Sheffield Oaks 16 Halifax Vikings 32

On a fine (the only) sunny day in Sheffield, Yorkshire 6 Leaders Halifax Vikings travelled to the Oaks in search of glory.  Internet research saw them expecting a “lowly” side ripe for the taking but at home, the Oaks offer so much more.  From the off, added enthusiasm from the Oaks back row startled the Vikings.  Momentum was very much with the home side’s forwards and with scrum half Tom Ward bossing the spar show, there was some hope for the few supporters that managed to turn up.

As early as the sixth minute the Oaks were rewarded with the opening score.  Unaware that the game had kicked off, fly half Aaron Brown dinked a training ground kick over the rush defence and collected on the bounce.  Drawing the fullback onto a strategic banana skin, Brown stepped past the tackler to score under the posts before dusting himself down (a bit too eagerly for this pressman) to convert.

The Oaks were determined to maintain their grip on the game, but after uber-prop Jamie Grace came off the field of play with a blood injury, momentum shifted slightly to the Vikings.  It wasn’t long before the Vikings responded with a score.  Despite (or probably because of) the offside cries from the touchline, Brown was put under pressure kicking from his on line, fumbled and allowed a Viking (not a real one) to score.  7 – 7.

The battle commenced.  Control was seized by the Oaks pack in both open play and at set pieces with Bob Mudd working hard to make a mark on the game.  And his time finally came.  Time for a rest that is, as the ref ordered him into the sin bin for a misdemenour at the ruck.  A penalty a side kept the scores level at 10 – 10 before the Vikings hit back.  A series of passes through the Oaks defence let a Vikings prop unleash the biggest mis-match of players on Jonny Harrison.  Despite an awesome power-slam by the winger, his efforts only made the props fall over the line look like an expansive dive.  10 – 17.

With Mudd eager to make amends for his error, his collection of Brown kick off showed the delicate leap of a gazelle and set the Oaks up for the rest of the half.  The forwards dominated the rocks for the remaining five minutes and, being well marshalled by Ward, a mixture of successful moves put the Oaks in a strong position.  Unfortunately for the Oaks the pressure was not rewarded with the points that the effort deserved.  On the whistle Brown slotted a penalty over the posts at the second attempt after a Viking was penalised for waving at his mate in the crowd as Brown started his run up, thankfully for Brown.  Half Time: Sheffield Oaks 13 Halifax Vikings 17.

The first 10 minutes of the second half forwards play dominated proceedings.  The ebb – flow nature of the game was reflected in the scoring early in the first half, with both kickers again trading penalties making it 16 – 20.  A low scoring period followed as a series of substitutes distrupted the flowing nature of the game with the only highlight being a penalty awarded to the Oaks for incessant “whooping” in the lineout.

However, with 10 minutes remaining the Vikings finally broke the Oaks spirit.  Quick thinking from the Viking’s scrum half led to the decisive try.  The Oaks desperate defence wasn’t enough as swift pass to the blindside winger led to a try in the corner.

Disappointing as it was, there was still time for one last substitution in attempt to change the game.  Ever the gentleman, “People’s Flanker” James Donnelly sacrificed a first team appearance to allow a late cameo appearance from CoSpo.  Some cynical members of the crowd indicated that this was probably as much to do with avoiding paying match subs as it was for doing what’s best for the team.    

Not long into his appearance, CoSpo’s inevitable penatly for being off his feet at the rock took place.  Unfortunately the eagle-eyed referee managed to spot that he picked the ball up at the breakdown in a prone position whilst his feet were in mid-air above his head.  A bemused CoSpo managed to shrug off the decision and retreated 10.

Halifax finished the Oaks off with a final try on the hooter to flatter the final score to 16 – 32.  The Oaks trudge of the pitch pleased with their performance although it was coupled with a tinge of disappointment after taking the league leaders so close for a second successive home meeting.

Oaks: Jamie, Uncle Poggles, Richard Wardak, Bob Mudd, George, Wortley, Karl, Jimmy, Wardy, Aaron, Mick, Chris, Andy, Jonny, Shep.

Subs: CoSpo for Wortley, Tim for Jamie (Blood), Paul for Shep.

Not Used: Donny

Tries: Brown

Conversions: Brown

Penalties: Brown (3)

Attendance: 16

MoM: Aaron Brown.

DoD: Bob Mudd.

Richard Wardak’s Hollywood Quote of the Day:  “I’m finishing this game!”  Tom Ward after taking another beating from a viking.  Ward’s determination to cross off all injuries possible is a credit to the world of rugby.