Match reports are in chronological order, most recent at the top, or click the underlined links below

The reputation of the OL's 3rd XV, aka, the Dream Team was at stake on Saturday when they faced the OL's Development XV, aka, the Young Pretenders and would their experience and power be enough to combat the threat of the enthusiasm and pace of a side that had only played together a couple of time before?

Five minutes into the game the Young Guns made their intentions known with a try, created by the influential Chris Le Poidevan and cynically finished off by the try machine, Simon Bayliss. Five minutes later Andy Orbison added to the tally with a try that owed more to soccer skills than rugby, converted by and James Murray, 12-0.  The Dream Team, though very much on the back foot reduced the deficit with a try from Kev White, converted by Daz Price, 12-7.  The Young Guns responded immediately with another try straight from the restart, a break from Bayliss saw David "not so young" Longrigg in space, he received the pass and touched down under the posts for Murray to convert, 19-7, the resulting half time score.

The 2nd half began with the youngsters again dominant with two of their replacements, Graham Le May and Dan Tilley combining well to put Bayliss in for his second try, converted by Murray, 26-7.  What, on paper, looked like a win for the Dream Team, was turning into a rout by the youngsters and when Murray converted his own try an unassailable 33-7 lead had been established.  The backs were running riot through the old stagers with Scott Whyment and Ben Wiles in the centre receiving good ball from fly-half Murray the wingers were always going to find space and Bayliss duly made the most of it with his 3rd try, converted by Murray, 40-7. Murray made a fine break of his own to touch down for a converted try, 47-7 and Bayliss rounded of an excellent performance with his 4th try that followed a great break from Poidevan and Wiles, 52-7.

Though the Dream Team had been run off the park they were eventually to get some reward for their endeavours with a try from evergreen Andy Spriggs, converted by Price, to bring about a final score of 52-14.

Regardless of which league OL's find themselves playing their rugby next season if the players who contributed to this highly entertaining spectacle are available for selection next season a return to Mids 2 is on the cards.  With players like le Poidevan and le May in the pack winning good ball and making it available for the likes of Wiles, Miller and Bayliss, the style of play that saw OL's promoted to Mids 1 just a few seasons ago is guaranteed to win games and friends.

OL's finished their season with a loss to Hinckley and though the score flattered the home side this was a game that OL's never looked like being able to win.  The home side were the more disciplined of the two and were able to exploit OL's tendency to give away to many unnecessary penalties.  The result sees OL's finish at the bottom of a league that they won just 3 seasons ago and relegated to Midlands 3 for next season.

The game started with Hinckley pegging OL's back into their own half and taking a 6-0 lead with 2 penalties and with Chris Wade bizarrely sin binned Hinckley extended their lead to 13-0 with a converted try.  The second period of the half saw OL's play with more commitment and structure and this led to a try from Charlie Turney who chased a well placed kick from Matt Brown and charged down the attempted clearance to touch down, 13-5.

An intercepted Hinckley pass by Dave Wallis almost saw him through but Hinckley recovered well and broke through to score an unconverted try, 18-5.  OL's response was immediate and a line out won in the home sides 22 saw the ball sweep through the backs for Jamie Brightwell o score, 18-10.  The final minutes of the half saw some great defence from Turney who tackled well to prevent Hinckley ending the half with a try.

The second half began in the same fashion as the first, Hinckley dominant and OL's reduced to 14 with the sin binning of Jason King.  A lovely phase of play saw the mercurial Dave Wallis combine with brother Iain and a try seemed to be on, alas not, the delightful pass was adjudged to be forward.  Another penalty saw a quick tap and go from Hinckley and their break from the half way line saw them touch down for another converted try, 25-10.  Another break from Hinckley saw them with a 4 man overlap that Charlie Turney was unable to prevent from combing to touch down for another converted try, 32-10.

Despite he difference in points OL's were by no means out of the game and when they conspired to give the ball to their wingers they always looked a threat and this proved to be the case when Brown and King broke through the middle before the ball was fed to the wing for Brightwell to score his second try of the game, 32-15.  Hinckley finished the game with an unconverted try from the restart seeing OL's lose a game in which they had always been second best 37-15.

Old Laurentian 2nds 41 Hinckley 2nds 20

Once again a mixture of youth and experience took to the field with OL’s coming out on top in a battle against two very attack minded sides, which was a pleasure to watch.

The game started very brightly with Hinckley on top, the scrum half and inside centre being the pick of the team. However, OL’s absorbed this pressure, Andrew Orbinson and Gary Adkins putting in a number of strong tackles. From one of these tackles the ball was fed to the backs and eventually with a small amount of space Matt Miller scored in the corner. John Edwards, practising for the kicking contest later in the day, slotted the conversion.

From the restart the ball was immediately fed to Simon Bayliss who rounded his opposite number went through the full back and scored under the posts, Edwards converting. These early tries seemed to spur Hinckley on and they came back with a penalty and try of their own. There seemed to be a lapse in concentration in the OL’s team and Hinckley scored again. The lapse didn’t last long; from a turnover Chris Le Poidevan  raced away, fed the ball to Simon Collier, who had an outstanding game at centre and also in the back row, drew the defence and fed the ball to Bayliss on his inside who once again showed his pace and power to score. Half time score was 26-12.

