After a tough loss last week OCs looked to bounce back strong against a tough Reeds side. Since the restructuring of the league 3 seasons ago OCs have been unlucky to not have secured a W against Reeds, but we looked to flip the script following on from two very strong training sessions during the week.
Reeds started fast through gaining territory after a good kick off receipt but ultimately resulted in Reeds’ winger grubbering through and collecting down the right hand side which resulted in him dotting down underneath the sticks for a easily converted try. A handling mistake from OCs following a kick in behind again allowed Reeds into OCs 22 and after some comfortable defending a loose penalty allowed Reeds a successful kick at goal, score 0-10 after 6 minutes played.
OCs looked to respond straight away through a regathered kick off on the Reeds 22 and fast paced play and great hands from Rameaux at the line allowed Jack Griffiths to slice through the defence to slide in next to the right hand stick. Always smiling Napper adds the extras, 7-10.
Reeds restart the game with a kick down the left and after some scrambling for the ball OCs come up with it and looked to attack down the left wing through the big man DELE who made a clean break going from our own 22 to just outside the Reeds 22, but injuring himself in the process due to his blistering pace. Some more great phase play saw OCs push into the Reeds 22 ultimately resulting in Chris Harris scoring in the right hand corner. Another great kick from Ryan Napper sees OCs go ahead 14-10.
Reeds restart again with OCs collecting the ball nicely but after an unfortunate decision allowed Reeds to gather the ball outside our 22 and a mistake results in a shot at goal which goes wayward, Chris Harris knocks it on the line claiming he ‘never touched it’. A free kick for Reeds following the scrum allows Charlie Baker the opportunity to rip the ball in a tackle which allows for OCs to clear their lines. The ball doesn’t find touch which allows Reeds’ back three to spin it from one side of the pitch to the other where Reeds find themselves in space to dot down for their second of the day. Extras added 14-17.
A period of back and forth saw OCs have a few visits in the Reeds 22 but to no avail but some good defence stopped Reeds from getting out of their half properly. OCs eventually found themselves with a good opportunity with an attacking scrum in the right hand portion of the Reeds 22. A good attacking set followed which included a yellow card to a Reeds player for tackling the 9 at the base of a ruck. Another scrum followed the penalty which saw Jed snipe at the line to put OCs back into the lead. Napper adds the extras following a deflection off the uprights, 21-17.
Another period of good defence from OCs see Reeds only coming away with 3 points following an extensive period of time in the OCs 22, 21-20. OCs restart and Reeds are happy to kick it out resulting in the end of the first half.
Reeds kick off to start the second half but their eagerness off the line results in an offside at the kick giving the ball straight back to OCs. A series of kicks followed the scrum and more good comfortable phase play from OCs sees Napper kick to the corner following a penalty. Following a good first half of lineouts OCs set a great driving maul which results eventually in Sugar being driven over the line for a perfect start to the second half, Napper converted the extras 28-20.
A good kick collection from Reeds sees them set up a good attacking position and a contestable cross field kick sees the Reeds winger come out on top scoring in the left hand corner. The extras were added bringing the score to 28-27.
A passage of back and forth followed the restart which included an exquisite chip and chase from Jack Nagel and a kick in behind from Napper. A great lineout steal from Matt Walker saw OCs put pressure through the middle of the field which allowed Quba to bounce off 2 defenders on his way to cross the white wash, Napper fails to add the extras 33-27.
A good period of defence followed with OCs clearing lines comfortably, allowing for us to gain a penalty just outside the Reeds 22 creating a perfect opportunity for Napper to add 3 points, 36-27.
A great kick receipt run from Leo puts OCs on the front foot and the following kick puts the pressure on their fullback who knocks it on allowing for another attacking scrum just outside the Reeds 22. Some good phase play saw OCs push into the Reeds 5m and some quick ball saw OCs put the ball through the hands nicely which saw Jack Nagel go over the line for this first 1st team try, Napper failed to add the extras 41-27.
The final period of the game saw both teams visit each other’s 22s but both came away with no points following some good defence which OCs saw out the game nicely following a good final clearance from Napper.
Final score OCs 41- 27 Reeds.
Man of the match saw Trev go home with Jed after commanding the tempo of the game nicely from 9.
Alikadoos went to Ethan Collins who put his body and at times face on the line.
