Season starts don’t come much tougher than this...

OB’s U15 season kicked off as the last season ended with our opening match away against the Essec Cup winners Woodford. We all anticipated a great game and neither side disappointed with great rugby on show from both sides. OB’s opened the scoring spreading the ball through the hands within their own half. Paulin showed some great personal skill with a kick over the Woodford line which he then gathered and ran in for the try which he duly converted. Woodford struck back with determined play for a try of their own but no conversion. OB’s pushed back recycling the ball well and pressurising the Woodford defence. Eventually quick hands resulted in the overlap and Bryant crossed in the far corner for the score. Woodford restarted and it was the OB’s turn to come under sustained attack, good play from Woodford resulted in a turnover and score for Woodford. Woodford then secured two further scores in quick succession from broken play. OB’s redoubled their efforts and once again surged into the Woodford half laying siege to the try line. The try eventually came courtesy of the two OB props and piece of sublime running, handling and communication. Griffin characteristically bursting through an initial tackle drawing the second defender, and then releasing the ball in a neat back hand flick to a charging Scott shouting on his outside shoulder. With only a few meters to go and with Scott at full pace the try was scored under the posts and Sagomba converted. Half time with the score at 20-19 to Woodford
The second half commenced with both sides showing huge commitment right across the pitch Woodford capitalised first with a score and conversion under the posts. OB’s responded with fine play and were deep in the Woodford half. However a quick turnover saw the Woodford full back able to dive through a gap and run in the second try of the half under the posts which was duly converted. OB’s stuck to the task with Paulin almost repeating his first half opener unfortunately the god of bouncing rugby balls was not this time in his favour. The OB forwards however stuck to the task and were rewarded with Griffin this time the receiver of good work and barrelling across the line for a score which Paulin converted. OB’s mounted several further attacks but the Woodford defence held strong and the bruising encounter finished 34-26 to Woodford.
A tough game to commence the season with, but the boys showed great passion throughout and periods of excellent rugby so should be proud of their performance.
Thanks got to our hosts Woodford for their great hospitality.