Both sides came into the fixture in fine form, having made impressive starts to the season following promotion.
OCs got off to a strong start, taking the lead through a typically powerful carry from Louis Baker, who crashed over to get OCs up and running. Eton Manor responded with a well-worked try out wide, but OCs soon hit back.
Charlie Baker produced a lovely offload to send a galloping Dylan Enskat through, putting the visitors 10–5 ahead. However, Eton were quick to respond, crossing again to bring the scores level at 10–10 going into the break.
The second half gave OCs plenty of opportunities with some questionable tackle-height decisions seeing Eton Manor collect a total of four yellow cards over the course of the game.
Fresh from his Barbados getaway and introduced from the bench, Chris Harris produced a moment of individual brilliance to get OCs back in the contest. Following up his own kick, he showed a clean pair of heels to race in from 40 metres out, giving the side a much-needed lift.
Eton Manor, though, were not going away. Two well-constructed tries, both stemming from a dominant and well-organised set piece, swung the momentum back in their favour.
But Harris wasn’t finished. Showing all the urgency of a man keen to make up for lost time on the pitch, he took a quick tap from five metres out and darted over to bring OCs back to within two points at 22–24. (Yes, Napper got one!)
Unfortunately, that was as close as OCs would get. Eton Manor finished strongly, putting together another well-worked move to score and convert in the corner, stretching their lead to 2231. A final penalty at full time added the finishing touches, leaving the scoreboard reading 22-34.
A frustrating afternoon for OCs, who can feel like one got away, particularly given the number of yellow cards handed to the visitors. An enjoyable evening followed with the annual Bierkeller trip enjoyed by all.
Despite the defeat, OCs sit sixth in the league after the opening block of fixtures. Not a bad position for a newly promoted side, and plenty of rugby still to come.
Now comes a well-earned week off before attention turns to another big away day, heading up to Northampton once again.