The 2^nd half continued in much the same vain; with OL’s breaking from immense pressure in their own half to score. A number of breaks orchestrated from outstanding fly half Scot Wiles allowed OL’s to increase the points and make the game safe. Wiles added a try of his own, James Murray raced clear and scored an excellent solo effort and a fine team try finished by Tony Jones, for his 1^st of the season were the main talking points. Edwards completed the scoring with a penalty from the 10m line to finish with a penalty, and 4 conversions to give OL’s the winning score line of 41-20. Again, it proved that with the right level of experience and the ever attack minded youth led to a fine team performance. With so many of these new faces being about next season we can look forward to an exciting attacking year.

With the Easter break and the club tour to the fleshpots of Newcastle OL's took a side comprising of past and present pupils from the school supplemented by a couple of older players to Spartans to play their own development side and gave the crowd a hugely entertaining example of free-flowing and committed rugby.

It was to be the home side who made the stronger start scoring a converted try in the 7th minute.  OL's responded straight from the restart with a try from Simon Bayliss who made space for himself and broke through Spartans' defence, 5-7.  Spartans were the more organised of the 2 sides, no doubt due to the number f games they had played together, were quick to the break and sharp in attack and always looked to be a threat.  OL's were defending well, though not well enough, when Spartans, having been awarded a penalty, increase their lead with an unconverted try, 5-12 however this deficit was reduced with a try from Matt Mogg, 10-12.

The second half began at the same break neck speed as the first had ended with OL's making the better start.  Full back Anthony Jones received the ball in his own half and set off down the left, his clever chip over the Spartans' defence look set for him to score a try however he appeared to be deliberately blocked from chasing his kick and OL's were awarded a penalty. The ball went through the centre of the pitch for Chris le Poidevan to break through from 22 metres to score a well deserved, though unconverted try, 15-12. The next 30 minutes was all Spartans as they laid siege to the OL's line, OL's defended well with Mark Brassey and bayliss combining to prevent a certain score.  Despite Spartans' flair and determination their next score was due to some atrocious OL's defence as they stood and watched as Spartans crossed the line for a converted try, 15-19.

OL's were finding it hard to make any inroads into Spartans' half as the home side sought to increase their lead and prevent OL's from scoring.  OL's next foray into Spartan territory was down to a great break from Andy Orbison who fed the ball to Jabba to pass it on to Bayliss to touch down, a conversion would see OL's take the lead and James Murray duly obliged, 22-19.  The last minutes of the game saw some resolute OL's defence and when they bundled an attacking Spartans back into touch the game was over, and won.

If OL's are able to keep the younger players who played today for the forthcoming season OL's stay in Mids 3 should not be a long one.  Hopefully the establishment of an OL's Development side under the leadership of Colin Willes will see these younger players be given the opportunity of playing regular, and competitive rugby for the OL's and allow them to integrate themselves into the senior sides.

But for a missed final minute penalty from Leamington this could well have been  a game that OL's threw away through a series of unforced errors, bad decision making and missed opportunities, instead it was a game that OL's won and one that saw them move off the foot of the table.

One of the largest gates of the season, including a number of former club captains, were given a nail biting performance from an OL's side that swapped moments of exciting play with numerous errors and indiscipline that allowed Leamington to make more of a match of a game that could have been OL's for the taking.  OL's started the game well and in a positive way with brothers Iain & Dave Wallis combining well to penetrate the visitors defence.  Though their move break down the 2nd phase saw Carl Adams cross the line for a try only for it to be disallowed for alleged crossing.  Leamington responded with a beautiful phase of play that saw a cheeky kick from their play-making fly-half that brought a try saving tackle from Charlie Turney, Leamington maintained their pressure and were rewarded wit a converted try.

The re-start saw OL's Turney make a 40 metre side stepping sprint to touch down to reduce the deficit to 5-7.  Leamington extended their lead with a series of penalties to a half time score of  5-20 through OL's making too many unnecessary and unforced errors.

Leamington began the second half as they so often do, physical and aggressive, with the objective of unsettling their opponents and though OL's had the opportunity to reduce their lead with a penalty the kick went wide.  The sin-binning of a player from either side was little advantage to OL's as Leamington's Bristow calmly slotted the resulting penalty over to make the score 5-23 and game that had began with OL's looking able to win seemed to be slipping away from them.

OL's stepped up a gear and were justifiably rewarded with a try from David Longrigg, in space and wide on the right wing, 10-23.  Almost immediately, and back in their visitors territory, a well worked line out move saw Iain Wallis wriggle through to touch down under the posts from Brown to convert, 17-23.  With 2 minutes of the game to play OL's maintained their pressure and, following a scrum in Leamington's 22, Matt Brown calved his way through the defence to score, Dave Wallis converted and OL's led 24-23.

Leamington restarted with a clever kick from Bristow that, in the resulting scrap for the ball, saw them awarded a penalty, if it went over OL's would have lost, if it missed they had won - it was wide, the final whistle blew and OL's had won a well deserved victory.

