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Old Otliensians 1stXV 0 pts vs Yarnbury 1stXV
36 pts
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As there was no league match for either team, a friendly was arranged
between ‘Ensians and Yarnbury who play two leagues higher. The overall
strength and experience of the visitors enabled them to keep the score
moving along, despite the home side competing valiantly right to the end.
The match was played with a fierce gale blowing down the pitch and
‘Ensians took advantage of this in the first half. Yarnbury gained
ascendancy in the scrums from the start through their much heavier pack
and, despite the wind, their experienced forwards worked the ball up field
and scored an unconverted try after 8 minutes.
A nice kick from fly half Kristian Keinhorst took play into the Yarnbury
22, but again the heavier Yarnbury forwards then ground it back into the
‘Ensians half and despite courageous defence by the home team, scored a
further try after 25 minutes making the score 10 – 0.
A fine break from ‘Ensians replacement scrum half Sam Featherstone in the
visitors 22 saw him offload the ball to winger Josh Hebditch who evaded
two defenders only to be brought down by a last-ditch tackle one metre
short of the line. However, after 32 minutes Yarnbury broke away from
their own 22 and following neat interpassing, scored a fine converted try,
making a half time score 17—0 to the visitors.
The wind strengthened even more in the second half and for the first 15
minutes the home side held Yarnbury at bay through great defence with Sam
Gray, Nathan Rogers and Lee O’Donnell to the fore. However good handling
along the backs gave Yarnbury a try wide out followed by an excellent
conversion in the conditions. This was followed by a further converted try
following a break from a lineout by a Yarnbury forward to extend their
lead to 31 – 0 on 60 minutes..
Horizontal sleet then added to the howling gale making it hard for
‘Ensians playing into it, but they stuck to their task really well and
Yarnbury added only one more try in the last 20 minutes. ’Ensians
themselves nearly got on the score sheet following a good run by centre
Nathan Rogers. Despite the final score of 36—0 to Yarnbury, ‘Ensians
competed well throughout and were not in any way disgraced by a competent
Yarnbury team who demonstrated why they were two leagues higher.
Ensians 2nd XV who are now top of their Merit League also played a
friendly against Yarnbury 3rds winning by 25 points to 12.
Old Otliensians 2ndXV 25 pts vs Yarnbury 3rdXV 12 pts
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