Don't let go when you've got 'em by the horns....

The Old Boys started strongly, and two tries for William Kirkland were no more than OD's, boosted by the return of the excellent Jacob Davy, deserved. A further try from Jayden Dallalana countered by one from the Bulls (following a period of pressure when the Bulls No 8 was held up over the line) lead to a halftime advantage of 21 - 13 that was probably less than value for the old boys dominance.

In the second half OD's mixed their game plan, driving it up, spearding it wide and were comfortably ensconsed in the visitors final third for long periods. An additional penalty kick, allied to the huge territorial advantage they enjoyed meant that with 10 minutes left anything other than a comfortable OD's win was inconceivable.

Aylesford however decided they weren't going quietly and began to exert some pressure. With seven minutes to go Lee Smith was sin binned, leaving D's with 14 men to hold on to the lead. Several grumbles about the refs handling of the breakdown have to be tempered by the reality that this was only the lastest of a number of cards the team has been shown, and struggling sides really need to give themselves every chance by keeping 15 on the pitch.

Aylesford, with the tails now up, battered away and scored under the posts via their centre after being held up and out on several previous occasions. As the conversion was slotted, the referee signalled that the restart would be the games last play. Showing considerable patience and discipline, Aylesford ran the phases to bring them within striking distance, and evetually worked the winger into a one on one 5 metres out, and he duly squeezed in at the corner to the old boys consternation.

For over 70 minutes OD's dominated every area save the set scrum (As the Bulls report linked here generously acknowledges) but were taught two harsh lessons;

It ain't over 'til its over
The game is best played with 15 on the pitch

To have reversed a 25 point defeat at the hands of the same opposition a week ago suggests strides have been made, and these are the positives that need to be concentrated on as D's approach the upcoming fixture at home to Heathfield and Waldron. A game incidentially that the status of "must win" qualifies as an understatement