Saturday’s game against Stotherts gave Oldfield’s third team its largest turnout of the season.

An eventual 24 players represented the thirds on home turf against the Cranes, currently lying one place above Oldfield in the league standings.  Unfortunately, an ever-improving Stotherts II side proved too strong for the Shaft Road outfit with an unassailable lead of 24 points after the first half.
 
JR Hartley ably led Oldfield in the absence of skipper Andy Murphy, unavailable due to modelling commitments!!!!!!!!!!! Oldfield started the game slowly against a well-organised and determined Stotherts looking to capitalise on their first half advantages of wind and slope.  Some effective rucking from the visitors’ pack starved Oldfield of any ball, eventually leading to an early first score for the Cranes’ back line.  

The elements, coupled with the fact that some of our forwards had to plug gaps in he back line, allowed Stotherts to continually further their lead throughout the first half with another two converted tries and a penalty.  Oldfield half backs (Lane/Ericson) made some excellent breaks through the Crane’s back line with the final pass going awry on the beckoning Stotherts try line.  Other notable efforts came from wing Dan Gallagher and full back Peter Goodwin, both of whom looked to counter attack at every opportunity.  Stotherts led 0-24 at half time.  

A much changed Oldfield side in the second half gained parity in all aspects of the game to score their only try and restrict any further Stotherts’ scores.  Hard work by replacements Gobey, Shadow and Chris Murphy brought the Oldfield pack into the game and stifled Stotherts dominance at ruck time.                                                                

Failure to make touch from three penalties gifted possession to Stotherts allowing them to clear their lines when an attacking score would have been likely from an Oldfield pack gaining the upper hand.  Ericson’s new boots will need some wearing in on the training pitch!!!!!!!!!

Ady Wynes made a return to the Oldfield ranks in the second half after recovering from an unfortunate golfing accident!!!!  Wynes (minus the golf ball from his forehead!!!!) bundled across the Stotherts line with several opposition players in tow to score a deserved five points for the home team. 

Final score Oldfield 7 - Stotherts 24.

Oldfield III:

White, Stoner, McRae, Chapman, Simon, Laggett, JR, Pittfall, Laner, Ericson, Gillett, March, Gallagher, Smith, Goodman.

Subs: Madden, A.Wynes, R.Wynes, Parker, Collins, Gobey, Chunk, Mole, C.Murphy.  

Ericson
Con (1)

A.Wynes
Try (1)