Last weekend proved to be one of raucous romps with Citeh putting 6 past Chelski, England spanking Les Blues by 40 and OCs recording their largest league win in 19 years over a lacklustre Dover.
Only a few months ago Dover led the league with 6 wins from 6 and were plotting a return to London 1. They dispatched OCs comfortably 24-12 back in October but since that day have only managed 1 league win in 10. Rumours of the ever so likely “No Deal” Brexit causing a rift in the coastal club with half their side being stuck trialling “Operation Stack” on the M2 are completely unfounded but in my mind its the only sensible explanation to their terrible turn in form. The sooner the Dover faithful accept Brexit means Brexit the better!
With OC’s on contrasting form, boasting 6 wins from 6, the home fans had no reason to fear defeat until the news of a shock recall of the infamous Andy Gardner rippled around Horn Park! Alas, not even AG’s acerbic tongue could derail this train and the fans were treated to a try fest.
The game kicked off in a howling wind and it was only 2 minutes before OCs recorded their first score of the day. From that point until half time Dover offered less resistance than Theresa May at a Brussels Breakfast Buffet . OC’s trotted back into the sheds leading by 50 points to nil, trys coming from all over the pitch.
The second half was a trickier affair with Head Coach Fielden ringing the changes and OCs losing accuracy at the breakdown. The boys still delivered a further 28 unanswered points with some fantastic tries and resolute defence. The final score clocked at 78-0 with a few tries left out there no thanks to the mercurial Estefan Ellis and his slippery fingers!!!
Special mentions go to the double try scorers; Ed Livett, Jack Mac and Zaid Ali. AOM picked up a majestic hattrick continuing his fine form on the pitch, which I hear carried on into his off the pitch form (allegedly).
Man of the match went to OCs worst kept secret Dele, who delivered his “Best ever game” (L. Fielden 2019) on Saturday. I’m reliably informed that this Saturday was actually his last ever game, he’s giving up playing (again) and is FINALLY becoming our full time physio. So if you’re reading Hayward’s Heath, you can sleep easy . . . .
Author – Ed Livett
