A Tough day at the Office...

Tries
Sagomba

An undefeated Bishop Stortford team made the short journey over to OB’s for this weekends match a test we knew was going to be extremely hard. Hard is exactly what it proved to be as the Bishop Stortford were quickly into there stride and pressuring the OB’s line at every opportunity. For a second week OB’s found that their defence was to be tested as a highly organised Bishop Stortford side worked through the phases of play and moved the ball across the pitch.
OB’s tackled furiously and the pack worked hard to contain the Bishop Stortford forward runners and try and win ball. When OB’s were able to win the ball, the Bishop Stortford defence was fast and quickly pressuring the OB attacking line. Having been kept pinned in their own half OB’s were often forced to kick to relieve the pressure on their defensive line and to try and gain some field space and territory. When there was room to run OB’s tried to move the ball but the greasy conditions and strong fast tackling of Bishop Stortford made life extremely difficult. Inevitably the pressure and territorial advantage led to Bishop Stortford creating the overlaps and both wings crossed for scores. The Bishop Stortford pack also secured a score with a strong driving maul sucking in the OB pack and the ball carrier breaking off down the blindside. A difficult half for OB’s ended with another well worked try by Bishop Stortford try.
Half time gave the OB coaches an opportunity to gather the team bring on some fresh legs and reorganise. Clearly the team talk worked as OB’s started much stronger in the second half, Griffin, Cottage and Scott in particular worked hard as strike runners for the pack. OB’s stated pack started to move forward recycling ball well through phases of play. This allowed the back to get better ball with more space to run and ask more questions of the Bishop Stortford defence. Bishop Stortford were still the first to score through a well anticipated interception. However the contest was more even and OB’s were starting to play some of the rugby we have come to expect. Bishop Stortford continued to press hard and defensive tackling needed to remain fierce with all players working hard. Torrado and Adesiyan both had one of their best games defensively of the season however Morley was immense at fullback covering huge amounts of ground. Bishop Stortford were able to create a second try with an overlap and their left wing showing immense pace to beat the covering tackle. OB’s stuck to the task and drove deep into the Stortford half and maintained a period of sustained pressure recycling the ball well. Eventually leading to OB’s creating the opportunity for Sagomba to step his opposite number from less than 10 yards out and go over for the try. We later learned this was only the second try Bishop Stortford had conceded all season. The score lifted OB spirits and some quick ball saw Dosunmu on the wing receive the ball well inside the OB half but with space. He was able to show his pace and streaked across the half way and deep into the Bishop Stortford half to only be stopped by a superb cover tackle by the full back. Bishop Stortford were able to grab one more score as OB’s tried hard to offload form tackles and chase a second score.
While the result was disappointing the determination and spirit of the team was immense, particularly in the second half. It is only through testing yourselves against the top sides can we improve so are thanks to the Bishop Stortford team for a great game. We would also like to thank the referee for his time and ensuring a highly competitive match ran so smoothly.