OORUFC Match Report
5th March 2016


Halifax 10 vs 17 OORUFC
Early points and lots of defence

After snow and rain in the last few days the pitch was very muddy but playable. It was a bright and cool afternoon with a light breeze across the pitch.

Ensians started at breakneck speed and from a quick lineout after 3 minutes Chris Westland gained some space and Nick Keinhorst scored a try wide out beautifully converted by his brother Kristian.

After 6 minutes in a sublime movement started by John Offer in the visitors 22 the ball passed through 9 pairs of hands to take play well into the home 22.More fine play followed when after 10 minutes following another quickly taken lineout Matt Taylor scored an unconverted try .Ben Smith and Chris Westland were involved in a further telling move and then after 15 minutes Connor Bateman raced 50 metres and his supporting players passed the ball to Olly Eaves who scored a great unconverted try to make the score 17 points to nil for the visitors.

In only their first real attack Halifax made a strong break thwarted by a fine last ditch tackle by Will Cooper. Despite this the visitors continued to press with Sam Featherstone dominating in the lineout taking one against the throw and after 27 minutes scrum half Luke Freer came close from a ruck.

However the Home team changed tactics knowing that they had no answer to the speedy ‘Ensians backs and decided to take advantage of the muddy pitch and keep the ball tight and crowd out the visitor’s backs. This had some success when a kick through from a loose ball made over 50 metres and a try was only prevented by a terrific defensive run by Connor Bateman who overhauled the attackers to save the day. From the ensuing scrum Halifax’s big forwards forced their way over for an unconverted try to make a half time score of 5points to 17 to the visitors.

The second half started with play in midfield but after 10 minutes a promising ‘Ensian attack was foiled by a forward pass .Halifax’s hefty forwards were using their bulk and on 22minutes from a penalty and the ensuing lineout scored an unconverted try to make the score 1O—17.

The rest of the game was battled out for the most part between the home forwards and the visitors defence. ’Ensians defence was brilliant. All the players deserve praise for the way they put their bodies on the line .Halifax were held up over the line on two occasions but try as they may the defence held firm to gain a fine well deserved win for ‘Ensians despite the nervous tension meted out to the spectators.

Mention must be made of the young lady ref who had an excellent game. As the home coach John Walker said after the game ‘Ensians have now regained the habit of winning after 3 away wins in a row.