The final home game of the season and of Midlands 2 rugby saw OL's victorious however this was another game in which OL's demonstrated that they were capable of doing their best superbly, but rarely and their worst badly and often though had it not been for Leamington's fly-half the victory would have been far easier.

Leamington 2nd's 26 - OL's 70

Some you win, and some you lose, and some are emphatic victories, this was the latter.  OL's 2nd XV took to the field with a very young side including an encouraging number of new faces, several of which were pupils from Lawrence Sherrif school.

OL’s started the game with the wind in their favour, but instead of using the wind by kicking into Leamington’s half, they ran the ball at every opportunity through their young team and supported well by the young at heart John Edwards, Ray Smith, Mark Brassey, Tony Jones and Simon Cooper. However, it was Leamington that started brightly and had a number of phases; however, they could not cross the OL’s line, mainly through determined defence. It was from one of the Leamington attacks that James Morgan broke clear from his own line and after breaking through a number of tackles fed the ball to Simon Bayliss who ran from the half way line, outpacing the Leamington defence to touch down.. The next try was very similar, Leamington securing good lineout ball, but the Leamington backs were so well marshalled by the OL’s back line that they could not force their way over the line. Again, an excellent tackle by Morgan led to turnover ball, the ball was fed to Mark Creswell, playing at full back, who burst through a number of tackles, before slowing down and then using an awesome change of pace he rounded the Leamington full back to score under the posts.

These early tries led to pressure for OL’s and they seemed to score at will, tries from Scot Wiles, Le Poidevan and 2 more from Bayliss and debutant George Rapsomanikis enabled OL’s to score 39 points in the first half. Half time score was 39-5.

The 2^nd half started in much the same way as the 1^st, with Leamington looking in complete control. They scored again, from a lineout. This seemed to spur OL’s into action and from a planned lineout move OL’s scored a try from Mark Brassey after once again a good run from Mark Creswell. Further tries in the 2^nd half followed from Le Poidevan and Wiles. Wiles try epitomised all that was good for OL’s, the backs ran at every opportunity, the forwards ably supported and rucked over the ball to give quick attacking options for the backs and after the ball passed through a number of sets of hands Wiles touched down.

Leamington did score another try through forward power, but James Murray added another try for OL’s to increase the lead. The final try of the game came from Andrew Orbinson again another excellent move involving most of the team. John Edwards added 5 conversions to make the final score 70-26. The game was played in excellent spirit and a fine performance from a very young 2^nd team, where there were many outstanding performances, but man of the match was James Morgan who was everywhere in the loose and linked well between the forward and interplayed with the backs. It was also good to see so many Sheriff boys, either past or present, playing for the team. If the players remain at the club after university then many of them will be pushing for 1^st team places and will see the club move forward once again.

The rain held off, the sun shone and OL's took the ball cleanly at the kick off, things were looking positive for an OL's side that blended experience, maturity and youth that gave the opportunity for a number of new faces to represent the senior side out that day.

OL's took the lead in the 7th minute with a try from Dave Wallis that followed to offensive scrums in Broadstreet's 22.  Dave Middleton, standing in for the injured Reed released the ball to Matt Brown who passed to Wallis for him to find the space to thread through the determined Broadstreet defensive line, Brown's conversion was successful and a 7-0 lead was established.  As is so often the case a side reduced to 14 men are capable of stepping up a gear and that is what the visitors did just 3 minutes after their prop was yellow carded.  A well worked backs move saw the ball released to their full back who touched down between the posts for a converted try, 7-7.  OL's could have gone further ahead when Brown broke through the defensive line, however instead of going for the try himself he released the ball to Mark Cresswell who was bundled into touch.  Brown restored OL's lead with a penalty in the 35th minute and the lead was maintained to the half time whistle which also saw OL's Pete Nealon sin binned, strangely in the 47th minute.

Though the score at half time showed only a 3 point difference the half had been OL's and had they taken their chances the game could have been won in the first 47 minutes.  Broadstreet had one scoring opportunity, they took it, OL's had many, They did not.

Playing into the wind OL's again started well and should have gone into the lead with a try from Iain Wallis, however celebrations were curtailed when the referee determined that the try had not been scored.  Justice was done when Carl Adams, again leading by example, broke through all before him to score, 15-7.

Ash McEwan came on for Russ Kennedy and made his impression within minutes with his sin binning. Following the penalty for the offence Broadstreet won their line out ball and drove over the line for an unconverted try, 15-12.  OL's made a number of replacements, Skinners being replaced by Richie Rees, Charlie Turney replaced by Jamie Brightwell and Crezza by Ben Wiles, unfortunately they were not given much of an opportunity to shine and Broadstreet, playing to their strengths - their pack, and OL's weaknesses - their insistence in giving away unnecessary penalties won the game with a penalty and unconverted try, 15-18.

There were some impressive performances from Adams, Marcus Bailey and evergreen Dave Middleton, however Dave Wallis' mercurial runs were the stuff of legend, it would seem that centre is his position.

