2s vs East London 3s

On the 2nd of December, the Super Twos hosted East London 3s amidst widespread game cancellations by other teams and clubs. The OBRFC ground committee, with special thanks to Jay French, worked tirelessly to ensure the game proceeded as planned. Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances left the Twos with only 11 players, a situation that might have led many to consider calling off the game. However, the resilience of OBRFC prevailed, and the team leaders Johnny, Pat, Ed and Darragh decided to proceed with the match as East London was already enroute and we wanted to play!

The 11 players took to the pitch with determination, aware that an exceptional effort would be required. A stroke of luck delayed the referee's arrival, allowing the Twos to formulate a game plan. Despite being a men down, the team embraced the challenge with the mantra of working hard, smiling, and being honest with each other!

With a delayed start, the game eventually kicked off after a game of paper scissors stone with the Twos now having 12 players, thanks to East London's generosity in providing an additional winger. The first half saw remarkable efforts, including an inspirational tackle by Sprats leading to an OBs penalty, a successful lineout, and a maul culminating in Stu Sully to score against the odds. OB were ready and firing from the off!

The game continued at a fast pace, with the Twos facing adversity in the form of East London's back-to-back tries. However, the team's spirits remained unbroken. Notably, during a scrum, Clarky's bold decision to scrum with 6 players showcased the team's resilience.

The first half eventually concluded with a score of 15 to the home team and 25 to East London, highlighting outstanding performances by players Sprats with a great try by crashing through tackles and getting OB some more points. Daragh also showed real metal by powering over the line with determination and fitness that any team would be grateful for.

The second half unfolded with thrilling moments, including Gary Murphy's entrance, However this entrance shock east London to their core and had to go to uncontested scrums OBs main weapon, East London duly scored swiftly as OBs worked out a new plan of attack! But then Step forward the brave ref who played the try back in his mind for approximately 2 mins to then go to the handsome crowd to ask if the ball had been touched as eaat London took a fast line out. In a correct and just call the ref reversed his decision and the game continued with heroic efforts from the entire team.

As injuries and setbacks occurred, the Twos continued to fight, In a gripping turn of events, East London dealt another blow to OBs, scoring and bringing the score to a tense 30-31 in their Favor. The rallying cry echoed on the field. Pat Stroud offered wise counsel to Ed Gooday after the opposition tactfully decided to move to uncontested scrums, our oldest and wisest scrum cap wielding teammate Pat suggested Ed move from 8 to scrum half. We bound and we set. Ed fed the ball and watched as it filtered through the colossal legs of our sturdy second row. After a moment of composure, Ed plucked the ball and without hesitation took off towards the opposition try line. Like an arthritic giraffe he galloped for what seemed like the length of two rugby pitched and landed, exhausted, over the whitewash.
,

What followed was a display of remarkable teamwork and determination. Ed embarked on yet another impressive run, with Murphy securing the ball and Pat ensuring a clean presentation. The sequence continued seamlessly as Julien passed to Sam, with Johnny in support. Darragh skilfully maneuverer the ball to Sprats, who, positioned in the middle of the pitch, gained valuable yards. OBs relentlessly approached the opposition's line. Dimi Worked hard all game putting in the hard shift until unfortunately due to a head injury he had to leave the field.

We were back to 11 men!

Then came a pivotal moment as Clarky seized the ball, and there was no halting him as he powered over the line. In a dramatic turn of events, The unfolding drama added an extra layer of intensity to an already thrilling match. With Clarky, Daragh, and Julien making significant contributions. In a nail-biting conclusion, OBs seized the lead with minutes to spare, the scoreboard reading OB super 2s 35 East London 26. As East London kicked off, they found space and swiftly retrieved the ball, delivering it to their fresh legs, resulting in a try. The scoreboard tightened to OBs 35, East London 31.

With the referee declaring it the last play of the game, OBs kicked off, but fatigue set in, and unfortunately, they failed to make the 10 yards. East London capitalised on the uncontested scrum, quickly moving the ball with deft hands, and exploiting a three-man overlap, ultimately scoring. The final heart-wrenching score stood at Old Brentwoods 35, East London 38, adding a dramatic twist to an already thrilling match.

Despite the heartbreak, the match was hailed as a memorable encounter. There was no official "DOTD" as every player exhibited commendable effort. Special thanks were extended to East London for their sportsmanship and contribution to the unforgettable game.

Man of the match to an outstanding Spratz

Try scorers.

Clarky x2
Stu Sully
Spratz x2
Ed gooday
Darragh

The Super Twos look forward to their upcoming fixtures in the early new year!

OBRFC can be proud and greatful to everyone involved, Especially the referee and the enthusiastic cold and handsome supporters.

Merry Christmas All

See you in the new year for more memory making.