OBs secure bonus point away win

OBs 1st Xv fielded 7 changes to the side who defeated Yatton last week. Two late cry offs added to the disruption. However, the boys arrived early and with good pre match prep, which included Medic Alice sewing up some shirts, "I can't have you looking a mess" she said, saw the boys take the field with a clear game plan.

In conditions of bright sunshine and a bizarrely strong warm humid wind blowing diagonally across the pitch OBs played into the breeze. A really tight first half ensued with fantastic defence by OB's against a much bigger Coney Hill side. After 20 minutes that defence turned the ball over just outside our 22. A gap on the blind was exploited by Hunty who ran over the right winger and then broke the tackle of the full back to run in from 70 metres. OB's dominated territory for much of this half with Hill failing to use the elements which were in their favour.

With 5 to go to half time a strong driving maul went deep into the OB's 22. Hill's hooker dived for the line for a great driving score. Unfortunately for him he touched down over the 5M line. However, from the next passage of play Hill's 10 dummied his way through to just short off the line was tackled short but stood up to score. With referee happy that he wasn't held he then proceeded to convert his own try. 7:5.

Tom Bury kicked deep from the ko and great D saw Hill spill the ball . The resulting scrum saw Hill penalised a kick to the corner followed. The catch and drive went close before the human dynamo that is Tom Gould powered over next to the posts. Debutant Matt Law converted. 7:12 Half time.

The second half was equally tight with OB's failing to exploit the wind. OB's forwards were having to work really hard to keep Hill's larger more physical pack quiet. Strong work from Pikey, Kyle, Gouldy & Angus who all carried well and put in big hits.

A penalty with 10 minutes to go saw Bury again hit the corner. Hill decided not to contest the line out and stand off the maul sending a tackler around to sack the ball carrier. Wise to the move James Coughlan held onto the ball from his catch and was driven over for his first try for the 1st Xv. Law converted.

The bonus point was then sewn up as Hill failed to clear their lines. A charge to the line from a rampant Matt Douglas saw the ball go through three sets of hands for Coughlan to unselfishly pass to John Parkes to score.

Final score 7:24

A fantastic debut for best on ground Matt Law.

Now for selection headaches and Keynsham next week.