Northampton Casuals 10 - OL's 18

Next season will see OL's play their rugby in Midlands 3 following their disappointing performance against Camp Hill.  This was a game that OL's had to win to ensure any chance of Mids 2 survival but the game was lost in the first 20 minutes with a determined Camp Hill making the better start.  The home side took the lead in the 5th minute with a penalty and increased their lead with a converted try in the 8th following a 5 metre line out and drive, 10-0.  Camp Hill were reduced to 14 men in the 11th and were awarded a penalty, however though the distance was made the ball went wide.  Numerical equality was restored a few minutes later with Ash McEwan yellow carded and during his absence from the pitch Camp Hill increased their lead wit anther converted try, 17-0.  In the 30th minute Camp Hill scored another penalty to give them a 20-0 lead.  OL's scoring opportunities had been few an far between however Brown was successful with a penalty in the last minutes of the 1st half to make the score 20-3 at half time.

The second half saw the OL's step up a gear and as the rain began to fall even heavier the game became a pretty dismal affair with both sides showing their frustrations.  Had OL's been able to make more use of the ball and released it to the wings no doubt the end result would have been somewhat different as the Camp Hill backs were no match for OL's, as it was they played to their strengths and in doing so prevented OL's from playing the rugby we know they are capable of.

Arranged as a friendly, fund raising fixture, players from most of the county's junior sides were invited to play in the county colours against a well organised Leicestershire County Development side.  Unfortunately Paul Willis was denied the privilege due to an injury sustained against Newport and was unable to join Iain Wallis, Ricky Reed and Matt Brown.  Oddly enough a number of Newbold players were also asked to play but decided against taking up the invitation so it was down to the OL's contingency to represent Rugby.  I am awaiting a full report of the game but as far as the OL's are concerned here are the salient facts;

The game started brightly for Warks with Iain Wallis, playing at centre, scoring a converted try to which Leics responded with a try of their own  Matt Brown, playing at 11 scored a first half try and 2 second half tries, one at 11 and the other at centre. Ricky Reed came on in the 2nd half to complete the OL's dominance of the game and though the game ended with Leicestershire winning OL's can be proud of the fact that it was Wallis and Brown who scored all of Warwickshire's tries.

Wal had a superb game, probably the best I have seen him play all season, finding gaps in a well organised defence to exploit, whilst Browny relished the fact that he had the opportunity to run with the ball and subsequently score a hat trick.  Reedo was, well Reedo and did what he does each game, reliable, committed and inspirational.  Who knows what fate awaits this trio, full County colours, who knows?

With the strong icy wind to their backs Newport set their stall out with 10 minutes of intense pressure that saw OL's defend two 5 metre scrums before the OL's were able to venture into their opponents half.  OL's were rewarded with a penalty which Matt Brown slotted over followed.  The next 10 minutes saw OL's the more dominant of the two sides and their pressure was justifiably rewarded with a lovely try from Dave Wallis, converted by Brown. Unfortunately this seemed to spur the home side on who responded with 2 unconverted tries and a penalty  to go into the break 13-10 ahead. 

The home side began the second half as they had ended the first and increased their lead with another unconverted try and penalty, 21-10.  OL's dug in deep to find the strength of character and determination to reduce the deficit with a  superb individual try from Dave Wallis, who evade 3 or 4 tackles before touching down for Brown to convert, 21-17.  Though a victory was in their sites OL's were beginning to tire and with the home side, sensing this, stepped up the pressure and scored an unconverted try and penalty to bring about a 29-17 victory.

At the time of writing I do not know who was made man of the match, however for me it was a choice between Carl Adams and Dave Wallis, with Wallis getting the nod for his 2 wonderful tries.

Unable to compete in the pack against a strong and physical side OL's were always going to be on the back foot however their performance was again commented on by their opponent's supporters who questioned the fact that a side of OL's character and abilities should be at the foot of the table.

OL's 7 - Kenilworth 12

OL's set their stall out from the whistle and rocked their visitors with with their determined play that, within 5 minutes, saw Kenilworth's play making fly-half forced to leave the pitch nursing a rather nasty headache due in part to the tackling by Dave and Ed Wallis.  Kenilworth bounced back with a converted try in the eighth minute, a result of 2 penalties within 5 metres of the OL's line.

Despite Kenilworth's league standing there was little about them that seemed to justify their 2nd place position other than their physical approach to the game that saw OL's awarded a penalty, following the eventual penalising of questionable tactics in the line out unfortunately the attempt went wide and OL's chance to reduce the deficit was lost, and four minutes later another OL's penalty went wide and the opportunity to take the lead had been lost.  At half time OL's could feel justifiably proud of their performance and a little disappointed that they were not deservedly, in the lead.

Kenilworth were marginally the better side for the first quarter of the 2nd half despite their continues aggressive approach to the game that even saw a couple of their own players having a minor fracas after which, confusingly, the referee rewarded them with a penalty which went wide.  Five minutes later Kenilworth, despite some valiant OL's defence, extended their lead with an unconverted try.

Behind, but not downhearted, OL's retrenched and reduced the deficit with a try from Garry Hammond that justifiably rewarded the forwards for their commitment and efforts, Brown's conversion made the score 7-12.  With 15 minutes to go Kenilworth were reduced to 14 men with the red carding of one of their props for an illegal, and highly dangerous, tackle on Pete Satchwell.  OL's were unable to take advantage of their numerical superiority as Kenilworth were forced to defend their lead for the final phase of the game.  Some poor decision making and silly mistakes from the OL's meant that the home side were denied the victory they deserved and their visitors left with a narrow victory.

