On a bright day, with a howling wind Oldfield played the first half into what must have been a ’10 point wind.’

A very physical and direct approach from Wootton Bassett kept Oldfield busy in defence, although with good possession it was surprising that Bassett didn’t use the elements to play the game deeper in Oldfield territory. Time and again strong running around the base of rucks and mauls and in the centres took Bassett across the gain line and after a missed tackle in midfield Bassett etched out a 7-0 lead.

With 10 minutes or so to half time, Oldfield recovered the ball in their own 22 and the ball was transferred wide skilfully, with Matty Pierce ending a class move by skinning his winger for a score under the posts, making it 7-7. At this stage Oldfield looked to be gaining ascendency and whilst the sheer power of the Bassett side was causing problems, Oldfield were defending well and looked dangerous every time they opened up and spread the ball wide.

Joel Hawkins controlled the game well at 10 and Boycey and Sean Lils were solid in the centres. Quinno was also hitting the line with well timed and nicely angled runs. Up front Player Coach Ben Staunton excelled in the line outs and despite the howling gale Craig Lils throwing in was pinpoint accurate.

In an energy sapping first half Jamie Harrup and Matty Clifton featured well in defence and Andy Ross was outstanding at No 8. With the game evenly poised 7-7 at half time and with the elements in Oldfield’s favour for the second half, the large crowd thought that the scene was set for Oldfield to go on to victory.

In the first part of the second half two gilt edged penalty chances went begging and Oldfield’s failure to nudge ahead on the scoreboard was to prove costly. Oldfield also suffered a blow when No 8 Andy Ross had to be carried off the field with a worrying ankle injury, which meant that the back 5 was reshuffled, with Ricky Gibson coming into the boiler house and the ever impressive Matty Clifton moving to No 8.

Bassett’s start to the second half was impressive and for 20 minutes they tried to squeeze the life out of Oldfield.  Keeping the ball in hand Bassett went through many phases and in 10 vital minutes they scored two well deserved tries. One from great continuity and strong running and the other after intense pressure led to a sliced clearance kick, which the Bassett winger gathered and returned with interest, before the ball was spun wide for a score, giving them a commanding looking lead of 19-7 lead.

Oldfield showed great spirit and dug deep and enjoyed good period of possession and territory.  Sharp eyed Joel Hawkins spotted a tiny chink in the Bassett defence and squeezed over for an excellent try; bringing the scores back to 19-14. The game was turning and Oldfield had brought themselves right back into the mix, but then  Bassett were rather luckily handed 3 points from a penalty, after a disputed swinging arm from Sumo, making it 22-14. This score was to prove crucial, as with only 4 minutes left Oldfield swept upfield and after spinning the ball wide winger Jack Burns went over in the corner for a try that Sumo converted.

The stage was set for a frantic last 3 minutes. The score was on a knife edge at 22-21 to Bassett and you could sense that they were starting to wobble. Oldfield worked their way downfield, but after a penalty for an infringement at the breakdown a relieved Bassett 10 kicked the ball backwards into touch and the referee ended what had been an enthralling game with a loud blast of his whistle.

So near, yet so far for a brave Oldfield side that had battled to the death.

Oldfield Tries: Pierce , Hawkins J & Burns

Conversions: Sumsion (3)