Tough Lessons on the Road

In what was undoubtedly the worst weather conditions of the season so far OB’s made there way south into deepest darkest Kent for another new fixture for the club. The Aylesford reception however was warm and friendly. As we gathered in the clubhouse Mr Torrado Snr stated the rain would hold off till lunchtime and he was correct instead we had sleet for much of the game.
The teams looked fairly matched although the Aylesford pack were perhaps slightly the larger and the game commenced with OB’s Mr Cobbe kicking off.
Given the cold wet conditions handling was going to be a challenge and the throughout the game both sides at times struggled to hold on to the ball. The Aylesford pack however quickly showed they were going to be a handful with a powerful ruck on the right just inside half way. Quick ball ensured and smart hands by the Aylesford backs released there left wing for an opening score which was duly converted. Aylesford pressed again after some loose play and OB’s Sagomba cleared the lines with a fine kick. OB’s pressed up and won turnover ball, and released our own backs with Adesiyan making a strong run on left wing. Only good cover defence prevented a score. OB’s won the ball and but for a handling error Morley on right wing would have been over. Aylesford rallied and their pack pick and drove from inside the OB’s 22 to secure their second score, with the upright denying the 2 points. OB’s then picked up the pace with a long passage of good play mounting several attacks. However a deep kick by Aylesford found space deep behind the OB’s and the half ended.

Second half started with solid pressure from Aylesford who again once inside the OB 22 let their pack pick and drive resulting in a score and conversion. More determined play saw OB’s defending hard and clearing their lines, but Aylesford pushed again with their own kick. Morley had no option but to dribble the ball over the line and touch down. The resulting Aylesford scrum saw their superior scrummaging tell and their scrum half dived down the blindside and over. The conversion was also secured by a fantastic kick. OB’s rallied with a good period of play and the best move of the second half saw a promising breakout from the OB half however the pass could not quite be made to release the overlap. Aylesford pushed back and with the final play of the half secured a try in the right-hand corner with again an upright denying the conversion.
A lot of tough lessons to be learnt from the game the boys played hard and never gave up, with Walker, Reid and Cottage particularly standing out in the forwards dominated match. Aylesford were perhaps more committed at the breakdown and a little sharper in their decision making especially with penalties. We would like to thanks Aylesford for their hospitality and also for the video footage which will no doubt feature strongly in a training session soon.