OC’s travelled to Winchester buoyed by two excellent results in the previous play off games.
Winchester had dispatched Wimborne the week previously so we knew this would be a tough game away from home.
OC’s made one change for the trip, bringing in the temporary captain/paceman Jack Griffiths for Miles Jones who pulled out for nervous reasons. We had spoken all week about playing with speed & physicality and that’s exactly what we did from the first minute. Strong early carries put OCs in the
ascendancy and created space for FHO out wide where he butchered a simple 3 on 1 but thankfully Oliver Burkett was on hand to pick up the pieces and score a well deserved try.
Readers would be surprised to see that Napper made the kick. 7-0. OC’s continued to apply pressure and after a lovely break from Burkett, well supported by Abdoul, we found ourselves on the 5m line. Quick ball from Jeff found Jesus who dotted down from a strong carry. Napper again silencing the haters with another successful conversion. 14-0.
The intensity of our defence meant Winchester weren’t able to build an attacking platform and after
another outstanding defensive effort, we turned the ball over and won a penalty to kick to the corner. Abdoul through fear of being hooked at 20 mins, scored a try off the back of the maul. Conversion was missed – 19-0.
The only disappointing part of the first half was conceding a soft try around the 25 min mark, Winchester scored off first phase from a lineout which was disappointing given how dominant the
defence had been. 19-7. In previous years, this would’ve been a momentum changer, but this team is different. They dusted themselves down after a few stern words under the posts and immediately took the game back to Winchester. After spinning the ball wide to Griffiths, he surprisingly made
good ground, ably supported by Shay who took us into the 22m. After multiple phases, Louis B as he so often does, bullied his way over from short range. Napper again converted to make the score 26-
7.
The game was a bit back & forth until Shay caught the ball in our own half and went on a mazy run, much to the bemusement of Chapman who bellowed “where is he going”. He needn’t have worried
as Shay made the game look easy by carving his way through the Winchester defence, executing a perfect 2 on 1 with Charlie Baker to score just left of the post. A very well worked try that was again
converted by Napper. 33-7.
Now for my favourite part of the game, with the first half nearly over and rain pouring down,
Winchester were building pressure near our try line. Again, OC’s defence was incredible, pushing
Winchester back to over the halfway line with a knock on ending the first half. At the time, that
defensive set felt like a winning moment and it turned out to be true.
HT score 33-7
Winchester scored quickly after the whistle which would usually cause panic in the OCs ranks after the Matson experience in 2019. 33-14. Nervousness was not necessary as the game swung back in
our favour. The bomb squad (Ramo & Bill) with over 200 1XV appearances between them, immediately got to work dismantling the Winchester scrum to regain the ascendancy. After sustained pressure, Napper kicked to the corner (thankfully finding touch this time) and we set up an effective driving maul with FHO scoring. Conversion was successful to make the score 40-14.
Winchester immediately hit back with a well worked try after losing Leo to the bin. 40-21. The game started to swing in Winchester’s favour as they dominated possession in our half but again OC’s
defence remained resolute and we were able to clear our lines effectively.
The crucial moment then came from a scrum just outside Winchester’s 22m where a monumental
effort from our pack drove the oppo backwards at a rate of knots leaving the referee no choice but
to award to a penalty to OC’s to much jubilation. Napper having missed a penalty kick a few minutes before, made no mistake this time and slotted the kick to make the score 43-14 with 5 minutes to go.
As the game grew to a close, you could forgive the team for letting up but they didn’t and continued to maintain pressure until the final whistle. An outstanding effort from the 18 lads who all contributed so well to a fantastic Colfeian win. The forward pack were immense and consistently provided a platform for the backs to play. Ramo and Bill have already been mentioned but Chris
Harris delivered an exceptional performance from the bench to see the game out.
MOTM went to the ultimate clubman Victor who has played in every single game this season. His defence on the wing was outstanding and the MOTM award was fully deserved.
Credit must be given to Winchester who have had a fantastic season, they were a very tough side and it’s obvious to see why they have been towards the top of their respective league. Thanks to them for the hospitality post-match and best of luck for the 26/27 season.
On to final remarks, I’ve had the pleasure of watching this team grow over the last two seasons after having to retire and it’s been so enjoyable seeing the success on the pitch over the last few weeks.
It’s been a very challenging year for the club for several reasons, but I have to mention Brendan McMillan who would’ve loved being part of this journey and making rugby look so easy. This season
has been for you my wonderful friend, forever in our hearts!
BM2
One more game to go against Amersham & Chiltern.
Will “Jiggy” Smith
