From T-shirts and Suncream to Umbrellas and Sowesters

As the phrase goes it was fine weather for ducks although I believe even the ducks had stuck their bills out on Sunday morning and gone “Only rugby players are that Quackers”. Hence we found ourselves on the OB’s first team pitch for our second match of the season against Romford. Thirty very wet boys took to the field for what promised to be a very challenging game. It would be fair to say that given the conditions handling errors and knock on’s were prevalent on both sides. However it was Romford that slowly gained an upper hand and moved deep into OB’s half with their powerful pack being put to good use. The OB’s defence and tackling around the breakdown was put under extreme pressure as Romford pushed for the opening score. Several times OB’s tried to clear through kicks or spreading the ball but Romford kept our boys pinned in our own half. Through hard work and probably some luck courtesy of the conditions OB’s managed to deny Romford the opening try. OB’s rallied and manage to string together several phases of play coupled with some strong running and ball recycling to clear their lines and place some pressure back on Romford. The Half ended with neither side having scored.
The second half started with just as much intensity as the first in particular both packs challenging at every breakdown with excellent work on both sides to secure or disrupt ball. Fresh legs were brought on by both managers as the pace and conditions took their toll on the players. The scrummage had been an area off huge contest and from an OB scrum just inside the Romford half OB captain Walker broke from number 8. He managed to break through the Romford initial defensive line running a great line towards the short side. The Romford defence quickly tried to realign with the full back moving to intercept. Paulin however was on hand from the wing to receive the offload and managed to outpace the chasing Romford players to score near the corner. Paulin took the conversion and despite a fine kick which hit the post was unable to convert. OB’s continued to push but Romford redoubled their efforts and their pack in particular showed relentless energy recycling the ball and driving forward. As the game entered its final phase OB’s conceded the ball in their own 22 and the Romford pack capitalised with the number eight driving over the line to secure 5 points. OB’s rallied from the kick off and drove forward again with renewed energy but the Romford defence remained intact and the game drew to a close as a draw. Given the conditions it was a fabulous contest as games with Romford always are and we look forward too many more. We would also like to thank Mr Cobbe for refereeing the match.