Oldfield II’s started 2010 with a rearranged game at Shaft Road on Saturday against Clevedon II’s.

Other local sides had cancelled due to the wintery conditions. However, Shaft Road  was passed fit to play and both sides took to the pitch to commence battle.

Oldfield captain Andy Bird chose to start to match, however, the kick went out on the full (much to the amusement of the front row union!) Clevedon took full advantage and gained territory through quick mauling. However, immense defence from Oldfield kept an excellent Clevedon attack at bay.

Clevedon scored their first try after a lengthy period of pressure on the Oldfield line. Oldfield responded and rallied, pressing Clevedon, with Oldfield 12 Ian Millward cutting attacking lines through the Clevedon defence and George Patrick’s counter attacking runs.  However, Clevedon kept coming and scored further points.

Oldfield received the restart in the 2nd half and immediately pressed Clevedon with hard lines of running and intense rucking phases. Oldfield scored their try with an excellent passage of play moving across both sides of the pitch. The ball was passed through numerous hands and driven forward strongly by the forwards.

Scrum Half Luke Lane spread the ball right to the back line where Ed Holloway took the ball, hitting the gap and ploughing over to continue his great scoring record with the II’s. Unfortunately Ed injured himself in the process. Adrian Wynnes entered the game as Ed’s replacement and made an immediate impact in the scrum and maul, enabling Oldfield the platform they desired.

Oldfield began to show Clevedon they could attack hard and defend even harder. The game was in the balance with both sides squandering good possession and territory to score the next points. However, Clevedon finally took the opportunity and scored the deciding try.

The game ended with both sides knowing they had been in a great game and Oldfield realising that they can take pride with their improved performance against good opposition.

Mentions must go to Jack Burns who once again shone at number 8 and George Patrick who showed brilliant running skills, tackling and all round play from Full Back, receiving Man of the match award for his efforts.  

(Photograph's taken by Oshey)