OLs came out on top after a hard fought match against old rivals Shipston. Long considered to be a bogey side for OLs the home side won by a single point after an entertaining 80 minutes of rugby watched by a large gathering of OL Patrons who had enjoyed a pre match lunch.

The game was kicked off by OLs and Shipston took control of the game for the first ten minutes of play continually launching attacks but the OLs defence held firm and came through unscathed. The game evened out after this initial play but it was Shipston that took an early lead after 15 minutes with a converted 40 yard penalty.

The next few minutes of play was concentrated mainly in mid field with neither side able to break through defensive formations but OLs were gradually coming more into game and began to gain good territory through the forwards strong play setting up the backs. After 25 minutes the OLs forward pressure paid off and from well won ball inside the Shipston 22 metre area the ball was chipped on and Captain and Stand-off Bradley James won the chase to touch down for the games first try. This was converted.

The contest remained evenly poised with Shipston coming more into game again but it was the try of the match that turned the game. From a long kick ahead by Shipston the ball failed to reach touch mid-way into the OLs half of the field where it was caught by full back Ciaran O’Connor. With Shipston expecting a kick back downfield, the slight lack of pace towards O’Connor gave the full back room to begin a run that saw him side step the oncoming Shipston players and weave a route through well into the visitors half of the field, at which point he chipped the ball over the oncoming defenders and caught it before diving over the line for OLs try number two. The conversion attempt was missed.

This moved OLs into a 12 points to 3 lead but almost on the stroke of half time Shipston were awarded a penalty in front of the posts that was converted to see the break reached with the home side leading 12 points to 6.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first with Shipston throwing everything at the OLs but the home defence was equal to the task and some thudding tackles by OLs thwarted the visitors efforts time and time again. Like the first half, having weathered the initial onslaughts, it was OLs that forced the next score. From further good play both by forwards and backs OLs gradually moved into the Shipston 22 metre area and from good forward possession prop Craig Ellis crashed through the Shipston defence to touch down. The conversion attempt was pushed wide.

The last 15 minutes of the game saw Shipston in ascendancy and OLs committed to defence but it was OLs who almost OLs increased the lead when a defensive fly hack down field by winger Liam Wellings saw the game switch and it was only desperate defence by Shipston that prevented a further score. However, it was Shipston who scored next after more pressure on the home defence with two tries to reduce the OLs lead to a single point. OLs were on tenterhooks as the last conversion was missed. The game ended with OLs hanging on to the one point lead with both sides having served up an exciting game for the large crowd to enjoy.

OLs retain 6th position in the league and next week sees a visit to Upton-on-Severn – kick off 2.15pm.

Many thanks to all the Patrons who supported the club and also to Den Fisher for his reporting.