The OL's forwards had been a major factor throughout the game with Carl Adams and Chris Wade to the fore, however all of the pack performed superbly.  The backs, with the ball being fed to them well by Ricky Reed had a number of opportunities to show their capabilities however they were unable to convert their possession into points.  With 4 games left to their season OL's could still avoid the drop, and, if they play as they did today against the weaker opposition that they are faced with, Midlands 2 rugby could still be within their reach, their future is in their own hands.

Kenilworth 38 Old Laurentians 15

OL's 2nd's gave debuts to a number of players against an experienced Kenilworth team and started very brightly running the ball at every opportunity led by the experienced John Edwards, Ray Smith and Pete Rigg. OL's had pressure from the forwards and through the lively Gary Adkins, who was prominent in the loose throughout the whole game, he stole the ball and fed to Dan Tilley who jinked through the Kenilworth back line to score.

From the kick off Mark Wilson, back from University, was taken out in the air, this led to a turn over ball for Kenilworth, however a fine tackle by centre Rich Reece led to a knock on, debutant Simon Bayliss picked up deep in his own 22 and ran the length of the pitch to a score a fine individual try.

With OL's 10-0 up it seemed to fire the Kenilworth team into life and they went on to score a number of unanswered tries. OL's appeared to go to sleep and missed a number of tackles, the defence around the ruck also seemed to disappear. It was these reasons that OL's could not get their hands on the ball and could not play the expansive game of the 1st 15 mins.

After the interval OL's came out with increased vigour and put right their errors of the 1st half, the defence around the fringes was much better and players were putting in big hits, namely Danny Davies and Simon Bayliss, Martin Storey Anthony Jones and Marcus Gregory when he came on. This improved defence led to OL's final score of the game, and probably the most impressive from both teams. Forward and backs interlinking, Marcus Bailey prominent with his new found ball carrying skills, Simon Orbison with some very deft passing and Simon Cooper passing the ball from the base of the ruck at every opportunity to allow quick phases of possession. This allowed the ball to be passed down the back line to Matt Miller, another debutant, to score his 1st try for the club. The game was a lot closer than the score line reflects and there were some very good displays by Ben Wiles and Wilson, but it was debutant Simon Bayliss who was deemed OL's man of the match.

Old Warwickians 0 - OL's 31

Terrible pitch, terrible conditions, terrible handling, good result.

Tries from Kenny Robinson, Bob Barba, Daz Price and a brace from Dom Marsella, 3 of which were converted by Daz Price ensured a comfortable victory for the OL's 3rd's.

The pitch was like a ploughed field but slightly worse because it was also very boggy.  Our handling was awful but a lot of that can be put down to the conditions.  If we had played them at home we would have doubled the score line.  One plus point was that we didn’t concede any points.

Newport v OL's

In perfect conditions the dream team looked forward to playing some of the fast flowing rugby for which they have become renowned.  In the unusual position of being able to field the team selected, OL’s took an early lead through new recruit Richie Reece which was converted by Kev White.

White then followed up his conversion with a touch down of his own only to make a complete hash of the kick.  It seemed to be one way traffic and when Daz Price darted through the narrowest of gaps to dot down it looked as if the visitors were in for a torrid time.  White slotted the kick and was quickly back in action after Reece scored another but not with the same end result.  A determined AEI put up some stiff defence but when power house Fisher broke from the maul on the half way there was no stopping him.  White duly missed the conversion under the posts and that was the end of his kicking career.  A scrum on the half way, a missed tackle and some good back play saw the AEI score a good unconverted try.

The second half saw numerous changes which seemed to hamper the home side more than help as they lost some cohesion but they did start the half with an unconverted try from Dougherty.  Tries from Thompson and Robinson were converted by Price who took over the kicking duties from White after he was transferred to the AEI for his efforts.  The game finished 48-5 to OL’s but was played throughout in great spirit and credit goes to both teams for entertaining the large crowd.

Nuneaton Old Ed's 22 - OL's A 31

The second half saw a more aggressive OL's and there were periods when OL's looked threatening not least when Charlie Turney or Mark Cresswell had the ball in hand.  An injury to the impressive Carl Adams saw evergreen Eddie Edwards make his return to 1st XV rugby and 5 minutes later OL's were again disadvantaged when Garry Hammond was forced to leave the field following an unpenalised Broadstreet offence which saw him replaced by Garrie Reeve.  Up to this period OL's had been a match for Broadstreet and though unable to reduce the deficit were looking more threatening.  Unfortunately Reeve's time on the pitch was short lived when he, and a Broadstreet forward, were sin binned.  Broadstreet were to put the gloss on a mediocre performance with 2 late converted tries, one of which was a result of a blatant, unnoticed, or unpenalised, knock on, that saw a final result of 0-29, a score that flattered the visitors but has done nothing to reduce the likelihood of Mids 3 rugby at Fenley Field next season.

