Match Report: Oundle 14 - 12 Towcestrians

After a much improved performance from last week and being the dominant force up front in the forwards by a long way we just couldn't turn that into winning score.

Going in 12-7 up at half time with Macca and Dan scoring a try each (plus a Dan conversion) we knew that Oundle only had one real threat in the back line who scored their first try.

The 2nd half again saw Tows dominant in the forwards with the set piece, rucking and our ball carriers a big advantage for us.

A few penalties went against us with some interpretations of the breakdown but still Tows had the upper hand.

With a number of plays in the opposition 22 Tows kept on hammering on the door, with constant pressure but loosing our heads a little and not making the right decisions cost us with some clear over laps going begging out wide.

With 10 minutes left of the half Tows were sucker punched, after loosing possession and our defensive concentration. Oundle kept it simple playing the ball to their fast threat who hit us on the break running through some weak tackles to touch down between the posts.

Credit to the boys Tows reacted well and had most of the ball for the last few minutes but we could not translate that possession into a score. Oundle taking the honours at the end 14-12.

We know that both sides had impact players unavailable today for one reason or another, more frustrating as we had so much possession but maybe not enough attacking threat to turn that into points.

Fair to say that there were low heads and some passionate words at the end of the match from both the players and the coaches.

Still that's Rugby, you can have all the possession and momentum but if you don't use it wisely or defend well at crucial times then you get on the other end of a result. One for us to work on as a squad is we have to work out ways to win matches ugly!

Well done to Oundle, who are good lads and seemed a decent bunch. We will look forward to return fixtures and having you over at our place next season.

We didn't pick a MOM today, but we do feel the whole pack played really well today with strong performances from all on the pitch.

Score: Oundle 14 - Tows 12

Tries: Macca, Dan

Conversions: Dan

MOM: No one player singled out, but special mention to all the forwards who had big shifts today!!!