On another scorching hot day Oldfield 2nds played their part in an exciting game against a Weston Hornets side that didn't feature Roger Parker.

Oldfield’s front row comprised of premium bond winner Kev Escott, Traffic Cop Murphy and Big Issue enthusiast Jase Humphries. They gave a solid platform and Tom and Rocky in the 2nd row added some grunt, well in Rocky’s case lots of grunts, but more on that later!!!

The game kicked off and Hornets were fastest into their stride with some powerful running and good continuity leading to a converted try. The early omens weren’t good as the Hornets outfit looked the piece, but looks are deceptive and Oldfield worked their way back into the game with a well worked try of their own from someone (sorry name - lost in the bass haze).

At half time the score was locked at 7-7 and Oldfield took the game to Hornets from the restart. Good possession and a sweeping move from the threes almost led to a try, but sparkling winger Lewis just got tackled into touch after good work from Ericsson. Strong running and good decisions from Oldfield led to a second half that they deserved to edge, but against the run of play Hornets loaded the blind side and snuck over to open up a 12-7 lead.

Throughout the game Ericsson and Brunty looked sharp and Ben Escott playing at full back really manned up in defence and made a series of crucial one on one tackles.

Rocky then went down on a loose ball and as he screamed ‘that’s how you do it Murphy’ he took a glancing little toe tap to the right kidney. Spectators and players alike watched on with real anxiety as Rocky lay on the turf doing an impression of a calving heffer – seems that it’s not just Jonny his dog that needs the help of a vet these days!! Fortunately the old war-horse recovered sufficiently to be helped from the field to a waiting pint of Blackthorn.

Young Toby Patrick entered the fray from the bench and almost immediately broke in behind hornets defence with a series of scything side steps. A loose kick from Hornets then dropped on the aged Bunti and he scampered off on a mazy run, which he really should have finished off himself, instead he unselfishly offloaded to Andy Taylor who dropped the ball just short of the line – never mind mate, you tried!!

From the line out, Oldfield gathered the ball and orchestrated a great push over try in the corner to tie the score up at 12-12. Bunti missed the conversion, plus a further penalty and a drop goal (maybe he should also consider becoming a practising Buddhist!!!) as Oldfield desperately tried to sneak the winning points.

With two minutes left Oldfield were 3 yards from the Hornets line and were awarded a potentially match winning penalty. Instead of taking this golden opportunity Oldfield squandered it as traffic cop Murphy rolled on top of a Hornets player and started to gently tickle him under the chin. The ref reversed the penalty and the game was over .

 A hard fought 12-12 draw left Oldfield feeling slightly disappointed, but that was tempered by satisfaction at a greatly improved performance and good all round team effort.