Broadstreet 2nd's 53 - OL's 2nd's 15

With a mixture of youth and experience OL’s travelled the short distance to Broadstreet to find a very strong 2nd team outfit that seemed to have played plenty of rugby together. However, this did not seem to bother the OL’s as they took a lead very early from a try through Grant Inch. This was the end of the scoring for the OL’s in the 1st half except for a penalty from Kev White. The remained of the half was all Broadstreet, but it did give plenty of tackling practice for the experienced back row of Spriggs, Storey and Rigg. When OL’s started to play quick running rugby the side looked much better and gave space for the backs to exploit, a few good runs from full back Rob Harris almost led to several scores. It was his defence that Harris excelled himself saving four or five opportunities when it seemed easier for Broadstreet to score.

The 2nd half saw the same threat from Broadstreet, OL’s only managed to get one further score, another try from Inch. But with the mix of the team, the lads can be proud of themselves in that they never gave up. An impressive debut from Orbie in the back row and some good performances from Wiles in the centre and Harris at full back mean that OL’s can look to the future with this blend of youth and experience starting with this weeks game against Nuneaton Old Eds.

OL's made their win hard work and had the spectators on the edges of their seats right up until the final play of the game when Iain Wallis' converted try gave them the margin that would secure victory in a game that they had dominated for most of the match.

The victory was entirely down to the forwards who played with pride and passion and refused to be intimidated by the cynical play of their opposition. Man of the match Carl Adams, returning to the side at No 8, led by example and was duly rewarded for his efforts with a try however it would be wrong to single out any one of the pack as they all performed superbly.  No matter which side fed the ball into the scrum or line out OL's won it, giving Ricky Reed a platform from which to feed the ball to the backs.  Unfortunately today was a day when they failed to gel and a number of opportunities were missed, not least when, with an overlap on their left they decided to go right leading to Dave Perkins' classic comment of "not that left, the other ****ing left".

Despite being in total control of much of the first half it was to be Stafford who were to be presented with the first scoring opportunity of the game however, as predicted, their penalty went wide.  OL's responded with 2 dropped goal attempts, at least we think they were, from Matt Brown and then, following a injury to Gary Smith which necessitated his replacement by Chris Thomas, Brown slotted over the penalty to give OL's a well deserved 3-0 lead.  Smith's injury appears not to be as bad as once feared and hopefully next season he will be able to complete a full game against Stafford.  The first half game to an end with OL's again dominant but unable to turn their pressure into points.

The second half saw OL's extend their lead through a try from a scrum 5 metres from Stafford's line which, when offered a penalty or scrum and opting for the latter, saw the OL's pack drive the visitors back and for Adams to score a classic Number 8's try.

As so often is the case when a side has a player sin binned is reduced to 14 men Stafford played as though there were 16 of them and, against the run of play, scored a converted try that owed much to uncharacteristic poor defence from the OL's and with the score now 8-7 it looked as though a game was on.  Stafford had the opportunity to take the lead with another penalty which again went wide and the next 25 minutes were, to say the least, tense.

OL's failed to be intimidated by Stafford's physical approach to the game as OL's pack continued to dominate the game even t the extent of Hammond having time and space to attempt his trade mark drop goal attempt.  Stafford, despite a number of threatening breaks, were continually thwarted by some excellent defence from OL's who were justifiably rewarded for the efforts with a try from Iain Wallis, converted by Brown, in the final minute of the game to bring about a final 15-7 victory.

The forwards were superb and had this combination of players been available all season OL's would not have been in the position they are.  The backs were, in the main, below par, however with the number of line up changes forced upon them it must be hard for them to gel because, when on song they are an impressive force to be reckoned with.

Next Saturday sees a break from league action when OL's play host to old friend Aston Old Eds a game to prepare for the following week's visit to Newbold who have just lost to Malvern.  It is time to ask the question to the non playing readers of this report "which would you rather be doing on February 11th, watch OL's play Newbold or England play Italy?"  Because on this performance we will most definitely see a game of rugby at Parkfield Road.

OL's v Old Leams
match cancelled

January 21st

Once again the starting XV saw a number of changes to the side published with a back row comprising Andy Coleman, Chris Wade and Pete Nealon and with Coleman moving to the pack Ed Wallis started on the wing, Matt Brown remained at fly-half with Dave Wallis combining with Jamie Brightwell in the centres however none these changes nor the forgotten kit were to distract OL's from their game.

OL's set out the stall at the onset with Ed Wallis running on to claim the ball at the kick off, 2 subsequent phases of play saw the OL's win the line out, an area of the game they were to dominate until the enforced replacement of the excellent Paul Wills late in the second half.  Barkers were to make a rare incursion into OL's territory and were awarded a scrum some 10 metres from OL's line however excellent defence from Dave Wallis and Jason King prevented the home side from scoring the try they expected and the ball was cleared with a huge kick from Ricky Reed.  Once again the line out was won by OL's and with Willis and the inspirational Chris Wade leading by example the forwards continued to create a platform for the backs, however it was to be Willis who came closest to scoring with a great break, Garrie Reeve followed up and, with a three man overlap just 5 metres from Barkers' line, a try looked a certainty however Brown decided to go for glory himself and it seemed that the initiative has been lost.  The referee obviously saw something that the supporting OL's VP's had not and awarded a penalty for Brown to calmly slot over, 3-0 and a well deserved lead that they were to hold on to till the break.

