Ossett traveled to high flying Mosborough full of confidence having won the previous two league games. Mosbrough kicked off with the slope and strong wind and Ossetts target must have been to keep them to 10-12 points lead. In the end Ossett went into half time 4 points up after a terrific defensive display.

Mosborough started on top and after a succession of drives they powered over to make it 5-0. A penalty increased the lead to 8-0 after 15 mins as they threatened to build a significant first half lead.

However, Ossett responded with their very first attack of the game. Lazenby collected a kick and powered forward. Lazy always looks more threatening when he is decisive and he pinned his ears back and beat the first three defenders before being scragged. As he kept momentum into the tackle, he was able to offload to Peat who crossed to score.

Ossett added to their score 5 mins later when Fonq powered over from several yards. Lister was instrumental as his introduction firmed up the scrum against a much heavier Mosborough front row. As a result, Burnley attacked from a 5 metre scrum and Fonq made the last yard.

Ossett defended and kept Mosborough out for the final 10 mins to take a first half lead of 4 points.

With the wind and slope, Ossett started to enjoy more territory and extended their lead to 7 with a penalty. Mosborough came straight back with a penalty of their own. The game was now breaking down into a scrappy mess with neither side really able to launch meaningful attacks. Webber and Karadzic ran the ball in hard in midfield but the Mosborough defence was excellent.

Ultimatley the difference between the teams was the breakdown. Ossett continually disrupted and counter rucked and spoiled Mosboroughs play time after time. The counter rucking from the Ossett forwards was superb that allowed the back row of JP, Gareth, Dent and Dale to slow and steal ball. A great pack effort.

The decisive score came from Lister who was found in the wide channel with a good ball from Webber. With a surprising turn of pace, he took on the winger on the outside and (amazingly) won to touch down in the corner.

Ossett had some scary moments in the final 20 mins when they recieved three yellow cards. Very harsh to have three yellows in a clean game. All three incidents could have gone either way so were unfortunate for all of them to go against us. The first came from Fonq being offside in a maul. It was 100% a penalty but a yellow was harsh considering we were on the Mosborough 22 metre line and hadn’t had any warnings about penalty counts etc. Ward was next to go when the Mosborough 7 had hands in a ruck and Ward tried to release the ball with his foot. Dent followed shortly after for taking the man in the air in the lineout. Again, a definite penalty but he mistimed it and pulled out half way through the tackle as he realized what he had done. The player landed on his feet and was never in danger so maybe a penalty should have been enough.

Playing with 13 men for 7 mins was a challenge that Ossett met and the defence held firm to the final whistle. The mosborough centre broke free in the final minutes but Drury made the try saving covering tackle to spare Ossett a nervy final minute. Well done to Mark who has developed a team which is certainly harder to beat than the first half of the season. Winning is a habit and we have ground out 3 close ones and 6 in the last 9 games.

JP and Wardy were outstanding especially in defence. Ward caught their dangerous No’ 8 three times by the ankle to prevent him launching an attack from the scrum. JP was everywhere and dominant in the lineout. Gareth and Nick made debuts for Ossett. The ball didn’t find Nick too often but he certainly looks a dangerous player and would like to see him with some open space in front of him. Gareth had an excellent debut with some big hits, good carries and crucial turnovers. Both could be really good assets to the club.

A couple of weeks off from league action now. News on friendlies this weekend as soon as Mark has an idea of availabilities etc.