Hatrick hero's Paulin and Adesiyan put into shade by stonewall defence

The U14’s were on the road again this week traveling south of the river (passports were not required) deep into southeast London for a first time fixture against Beckenham RFC. It was a cold, crisp and wet morning in Beckenham, the welcome however was warm and friendly.

A 10am kick off and the damp start meant a wet pitch and challenging handling conditions for both teams and the initial few minutes saw several handling errors on both sides as players adjusted. However a promising piece of OB play saw the captain Paulin released from full back to score the opening try in the corner. Beckenham responded with period of pressure and pressed OB’s back deep into their 22. Step up Griffin to counter ruck and win the ball on the 5 yard line Beaty spun the ball out to the OB back line for the counter attack, great team play and passing saw Sagomba cross for the second try. The forwards secured more ball and the back line continued to press with Sagomba providing supplier to Adesiyan who showed great athleticism and power as he ran for the line dragging two Beckenham players with him to finish under the posts. Sagomba secured the conversion. Beckenham responded again with more direct powerful forward play however some more great defence and counterattacking saw OB’s on the Beckenham 22 with an attacking scrum. A great hook from Moss and solid scrum saw Cottage at No8 pick and go bursting through the defence to score a text book back row try which Sagomba converted. OB’s continued to press with Captain Paulin making a blistering run from inside his own 22 to beat two players and run in his second try for Sagomba again to convert. With half term looming more great team play saw Davidson off load to Paulin running the angle to finish the half with a try hattrick. Reed stepped up to convert to finish the half 38 points to nil.
The OB coaches still found plenty to discuss at half time and the second half saw Beckenham restart again with concerted pressure. OB’s team defence was equal to the task and the forwards in particular put in a huge work rate to slow a strong Beckenham pack. OB’s countered from their 22 with the ball making its way to the hands of Adesiyan. He found himself in space, the afterburners were lit and he ran round the Beckenham fullback who desperately tried to cover. More solid play from both sides ensued but OB’s were again able to release Adesiyan for his hattrick try. More solid team play and ball movement saw Paulin again cross for OB’s. Morely came on for a second spell and moved to full back he was soon given the opportunity to run with a little space in front him. He seized the chance to beat the defensive line and cross for OB’s final try on the stroke of full time. The score finished 58 points to nil.

Beckenham never gave up and had some extended periods of pressure and time in the OB’s half and 22. As with the recent Bancroft games team play was the key to success and in particular stoic defence by the team soaking up Beckenham pressure. While the backs ran in the tries this was based off the huge work rate of the OB pack winning ball, counter rucking and giving the platform for the speed merchants in the backs to shine.