It was to be Barkers' who were to play the better rugby in the second half and the OL's were fortunate that the home side's backs were not able to exploit the space and ball that they had available.  Like OL's, the Barkers' side had a number of enforced changes to their line up, however Medcraft, their Number 8 and Ham, their centre were to pose a threat throughout the game.  The second half was not all Barkers'  with OL's Creswell making a number of incisive runs but, to be honest, most of the last 30 minutes was all about defence.

Barkers' missed the opportunity to level the score with a penalty after 20 minutes and another  3 minutes later and the game was to now become a nail biter with Barkers' firmly ensconced in OL's half.  The loss of Willis in the line out was to create problems for OL's but Barker's were still unable to penetrate their defence, scrum followed scrum, ruck followed ruck but OL's defence held firm.  Barkers' opted to use their backs and the ball was fed through them until Pete Nealon intercepted a pass and set off the 70 metres to Barkers' line, to him it was a sprint, to the spectators a marathon, and against all odds he outpaced the pursuing players to touch down.  Though the conversion was missed Barkers' would need to score twice to deny OL's victory after Nipper's heroic efforts.

Ironically Barkers' were spurred on by the increase deficit and in the 38th minute deservedly scored the try that they had threatened to all afternoon following another scrum, the conversion went wide and OL's lead was now down to 3 points.  It was at this point that the referee informed us that there was to be another 8 minutes of play.  This final period saw OL's again defend as though their very lives depended upon it, and defend they did with the game ending after 2 scrums and with Reed kicking the ball into touch.  The game was over and the OL's supporters were delighted and as OL's Garry Hammond was to say "Brian would have approved of that".  At the time of writing I do not know who was voted the man of the match but for me it would have been a close thing between Willis and Chris Wade who shouldered the responsibility of captaincy and Number 8 with honour.

The game was won through a combination of grit and determination and of not wanting to give in, a fitting tribute to Brian Beckett indeed.

As expected Barkers brought a strong and well organised squad to OL's but the renewed confidence of late was more than a match for them and the result could quite easily have been reversed with chances being missed and the referee being unsighted when Simon Storey grounded the ball

In the end it was Barkers who took the spoils by using their much larger forwards to create space but OL’s defensive organisation and tackling was excellent and continually repelled them, but pressure eventually told and two tries were conceded

Simon Collyer and new centre partner Shane Betts proved a handful all afternoon and Tom Gleghorn and James Morgan in the back row were also involved in the thick of the action.

With a number of changes forced upon the team including the loss through injury of both props the final minutes were played with uncontested scrums which proved to be of advantage to the OL’s as their fitter forwards and quality backs opened up the game but unfortunately they couldn’t find the final pass to reward all of the good work

There was a minutes silence before the game in memory of our past chairman, Brian Beckett, who recently passed away and this was honoured by both sides and the 2nds feel a little saddened that they couldn’t quite provide the win for him

Barkers' Butts 3rd's 14 - OL's 3rd's 7

January 14th

It was an unfamiliar line up that took to the field at Stoke with Matt Brown making his debt at fly-half and Andy Coleman on the wing.  last minute call offs also saw Garrie Reeve move from the bench to 3 and Russ (I'm nearly a vet) Parkinson, Dan Harris and Simon (I've still got a bad back) Collyer on the Bench.  In all honesty the final score flattered the home side and this was a game that OL's could have won

Stoke opened their account in the first minute when, after being awarded a scrum straight after Brown's kick-off, they ran in for a converted try.  OL's were under pressure again straight after the restart however resolute defence prevented the home side from scoring.  The respite was short lived and Stoke increased their lead through a 5 metre line out and drive that saw a try from their blindside flanker, 12-0.

OL's dug in deep and were unlucky not to reduce the deficit when Hammond took a quick penalty and made a some 20 metres before off loading to Iain Wallis.  The 17th minute saw just reward for OL's efforts when, from a scrum in Stoke's 10 metres, they fed the ball through Reed and Brown for Coleman to score under the posts, the conversion was, alas not to be, the score 12-5.

It looked as the history was to repeat itself when Willis fell awkwardly at a line out and had to be taken off with what was first though to be a repeat of his knee injury, sustained last year at Stoke in exactly the same position of the pitch and Dan Harris came on as his replacement.

Stoke increased their lead with a penalty, 15-5, before OL's, in the 30th minute had the opportunity were awarded a penalty, however the attempt was missed.  A good move down the right wing saw OL's denied a try scoring opportunity due to an alleged forward pas with the attacking players having no one to beat.  An injury to Smith, sustained through some cynical play from the opposition, saw Coleman move into the back row and Ed Wallis onto the wing with Collyer coming off the bench into the centres.  The second came to an end with Stoke increasing their lead through a drop goal, 18-5.

The half time pep talk seemed to spur OL's onto greater efforts, duly rewarded with a try from Reed that owed everything to the forwards pride and commitment.  On the evidence of his first half kicking the odds were firmly stacked against Brown making the conversion from a metre inside the touch line, how wrong we were, the deficit now just 6 points, the score 18-12.

