13-01-2019 - Oundle - A

The first match of 2019 took us down Peterborough way to Oundle. Having never played this team before we were unsure what to expect. During warm-up we noticed that the backs were about the same standard as our lads but the forwards looked very organised.
Kick off took place 10 minutes earlier than usual at 10:50hrs. We kicked, their backs caught the ball and we went in for the tackle. Strong pressure from South kept Oundle on the back heel but eventually they managed to break through for the first try of the game. A kick from Oundle bounced awkward for South but was eventually picked up by Charlie T. The ball was passed back and forth down the line and ended up in Cole’s hands who ran it in for South’s first try. Curtis kicked the conversion and put South 2 points ahead. As the game continued South fought with courage. The Captain, Kian, encouraged and directed the team but Oundle scored another 3 tries before Corban using his sheer strength broke through and scored the second South try. After an extra 5 minutes of play half time was called with a score of Oundle 20, South 12.
With the start of the second half Oundle kicked but turned over the ball on the ground- a move they proved incredibly strong at in the first half, and ran for the first try of the second half. They also converted for the first time. As the game progressed both teams fought for the ball but South showed true grit, they dug deep and continued to fight for every ball. 10 minutes into the second half Cole again got the ball over the try line, followed by a conversion by Curtis. 20 minutes into the second half Corban broke through and scored his second of the game. 3 minutes later a superb run by Kyle took him over the try line but the completely unbiased ref alleged a foot out and disallowed the try. On what should have been the last minute of the match Joe cut across the back scoring, followed by the precise foot of Curtis to bring South 3 points behind. Knowing how close we were to victory the boys played like never before from our 10-metre line Charlie M got the ball and ran in to make South 2 points clear. On what we thought would be the last play Jack got the ball at their 10-metre line and ran hell for leather getting the ball down in the goal area. This try was also disallowed by the Oundle Referee. After another 10 minutes of play, where South stood their ground and broke every Oundle attack, the final whistle was blown and South were crowned victorious for the first time this season.
Final score : Oundle 34, South Leicester 36.

Trophies sponsored by : Anita Loughlin
Man of the Match : Tai Cockrane
Tackle of the Match : Joe Ballendat