Oldfield Old Boys Vs Taunton Warriors

This was a sterling performance by this young 2nd XV who had the opportunities to have won the game.  Within 10 minutes Taunton were on the score sheet with a well worked try which wing Jack Connor achieved and Rhodri Hopkins converted, and they held this lead until on 36minutes against the run of play Oldfield managed to score and the try was converted to level the scores.  Taunton had several forays and attacked the Oldfield line and but for some slight errors, where scores looked imminent the half finished even.

The second half began with Oldfield pressing and having more possession and on 45 minutes they crossed for a try which was converted giving them a 7-point lead.  It was Thomas Labdon who scored the second try for Taunton after one of his searching runs which again Rhodri converted to bring the scores level.  Thomas always seemed to be in support to take the ball on from some incisive runs by Rhodri at outside half and the centres of Nial Crouch and Henry Webb and it looked as though he had gone over under the posts only for the referee to adjudge that he had been held up.  From the dropout under the posts a fumble by Taunton gave Oldfield possession and they managed to go over for a well worked try and for the first time in the game Oldfield were in front.  This lead was increased on 76 minutes when Taunton seemed to have won an Oldfield Lineout close to the Taunton line only for the ball to go loose over the line and for Oldfield to pounce to take the lead to 26 points to 14.  Taunton were not down and out and from within his own half outside half Rhodri Hopkins made one of the finest breaks you will have seen with a dummy and side steps, and it was only some sterling defence by Oldfield that stopped him just outside the Oldfield 22.  The ball was recycled and spun wide for Thomas Labdon again in support to use his pace and strength, shrugging off several attempts to stop him and score his second try on 79 minutes.  Rhodri added the extras and the there was just 5 points and one minute in the game.  Oldfield held out and Taunton were left with just one losing bonus point.

There were many real positives from this game with some excellent performances from team members.  As they tighten up on body position going into tackles and recycling the ball so will come the results in their favour.  A good all round performance from a young team against a well-established opposition.

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