Stokes influential No 8, Ramalangadindong, formerly with Coventry increased their lead with a converted try, 25-12 and their lead was increased with OL's being penalised of the park with 2 more penalties, 31-12.  Some of the referee's decisions were, interesting,  not least his decision to yellow card an OL's player and unsure as to which one asked Captain Iain Wallis to pick a player to be sin binned, bizarre or what?  Reduced to 14 men OL's were unable to prevent Stoke scoring another try from their No 8 which came about after a won line out and Stoke rolling maul, 36-12.

Simon Collyer was to show a surprising turn of speed with a great break down the right wing and it was to be in the same area of the pitch that Iain Wallis, chasing an inspired grubber kick from Brown, ran on to score a well deserved try and wit Brown having found his confidence the subsequent conversion reduced the difference to a more respectable 17 points, 36-19.

The game came to an end with OL's again defeated but with more positives to take from their experience than negatives and with a dubious decision denying them a try and Brown's 2 missed kicks the score could have been much closer.  With Brown at fly half the OL's game seems to have taken on a new dimension and with Dave Wallis available next week the selectors could be faced with a difficult decision.

Towcester 10 - OL's 15

OL's travelled down the A5 to Towcester to face two problems; a pitch that resembled a paddy field and only having 13 players. The latter problem was resolved after Towcester Kindly loaned a couple of there bench players.

The game began at the same intensity that had proved the winning formula the previous week but this time after 20 mins the only chances fell to two missed penalty attempts.  Just before half time Towcester broke the deadlock with a drive from a lineout to make it 5-0 at the break and soon after the break Towcester extended the lean when some uncharacteristic weak tackling allowed the centre to score.

From this moment on there was only one team to watch as OL’s forwards and backs combined to play some terrific Rugby and notch up 3 tries with Mark Brassey, Mike Coburn and Pete Satchwell all crossing the line after fine build up work.

Resolute defence for the last 10 minutes and fine discipline with bone crunching tackles from Pete Nealon, Scott Whyment and Rhys Wade showed that the 2nds now have a lot of spirit and pride in the way they play.

This will be tested this weekend with a tough game against a very good Barkers’ Butts’ 2nd team.

January 7th

1st XV Malvern 24 - OL's 7

2nd XV Malvern 5 - OL's 12

Had OL's not defended as well as they did this could well have been a rout as Malvern, fielding a side containing a number of changes to that who visited Fenley Field in November, were the more motivated of the two sides and thoroughly deserved their win.

Malvern opened their account with a converted forward's try in the 13th min, due, in part to a missed tackle and extended their lead 10 minutes later with a well struck penalty.  OL's responded with a try from Iain Wallis coming after the OL's forwards had competed well in 2 successive scrums in the Malvern 22, Dave Wallis converted to reduce the deficit to 3 points.  The half ended with the home side leading 10-7 and, at that time, it looked as though OL's were capable of making a game of it.  The forwards had been competitive and OL's defence had been effective, particularly from Iain and Dave Wallis.

The second half saw Malvern the more competitive of the 2 sides and they used their backs to good effect releasing the ball to their wings who made a number of threatening runs into OL's territory.  However it was to be 2 more forward's tries that were to be the end of OL's , both converted by the accurate kicking of their full back.  The difference could have been greater had it not been for Iain Wallis' try saving tackle after Malvern cheekily intercepted a wayward OL's pass.  The defeat was no less than OL's deserved having failed to maintain the quality of play and commitment they demonstrated at Webb Ellis Road.

OL's seem to short of a number of players in key positions and this, compounded by their persistence in failing to release the ball to the wings and insistence in  trying to be clever in the middle of the park could well see them play their rugby in Mids 3 next season.  OL's need to return to the basics and the good work that their the forwards put into to winning the ball needs to be rewarded by the backs doing something with it.  OL's current game plan, if there is one, is not working and some serious work needs to be done to bring about a change.

Old Laurentian 2nds 15 Malvern 5

After making the long trip to Malvern, the OL's kicked off and immediately turned over possession to allow the backs and forward to link and cause many problems for the Malvern defence. It was through the strong link play, good quick rucking and quick tap penalties that led to the 1^st try for Rhys Wade, playing in a new position of fly half.

After this score OL’s defence was tested but some strong tackling led to another turnover, through good work by the back row of Pete Drewett, Martin Storey and Pete Nealon. The ball was fed to John Edwards who kicked the ball deep into the Malvern half. A good chase by Ben Wiles and Andy Coleman, allowed Coleman to kick through and dive on the ball to make it 10-0.

For the remained of the 1^st half OL's often kicked away good possession and it was this that almost led to a Malvern score, but Steve Pike and Mark Brassey prevented the Malvern winger from scoring. A few moments later, Malvern did score to make it 10-5 at half time.

The 2^nd half was a pretty scrappy affair when the snow began to fall again. The front five were immense and got the scrum going forward to allow the backs to exploit any holes in the Malvern defence. A new combination of Wade, Pike and Coleman in the three quarters often created targets for the forwards and it was this that led to Coleman to race through the centre, but with the line at his mercy dropped the ball, when it was probably easier to score. Towards the end of the 2^nd half  OL’s had a quick tap