Sunday 11 January 2015 | ONs U16s vs Old Scouts U16s (League)

With ONs unbeaten in the league and on their own turf, Scouts knew they would be in for a stern test and would have to be on top form if they were to overcome this strong team.

From the kick off the game was played at a fast pace, with both sides attacking and defending very well. After just 10 minutes Scouts got their break through, with a try in the far right corner from back row Dan Staples who dotted down from a driving maul off a line out. With the conversion missed, the visitors were in a well-deserved position at 5 points to nil up. The game remained at a fast pace with both sides playing superb rugby, although Scouts felt they were the side in control, but just couldn’t get the second score they were seeking.

Then a bazaar twist came just 4 minutes before half time when the hosts were awarded a penalty try for dissent towards the ref! How could this be when the hosts were not in a scoring position and Scouts were not killing the ball or repeatedly offending? With the score now at 7 points to 5 in the favour of the hosts, Scouts knew they really had to dig deep as they were down to 14 men following this incident. This they did and they saw the half out.

The second half again saw Scouts throw everything at ONs and even though they had all the play, they simply could not get through the stern home defence. Having spent over 10 minutes in the home 22, and unfortunate incident occurred, this resulting in a red card for the home sides centre following an off the ball incident which saw Christian Barry dropped on his neck. Once the fray had settled down, the game got underway and Barry, having returned to the field, dotted down in the corner having gone blind from a scrum. With Scouts now 10 points to 7 up and entering the final 10 minutes it was game on with both sides keen to pursue the win. As ONs entered the Scouts 22, smart thinking from centre George Rankin who scooped up a loose ball, kicked it deep back into the ONs half and with several players following it up. Swift passing from Dorks saw Tom Holliday run in from 25 yards just to the side of the posts. With Holliday adding the extras and the away support bringing volume to the game, Scouts were able to see the game out a took away a well deserved away victory.

It was a superb game of physical rugby played with the utmost of respect for all team mates on both sides.

Result: ONs 7 - 17 Old Scouts
Tries : Staples, Barry, Holliday
Con : Holliday