Saunder' hat-trick gives Bulls a share of the spoils

Park House 22 OEs Bulls 22

Good early pressure from the Bulls lead to the opening try after only seven minutes by No.8 Jack Saunders (pictured), converted by the returning Matt Carter.
However, the visitors switched off from the restart allowing the home side to score in the corner.

The Bulls hit back with great running from Freddie Bender and Teddy Bevan in support but couldn't convert it into a try. However, it lead to a five metre scrum which enabled Saunders, controlling the ball at the base, to pick up and drive over the line giving the Bulls a 12-7 lead after 16 minutes.

However, the home side, using their experience to great effect, began to take control of proceedings as OEs were forced into conceding needless penalties.

With Jack Nagel leading an outstanding defensive effort, the Bulls soaked up the pressure and maintained a five point lead at half-time.

Only 10 minutes into the second period, the livewire Saunders completed his hat-trick with Frank Kibble adding the conversion to put OEs 19-7 ahead and seemingly in control.

However, Park House forced their way back into the game through their hard working forwards, reducing the deficit to just two points on the hour after scoring a try and penalty.

On 70 minutes, the ever reliable Carter gave the Bulls a five-point cushion when he slotted over a well struck penalty. But with just three minutes remaining after concerted pressure on the visitors’ try-line, Park House scored in the corner to level the scores.

There was still time for the Bulls to make one last assault on the Park House line, with the ball being kept alive well by forwards and backs. But with the try-line in sight, the referee blew for a forward pass and Elthamians had to be content with a share of the spoils.

Both sides should be commended for producing such an enjoyable, entertaining game and although the Bulls will view it as points dropped, there were plenty of positives to take ahead of this Saturday’s home clash against Old Colfeians 2nd XV.