Match Report – ORFC v Wallingford

The Green and Blacks took another step forward in their preparations for a successful season at North HInksey Park with a pre-season encounter against Wallingford. All 35 players took to the field for at least 40 minutes in a contest played over 4 x 20 minute quarters. The rowdy crowd flanking the Stadium pitch were treated to a feast of running rugby which was made difficult by the constant drizzle.

Oxford showed their intent from the start as Tom Lockhart gathered the kick and charged up field. There followed a series of phases which took the ball over half way before it was lost in contact. This was the theme for the first 15 minutes when Oxford dominated territory and possession and could have had 3 scores.

The breakthrough came from the rampaging lock Tom Bates who touched down between the sticks followed by a conversion from wing Jake Eadle. The pleasing aspect was the manner of the try which followed a series of short passes made just before contact. Oxford were up in support not more so than fly half George Hanley who was involved three times. The final deft pass by captain Ben Reed split the Wallingford defence and allowed Bates to run in from 20 metres.

There were no further scores in the first quarter as wholesale changes were made to the Oxford team for the 2nd and 3rd ones. Several players were having their first run out of the season and their bodies were probably in shock when from the kick off Wallingford crashed through the centre to score a strong individual try. The score moved from 7 – 7 to 7 – 29 as Wallingford were just too strong.

To their credit the Oxford coaching staff stuck to their principles and kept everyone on the field where they will reap the rewards for the rest of the season. The camaraderie between the players was evident. They tackled fiercely and throughout but were out muscled.

For the final quarter Oxford played what they considered their full strength and again dominated the play.They were rewarded for their persistence when Reed crashed over from 5 metres with a training ground penalty move. Eadle converted to make the final tally 29 – 14 to Wallingford and to take Oxford 1st’s and Nomads to a new level.