry at Damo.
Small Man, Massive Stones - Hoggins for playing up to the scrumhalf stereotype and picking a fight with a Mosborough 2nd row at least a foot taller.
Facial Hair Crimes - Stuart 'I can't grow it on my head so I'll grow it on my chin' Whiteley, sporting a beard that would be more at home on a trucker in Tennessee.
