This Sunday brought a huge amount of excitement to Occupation Road as Junior rugby matches returned with S&L welcoming local friends / rivals Oundle. A number of the players and coaches know each other from the East Northants program so a good level of 'friendly banter' was expected!
Injuries and absence left S&L with 16 players compared to a much larger squad from Oundle, who have a number of strong ball carriers, so a tough game was expected.
Playing up the hill and into the wind first half, the S&L lads had their work cut out yet they played with enthusiasm and maximum effort, continuing to work through the phases, looking for gaps in the Oundle defence. Unfortunately there were none and a break from the Oundle No.8 off the back of a scrum lead to a 7-0 lead. The half continued in a similar vein with S&L working very hard to gain yards and Oundle holding out well. 2 scores for Oundle and one for S&L left it at 17-5 with a few seconds to go. A quick tap at a penalty in an attempt to play the open, fast rugby that has been asked of them, the S&L boys looked to go wide and the Oundle Fullback took a gamble and pulled off an interception. 24-5 at half-time.
Playing with the hill and the wind, S&L used the conditions well and pinned the Oundle team back inside their own 22 resulting in a penalty being given away. A good kick for touch left S&L with a superb attacking position. Unfortunately a misplaced throw and a quick break lead to another score for Oundle, 31-5.
This disappointment could easily have caused the players to lose hope and drop their heads, but if anything, it only made them work harder. Continuing to use the conditions well and becoming dominant at the break down, with some superb turnovers from Jaiden, a defensive lineout for Oundle was pressured and an intercept try, from all of 1 yard, was scored, and converted, by Grayson. 31-12.
The final 15 minutes continued to be played at a fast pace with neither side giving an inch. Oundle scored another converted try following some excellent work from their centre to take a 38-12 lead. S&L would have the final say however as phase after phase of pressure, followed by a great blind side break from Cameron, ended with a smart pick and go try from player of match Jaiden. Unfortunately the conversion from out wide hit the post. Final score, 38-17.
A great game to start the season, played against a well drilled and organized team, who are always a pleasure play against.
Next week the team travel to Rushden for what should be another good game.
