A rejuvenated Oldfield team began their campaign in the National U19 Colts Cup against Brixham RFC yesterday.

With travelling support in tow, Oldfield made the 3-hour trip to Brixham on the Devon Riviera for a journey into the unknown.

Oldfield started brightly with early pressure pushing Brixham back deep into their 22.  A vital turnover gave Brixham possession to clear their lines, however a charge down from Freddie Burns allowed the influential fly-half to gather, score and then convert the first try of the game on seven minutes.

On the twenty-minute mark, a Brixham Garryowen caused chaos in the Oldfield defence as a failed catch allowed Brixham centres to attack.  Oldfield’s scramble defence kept Brixham out when a try seemed inevitable, nevertheless retreating forwards (Cliffy!!!!!) were caught off side to gift Brixham an easy three points in front of the posts.

Further Brixham pressure was nullified by a well-drilled Oldfield forward pack.  Under the guidance of pack leader Clifton, the forwards ably found parity at line out and ruck time.  Notable performances from the front row trio of Dan Smith, Tom Lovell and Rich Stainer guaranteed Oldfield set piece possession.  Further grunt from “the row” pairing of Gibson and Murphy forced a Brixham scrum back to good effect.  Honeybun, was simply everywhere.  

The remainder of the half saw both sides trying to play expansive rugby in difficult conditions.  As rain swept across the pitch, Oldfield maintained their four-point lead at the half time whistle.

The second half started with a retake by (man of the match) Rich Stainer.  A typical bullocking run by the young prop set Oldfield a platform to attack.  The early second half exchanges put Brixham under increasing pressure from an away team continually gaining in confidence.  The introduction of Joe Shehin added some additional gristle to the Oldfield front row.

The key break of the game came fifteen minutes into the second half.  Oldfield scrum half Guilan Clarke took full advantage of a sleeping Brixham back row to deftly attack the blind side of a retreating scrum.  Freddie quickly set off to support his half back partner and duly received a pass just inside the Brixham 22.  With three Brixham backs closing in on the isolated fly-half, a moment of magic!!!  A sublime Burns chip, chase, gather and score left most of the Brixham team flat footed, and the 100 strong home support suddenly tongue tied!!!!!!!!!!!! Burns converted to give Oldfield an unassailable lead of 11 points.

The final minutes saw Brixham endeavour to run Oldfield hard with a series of penalties, gaining the home side yardage however, a determined Oldfield defence on their 22 prevented Brixham ever threatening the try line.  Excellent tackles by Honeybun, Clifton, Burns, Lilley and Stainer saw Oldfield comfortably home for a deserved victory.

And finally, on behalf of Captain Freddie Burns and the entire Oldfield team, they would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who travelled with them to Brixham to cheer them on and offer such great support.

More photos of the Match will be posted in the Gallery, on this website overnight.

Final score Brixham U19 (3) Versus Oldfield U19 (14). 

Oldfield U19:
Smith (Shahin 50), Lovell, Stainer, Gibson, Murphy, Gillett, Honeybun, Clifton, Clarke (Lane 60), F.Burns (Capt), S Burns (Goodwin 41) S.Lilley, Mc Donald, Pearce, McCafferty.
 
F.Burns
Try (2)
Con (2)